Issue 45 - 11 March 2008

 Algerian churches under threat

Arab Vision has just completed the production of a special TV series on leadership training for the growing Kabyle church leaders, at a time when persecution of Christians in Algeria is increasing. Reports are coming in of two large Christian communities being ordered to stop all their activities. Some of the church leaders under threat are the very ones who were bold enough to go in front of our TV cameras to help train and strenghten their churches.  

The government crackdown has also coincided with a week of TV training by one of our producers. He reported that it came as a 'big blast' and many women were in tears. "Difficult to continue... saddening atmosphere... help," he wrote in a quick e-mail, but added that they still wanted to continue with the training. 

To read more and get updates on this situation, click here.

 This anticipated backlash from the Algerian Government is due to the tremendous growth the Kabyle churches have been experiencing recently. This new TV series is especially geared to nurture that growth. It comprises of 31 episodes and an additional complementary Bible study series. They were completed in record time by a group of pastors, elders and leaders from Algeria, including a Kabyle lady.

“There was plenty of drama,” reported the project manager. “The morning of their flight we received the message that they would not be coming as they did not have their visas. The church in Algeria went to prayer! Later in the evening we heard that they did have visas and were on their way!”

Schedules were quickly readjusted because the group was only given a seven day visa.  The team was able to produce double the amount planned for each day, thanks chiefly to the experienced teacher and TV host who anchored the series and used his broad media experience to lead the others. 

Arab Vision has made this training series a priority because recent reports have estimated that there may be between 50,000 to 100,000 Christians in one Kabyle region alone.  Some of the churches there have more than 1000 members, but many of their leaders have only become Christians in the past five years.  This TV series will give these leaders Biblical training and education to lead and nurture their fast growing flocks.

 The six Algerians were well aware of the potential risk of having their faces on Christian TV.  There has been a sustained and intense media campaign against the church in Algeria recently. Several have been formally charged for insulting Islam and were told that they would be sentenced to three years in prison and fined heavily.  Elsewhere in the region, converts from Islam have been followed and harassed.  Some are concerned about the safety of their families. 

In spite of these dangers, churches in the region want to continue evangelizing Muslims among their own Kabyle people.  This new TV series is seen as a vital tool for the equipping and training of the churches in North Africa. 

“We are very excited about this production and the potential for helping the church to grow,” continued the manager. “Our success has only been achieved because many have been backing it in prayer. We faced many challenges in getting everyone together in a place where they could work freely. Even with last minute setbacks, the result has been ‘far more than we expected or imagined’.” 

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Algerian leaders at the end of the project. “There was a very different atmosphere in the team and in the way of working,” explained one of the pastors. “After this I am encouraged to think of doing other productions.”

 Another church elder, who is responsible for social and youth work, said that he was at ease and able to express his ideas honestly.  “It touched my heart.  It was a great experience,” he added. All of them pointed out that there was a wonderful spirit which started with prayer and was supported by prayer throughout the week. 

There were also two unexpected bonuses at the end. The studio and crew had been reserved until the end of the week so the anchor presenter offered to make another program - a 30-part Bible teaching series which he designed to closely complement the main leadership series. 

And the second bonus was the provision of much-needed funding for this production, just at the right time! God was faithful in every way and blessed us with His presence and provision.

 Apart from the completion of the series, one of the most positive outcomes has been getting to know the church leadership team over the week spent together.

 A firm foundation has been laid for future work and partnership together, but of course it all depends now on how the government will enforce this decree, and to what extend it will restrict Christian freedom in the country. 

The Algerian Christians desperately need our prayers and support these days. Let us not neglect to do our part for our brothers and sisters there.

Abu Banaat
International Director