| PRAYER REQUEST: Update on Algerian Christians under pressure |
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2008-02-14 Greetings in the name of Jesus, head of the Church On 8th February we requested prayer for Algeria Christians who were being pressured in three ways. One aspect was court cases with a written sentence expected on Tuesday 12th February on three believers accused of insulting Islam. The written sentence was not issued. The Algerian believers concerned have not heard when the verdict is expected. Recall that they had been told they would be sentenced to three years in prison and fined 5,000 Euros. Delays like this are common in Algeria. However, Algerian Christians see it as giving a greater window for persistent informed prayer. The other two forms of overt pressure are an intense media campaign and the closure of seven fellowships. Other recent developments have affected the ministry of the Catholic Church. The first was the cancellation of residency permits for Latin American Catholic Priests working with Portuguese speaking African Christians in Algeria as migrant workers. In the second, a Priest was sentenced to one year in prison for leading a service in a place not designated for such purposes. He was prosecuted for joining a prayer meeting of sub-Saharan African Christians on 29th December at which he did not celebrate Mass. The tribunal that imposed the sentence subsequently commuted it to parole and the Priest was not imprisoned. In the same trial a Muslim doctor was sentenced to two years imprisonment for using medications supplied by the Catholic Church’s Caritas charity. In addition requests made by the Catholic Church for visas for Priests and other staff to visit Algeria are being systematically refused. Algerian Christians request our continued prayers that: * The media attention will have a positive impact on the church, drawing more people to respond to the love and truth of Jesus * That the closed fellowships will be allowed to reopen * That all members will find worship and fellowship with others * That our three brothers will not be sentenced to jail * Other brothers whose trials are scheduled for 5th March and 2nd April will be acquitted * God will provide pastors for all groups of Christian migrant workers * All officials involved will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to His love. Newer news items:
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