Pray for Libya

Libya’s stunning and intriguing landscape includes the Sahara Desert, volcanoes, and oases. The cities along the Mediterranean coast are filled with beautiful ancient architecture and showcase a diverse history influenced by the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires. Libya has vast oil reserves that have made it one of the wealthiest nations in Africa. However, Libya has been marked by turmoil. In 2011, a civil war broke out and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The initial conflict ended later that year, but the chaos did not. Another civil war occurred from 2014–2020. Throughout the chaos, rival armed groups fought for control over many of the oil ports, which are the country’s main source of revenue. Amid the fractured political authority, ISIS was able to establish a foothold. They seized territory, recruited fighters, and launched attacks throughout the nation. ISIS has been largely dislodged from Libya but not eliminated.

The years of conflict have prevented many from experiencing the nation’s wealth. It is estimated that one-third of the population lives in poverty; however, the nation does not regularly publish reliable poverty statistics, and data collection is difficult because of the conflict. Today, ISIS suicide bombings are much less frequent, but years of armed conflict, terrorism, and violence have brought widespread suffering. Women’s rights have advanced, although women still face discrimination, gender-based violence, and social restrictions. The cultural norms of some regions limit women’s freedom of movement and participation in public life, but this varies based on family, community, and security conditions.

Libya is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian. Ninety-seven percent of Libyans are Muslim, and the Islamic faith is deeply ingrained in Libyan culture. Many Christians fled the country during the height of ISIS, and today, less than 2.5 percent of the nation identifies as Christian. Foreign Christians are allowed to worship privately, but evangelism is illegal and has led to arrests and deportations. Some Christians are sharing the Gospel secretly despite the risks. Radio, satellite television, and the internet offer practical ways to evangelize and disciple Libyans. The nation needs Bible translations across several different languages. The official language is Arabic, but Libyan Arabic is the primary spoken language. Libyan Arabic is significantly different from Modern Standard Arabic and does not have a complete Bible translation.