Issue 49 - 24 December 2008

The Good & The Bad
Reviewing 2008 in the Arab World

What kind of a year has 2008 been for Christians and the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Arab World? A mixed one really, as you would expect from a region as vast and diverse as this one. Here are some of the highlights and lowlights worth reviewing.

Conversions & Persecution

It’s impossible to know the exact numbers, but anecdotal evidence and reports from colleagues in-country suggest that significant number of Muslims have been choosing to follow Christ. In Yemen, for example, there are reports of little groups of converts meeting together for worship. Radio programs, with a ‘home church’ setting, are being broadcast into that country to encourage the practice.

Next-door in Saudi Arabia, the most ‘closed’ of all Arab countries, we have been hearing regularly from viewers professing faith in Christ and wanting to learn more about Christianity. The internet, and especially forums on Arabic Christian sites, has made communication with these believers in Saudi Arabia much easier and quicker, but - as with the case of the young girl burnt alive by her own father – it has also jeopardized the security and anonymity of some.

Over in North Africa, a recent Reuters press article highlighted the large number of reported conversions and how it has alarmed the Islamic leaders there. In Algeria, for example, it is estimated that the number of new followers of Christ is in the tens of thousands. This prompted some key Kabyle Algerian Christian leaders earlier this year, to come together and produce a special Christian leadership training TV series with Arab Vision, in order to provide the training and resources to the many new congregations scattered throughout their country.

These congregations of Muslim converts have been scrutinized, and in some cases, shut down by the authorities. The constitution of Algeria, the birthplace of St. Augustine, officially allows religious freedom, but a 2006 law strictly regulates how religions can be practiced and forbids attempts to convert Muslims. A number of court cases have been running during 2008, with the prosecutors demanding heavy fines and imprisonment for the converts.

Public Debates & Christian Exodus

The presence of Christian media in the public domain in the Arab world has led many Muslims to question their own faith or certain aspects of it. Thanks to Christian broadcasts, many issues were brought into the public spotlight for the first time. These included fundamental theological questions like, ‘Who is God (Allah), and how does He want us to live?’, as well as controversial social issues, like the proper age for a girl to be married.

These open debates and unprecedented freedom of speech are much-needed steps in the right direction, but not everyone has welcomed them, especially since they have been instigated by Christian media. For some Muslims, the mere visibility of Christians in the Arab World is irritating and unwelcomed. Radical groups have been intensifying their efforts to cleanse their lands of Christians.

The mass exodus of Christians in Iraq and the plight of those staying behind have made headlines in the international media. Yet for all the awareness and attention raised, it is hard to imagine or formulate a solution within the political realities of post-Saddam Iraq. Iraqi Christians need encouragement and comfort more than ever, and Arab Vision has been able to play its role by organizing a recent conference with some of its viewers in Iraq. Around 250 viewers were in attendance, and 12 episodes of their favorite TV series were recorded during their time together. “Most of the Iraqis have many tragic stories,” reported one of Arab Vision’s producers. “However, they were very happy during the conference days; the times of worshipping and teaching were more than wonderful.”

Great Response & Great Need

Hearing regularly from our viewers was another highlight of 2008. The volume of viewers’ response has been encouraging, but more importantly, the content – personal testimonies, spiritual interest, probing questions and requests for prayer – has shown that Arab lives are being changed by the Gospel on a daily basis. Here are some examples:

“I greet you and say to you that I am an Iraqi Shi’ite, but I believed in Jesus and I followed Him with all my heart. Your program is the main vehicle through which my faith has developed.”

Another one from Morocco: “I had lost hope in life, but your TV programs let me know the Christ as Savior. ”

And a doctor from Saudi Arabia: “I am a Muslim doctor from Saudi Arabia and I am very pleased with your program and the presenter of it. Every time I sit in front of the TV, I switch to your station and hope that your program is on. I find that your approach towards social and spiritual issues is similar to ours, that is why I discuss and share your teachings with others here.”

Viewers who have openly declared their faith in Christ have been asking for help and advice. They face the brunt of accusations and suspicion from their families and society. One of them said: “I am an Algerian Muslim, but I became a believer in Jesus Christ around 9 months ago. I especially need your help to know how to answer some of the questions and accusations I'm getting from people around me. For example, they are saying that Christians are cursed by God. Can this be true?”

There is a great need to support and help many such viewers. In some cases, we are able to meet with them face-to-face and offer practical help, but that is often not possible because of the sheer numbers, vast distances and security concerns. We can, however, continue reaching them and answering their questions through our TV programs.

Looking ahead to 2009, the need to produce more relevant and quality Arabic Christians TV programs is as great as ever. Millions of Arabs have still not heard the Gospel and given the opportunity to respond to it. We have an amazing opportunity and privilege to continue using satellite TV broadcasts to shine the light of the Gospel right into the homes of millions in the Arab World.

Please join us with your prayers and generous support!

May the Lord give us all a peaceful Christmas and bless us with His presence in 2009.

Abu Banaat
International Director