Morocco
July 1st

“The Lord GOD will cause justice and praise to spring up before Morocco!”

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.(Isaiah 61:11,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 36.73 million
Area | 716,550㎢, Located on the northwestern tip of Africa, along the North Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
Capital City | Rabat (approximately 1.95 million people); largest city: Casablanca (approximately 3.89 million people)
People Groups | Total 31 groups, Moroccan Arabs 65%, Zebala 3.4%, Berbers (southern Shilha 9.2%, Imazighen 7.6%, Rif 4.3%) 25%, others 1%
Unreached People Groups | 27 (99% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Arabic (official), Berber, French
Total Languages | 18
Bible Translations | Completed 5, New Testament 5, Partial 4
Religion | Christianity 0.2% (Protestant 0.01%, Catholic 0.14%), Muslim 99.6%, Evangelical 0.1% (36,000 people)

》 About Morocco

Morocco is home to the indigenous Berber people, and Christianity flourished there in the 4th century before the Islamic invasion in the 7th century led to its Islamization. By the 12th century, Morocco had expanded its influence to Algeria, Libya, and southern Spain, but from the 19th century, it faced invasions from European powers. France established a protectorate over Morocco in 1912, and the country gained independence in 1956. In 1962, it was declared a constitutional monarchy, and after occupying Western Sahara in 1975, Morocco engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Polisario Front, an independence movement in the region. A ceasefire agreement was signed in 1991 in an effort to end the dispute. As the world’s longest-running constitutional monarchy, Morocco saw King Mohammed VI ascend to the throne in 1999. In response to growing political reform demands during the Arab Spring in 2011, the king implemented constitutional amendments, though they fell short of bringing fundamental change. In the 2021 general elections, the Islamist party that had risen to power during the Arab Spring suffered a major defeat due to economic mismanagement and corruption, while the liberal National Rally of Independents (RNI) emerged victorious. This shift has raised hopes for improvements in human rights and religious freedom.

Economically, Morocco is one of Africa’s wealthier nations, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, automotive manufacturing, and phosphate mining. The country has attracted European automobile factories due to its low labor costs, and Casablanca generates significant foreign revenue through tourism. Additionally, remittances from Moroccan workers abroad serve as an important source of foreign currency. However, challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy persist, with education and judicial reform remaining key priorities for the country’s continued development. Morocco’s GDP per capita is approximately $3,993.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Morocco is 99.6% Muslim, with Sunni Islam as the state religion. Christians make up only 0.2% of the population, with evangelicals estimated at around 36,000 people, or 0.1%. Christian activities are closely monitored by the government and radical Muslims, and local believers often face harassment, threats, and imprisonment, sometimes due to police informants. Conversion from Islam is strictly prohibited, and the media distorts the number of converts while portraying Christianity negatively, fostering societal prejudice. Despite these challenges, Moroccan Christians continue to gather in homes, forming underground churches, and the indigenous Christian network is steadily growing nationwide. However, discipleship training remains difficult due to a shortage of Bibles and teaching materials, a high illiteracy rate, and a lack of mature leaders. Believers also struggle to find jobs, access education, and form families. For strong house churches to be established, healthy families must be built among the believers. Developing and training spiritual leaders is crucial for the Moroccan church, but such efforts must be carried out with wisdom under ongoing threats and surveillance.
Let us pray that, despite its small and weak presence, the Moroccan church will powerfully proclaim the gospel, rebuilding the spiritual ruins of this land and restoring what has been long desolate. May the church that has endured persecution stand as a testimony of justice and praise before all nations.

2. In 2010, over 100 foreign Christians were forcibly deported, and Christian educational institutions were shut down. Since then, the entry and ministry of official missionaries have been severely restricted. The government has also sought to create divisions between foreign and indigenous believers, necessitating a more strategic and wise approach to ministry. However, opportunities remain to serve the most vulnerable, including the extremely poor, the disabled, and the marginalized, through relief efforts and social aid. Additionally, economic development initiatives and business-related ministries continue to provide avenues for outreach.
Let us pray for the gospel seeds sown in Morocco to take root and bear fruit, trusting in the Lord’s power to bring life from these efforts. May the prayers and witness of faithful believers lead to a movement of salvation in this land.

3. Arabic and Berber Bibles are being distributed, and translation efforts continue, not only in written form but also through audio recordings. Broadcast media, including satellite television and radio, has become a powerful tool in spreading the gospel to both urban and rural areas. Organizations such as Al-Hayat, SAT-7, and Miracle Channel are producing extensive programming to reach the Moroccan people. Many young people are encountering the gospel online, engaging in serious discussions and responding to its message.
Let us pray that the words of the LORD will be fulfilled in Morocco: “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them” (Isaiah 61:8). May the missionaries called to Morocco and various media ministries be used to bring this prophecy to life.

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