“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
[Apr.25.2022] In North Africa, where Islam is dominant, it is risky to have the Christian faith. There is a constant risk of burning, poisoning, and imprisonment.
Recently, persecution of Christians has intensified even in sub-Saharan regions such as Nigeria and Uganda under the influence of the increasing Islamic powers. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that the Christian proportion in Africa has risen.
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and foreign media, in Nigeria on 10 April, at least 142 people were killed and 70 were abducted during simultaneous attacks by Islamic armed forces on communities in the Kanam area of Plateau state. In north-eastern Nigeria, thousands of people have been killed in recent years in attacks by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram and others.
Earlier, in Uganda on 2 April, a Christian man who had been a teacher was taken to a mosque, a Muslim meeting place, and burned to death for the reason of ‘praying in the name of Jesus’. Last month, a woman added poison to the food of her Christian husband as he had declined to observe the Islamic rituals of Ramadan.
According to the Voice of the Martyrs, in Uganda, 35 percent of Ugandans are Christians. In recent years, Arab countries including the Middle East have continued to invest in African countries including Uganda for the benefit of Muslims, increasing the influence of Islam in those areas. At the same time, persecutions of converted Christians from Islam have intensified in countries with many Muslims.
Missionary Kim Kyung Bok, secretary-general of Open Doors Korea, said,” (in the case of North Africa) it is difficult for missionaries to work as Islamic extremists are maintaining and expanding their power in the area. We must pray, encourage and fill the gap for their needs so that they may not give up their cross and churches. “
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The growth of Christianity in Africa against the growing Islamic power is remarkable. The recent rapid growth of the Pentecostal denomination has led to an explosive increase in the Christian population.
The statistical overview by the World Christianity Study Centre of the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the US, as of last January the growth rate of Christianity (including Catholicism) in Africa stands at 2.77% compared to 2000, the highest among the 6 continents.
The number of Christians in Africa now stands at 692 million, 1.8 times higher than in 2000(379 million). By 2050, the number is expected to more than double to 1.28 billion(Source: Kukmin Daily News).
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(Matthew 5:10-12)
Dear God, we pray for believers in North Africa who risk their lives to follow You. Please fill those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness with heavenly blessings and please hold their faith until the end so that they may not give up the cross and the church. Let the gospel of the Kingdom of God spread to the Muslims of this land through the churches in North Africa, which is advancing eagerly despite martyrdom and persecution, so that the lost souls may turn to You and worship You.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
