Pray for Algeria

Algeria is Africa’s largest country, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea deep into the vast Sahara Desert, which covers about 80 percent of the nation. Its culture blends Arab, Berber, Islamic, Ottoman, French, and Mediterranean traditions. Walking down the streets, visitors can see cafes from French colonial rule standing next to beautiful mosques, while everyday street signs are written in both Arabic and French. Algeria also holds immense natural wealth. The country is one of Africa’s largest producers and exporters of natural gas and oil. These valuable energy resources serve as the core engine of the national economy, supplying vital power to both domestic communities and major European markets across the sea.

During the 1990s, a devastating civil war between government forces and Islamist extremists claimed more than 100,000 lives. By 2000, extremist groups were largely defeated, and public support for them dwindled. Islam remains deeply influential, serving as the state religion. Although the government actively combats violent extremism, it also silences the voices of its people. Many journalists and activists are arrested and fined for speaking out against the government. Algerians also struggle with unemployment, as the nation’s heavy dependence on oil and gas makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices. Meanwhile, droughts cripple people’s livelihoods as reservoirs run low after consecutive dry years.

While Algeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of thought and worship, churches must be registered with the government. Those that don’t comply with their regulations are quickly closed. Blasphemy and proselytizing charges have landed many believers in prison. Though there are very few Christians in Algeria (0.1 percent), people are hearing the Gospel through supernatural visions, radio, and satellite TV. Through them, Algeria has one of the fastest-growing indigenous Protestant movements in the Arab world, particularly among the Kabyle (Berber) people. Congregations composed of Arab, Berber, and foreign believers have great unity. Believers hear the gospel proclaimed in their mother tongues and joyfully sing Algerian worship songs. Pray that God would continue to move mightily in Algeria, drawing many to Himself through missionaries and bold local believers.