Algeria (MNN) — The church in Algeria has been growing. But, the shift from Islam to Christianity in many Algerians’ lives isn’t a linear line. In fact, it’s more like a curvy road which runs parallel up the face of a mountain, over the summit, and then back down the other side.
Delete, Add New
Christian Aid Mission’s David Bogosian shares;
“Many who become Christian don’t go directly from Islam to Christianity. They go from Islam to agnosticism to atheism and then to Christianity. So, a huge number of people that are coming into the church have first been secularized. The trend of secularization happening in the Muslim world is probably the fastest growing demographic, ideological, religious demographic change in history.”
This is going on all over the Arab world in places like Iran, Turkey, and Libya. Basically, any place that’s experienced or has been affected by radical Islam or Islamic extremists. And between the Arab Springs and the continued Islamic violence against other Muslims in the name of a common god, a lot of people have begun deconstructing their beliefs. They’re questioning their faiths and the ideas which have served as foundations for their lives.
“And that’s actually the first step into the arms of loving God,” Bogosian explains. “As odd as that might sound, you know, to go in that direction. It’s actually something that God is using to bring people to himself.”
In a sense, secularization is creating a whiteboard effect. Religious ideas people once held tightly are being wiped away. And as more and more individuals become curious about this man named Jesus—they’re able to learn about him with an almost blank slate. They’re able to rebuild their previous worldview and life foundations on the true and everlasting rock of Christ.
Be Prayerful
So please, pray. Start by praying for those in authority in Algeria and the Arab world, learn their names, and ask God to move in their hearts.
“We’ve seen so many pivotal things happen in history when the hearts of leaders are changed. And God works through leaders. It’s in the Bible, it’s in history, and it happens today,” Bogosian urges. “It’s amazing how with just one edict, with just even one word from a leader everything can change in a country for the believing community.”
Pray for those in the Arab world to come to know Christ, his love, and his healing. And finally, pray for God to encourage his believers, that they’d persevere, and God’s love would be seen through them.
Find more ways to get involved in Algeria with Christian Aid Mission here!
