Region / Country: Middle East and North Africa

Pray for War to Cease

“We’re facing a catastrophic situation”, says Jamil, Regional Secretary for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “In Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza, as well as in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, daily bombings continue. There is no safe place in the region.”  

Today, we’re not spotlighting grassroots ministry in a national movement. We’re simply asking you to intercede for the Middle East – and its students and staff. 

It’s been humbling to share heartening MENA stories of courageous student witness in Prayerline. But to tell one more such story risks the impression that it’s ‘business as usual’, when the reality is so far from that.  

Jamil continues, “We are in grief in a deeply painful situation. We need prayer. We need God’s intervention.” 

Plans Thwarted, Lives Destroyed 

As their new academic year began, students in the Lebanon Inter Varsity Fellowship (LIVF) were looking forward to resuming their weekly Bible study groups. Some even had plans to start new groups. And more than 20 graduates were scheduled to fly to an IFES MENA conference (24-28 October) – for much-needed fellowship and biblical reflection with others in the region.    

But when Israel’s September offensive against Hezbollah began, everything changed. Universities closed. Students left Beirut, heading back to their families. Those in the south of Lebanon had to flee, losing homes and lands. Flights were cancelled, preventing the graduates from joining the MENA conference.  

The attacks have disrupted the lives of all, without distinction. Thousands have been killed, tens of thousands injured, and over a million displaced. Lives and livelihoods have been destroyed.  

Roula, General Secretary of LIVF, says, “as believers, we’re taking refuge in the Lord, interceding for this country, and showing love and hospitality to our neighbours, regardless of their background. We trust that, as Christians, our call is to pray, love, and proclaim life where God has placed us.”  

Yet, the reality is hard. She says that many are distressed and desperate, fearful that their towns and cities will soon be rubble like Gaza.   

He Makes Wars to Cease  

On World Student Day, God’s Word in Psalm 46 inspired us to “be still” and pray that students facing troubles would find refuge in God. Today, we call for prayer that takes the word in the ninth verse at face value – that the Lord Almighty “makes wars cease to the ends of the earth”.  

The Devotional Guide encouraged us to explore the Psalm’s application by paraphrasing it for ourselves: “He stops conflicts all around the globe. He defuses the bombs and dismantles the guns; he sends the tanks to the scrapyard.” (v.9) 

With whatever words we can muster, let’s take the Spirit-inspired Word from centuries past and pray Spirit-led words – and groans (Romans 8:26) – for the manifestation of its truth today.   

Over a year on from the Hamas attacks and hostage-taking that led to spiralling conflict and widespread devastation in the Middle East, let’s persevere in prayer. Let’s pray in faith for God’s intervention. Let’s pray for a sudden cessation of war in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon – and all across the Middle East. 

Let’s join with Roula in prayer: 

“Father, as darkness, threats, and death surround us, our hearts sink in despair. We lift our weary souls to you, seeking peace and healing in your presence. Grant us patience. Help us find strength and grace in our time of need, as you promise. Give us courage to choose love over fear. Visit our land and region, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”  

Coffee and fire 

A chat about discipleship over fresh coffee, open-air prayers around a glowing bonfire – to many of us this might sound idyllic.  

But this setting was far from relaxed for Karim* because he was secretly meeting with IFES staff. “This is the only way we can give ministry support in his country without putting the local group at risk,” says Jamil, regional secretary for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

The Cost of Following Christ 

In recent months, one young woman, a secret attendee of their fellowship group, was exposed when her family spotted a message on her phone. She is now “sanctioned” at home.  

Karim has also faced hostility for his faith. When he was just 16, his family rejected him for turning from Islam to follow Jesus. He was left to fend for himself on the streets. 

A Growing Group and Need  

But God is faithful. Thanks to the kindness of school friends, Karim was periodically invited to wash his clothes, eat a good meal, and have a bed for the night. As they offered care, he offered faith, leading all six friends to know Christ.  

As students, these friends lived out their faith and connected with others; now, the ministry in their city involves around 16 students and graduates.  

With such growth, the need for fellowship and discipleship is great, especially since they cannot attend the few churches that exist – as converts, they would put the church at risk of being persecuted for having proselytes. So, in February, Karim reached out to Jamil, asking for help with leadership training.  

Creative Solutions for a Bright Future   

A month later, seven students and graduates were invited to a different Muslim-majority country, where IFES MENA staff were able to provide training on leadership and Bible study. Having seen their enthusiasm and faith, Jamil anticipates the strategic impact the newly equipped leaders can have: “These believers represent the future of the church in that city!” 

The formal training was then followed by an informal visit by IFES staff to the country. The mentoring continued – but inconspicuously, in a cafe, over coffee.  

And when finished, wanting to pray together, they drove for an hour out of the city, into the desert. Away from spying eyes, they lit a fire and prayed for God’s flame to burn bright among them.  

Pray 

Let’s pray for this group and their witness in this Middle Eastern country:  

  • Give thanks for Karim* and the way God used him to raise up student witness in his city. 
  • Pray that God will protect all those involved in the group and change the hearts of family members who stand opposed to Christ.  
  • Pray for the seven leaders who recently received training – that they will remain steadfast in their faith and be used by God to multiply the group and establish its witness. 

* Name changed to protect identity. 

Closed doors and open windows 

Last September, we brought you news from a sensitive north African country where a political revolution had resulted in the closure of churches and persecution of Christians. Following on from the theme of this year’s World Student Day – persevere – we spoke to Jamil, IFES Regional Secretary for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to find out more about the situation in that country – and how the movement has been responding.   

“The door might be closed but the window is open!”  

Jamil recalls how the door was sharply closed there in recent years when government policies not only led to the closure of churches and the arrest and imprisonment of church pastors, but also the interrogation of all those who had links to international organisations.  

The relatively new student movement, which had been growing steadily over the prior fifteen years, was deeply affected by the national shutdown. Due to restrictions on campus and closure of church buildings, the students could no longer meet in their usual places for small group Bible studies. Moreover, the annual national conferences, which had been gathering and motivating around 150-180 students, could no longer be held. The head of the national movement knew his name was on ‘the list’ of those who might be arrested. Anxious that he would soon be taken in for questioning, he wiped his devices of sensitive data and emailed Jamil, “I’m ready for them – they’ll come soon!”. The door was closed.  

But the window was open. Jamil remembers that the same email continued with the head of student ministry describing how the movement was prayerfully considering ways to seek the support to fund one more staff worker. Almost within the same breath, fear had turned to hope. “Knowing their determination and passion, the ministry will never end there!”, Jamil tells us.  

It seems he is right: the students have not been discouraged or deterred by the closed doors of campuses and churches. They’ve taken their Bible studies out into the cafes and forests instead (see this Prayerline). One year on, the political situation is unchanged, but the enthusiasm of the students and staff continues. Impressed and humbled by their perspective and dreams, Jamil asks, “Are we willing to continue to live this adventure with them?”  

Let’s adventure with them now by praying for student ministry in this MENA country:  

  • Give thanks for the open windows despite the closed doors – and for the students and staff whose brave faith is fuelling their determination and dreams.  
  • Pray for God’s protection and blessing on the students and staff as they faithfully persevere with student ministry in creative ways. Pray that questioning students will find out about the open-air Bible studies and have the courage to attend.   
  • Pray that God will provide the financial resources the movement needs to maintain – and even expand – its staff, so that students can be fully supported in their witness. And persevere in prayer for a change of heart in government so that the country can enjoy freedom of religion and open campuses.  

Thank you for the support you show to IFES movements in MENA with your prayers. If you feel led to further support the movement described above by contributing to their efforts to fund another staff worker, then you can do so here.

Lord, calm the storm

A climate of caution still pervades among international students in Tunisia following a recent wave of racist attacks targeting sub-Saharan Africans. Our contacts in Tunisia have asked for prayer as they continue to provide moral, spiritual, and material support to hundreds of international students in this North African nation.

“The last few weeks have been very, very difficult. Several Sub-Saharans – including students – have been assaulted and arbitrarily imprisoned,” explains Armand. “We have struggled a lot between dealing with our own fears and reassuring students at the national level. We are asking the Lord to calm this storm.”

The surge of racist attacks began in late February following remarks by the country’s president about Black African migrants. In early March, many international students were too fearful to venture out of their homes. The national movement cancelled face-to-face meetings for two weeks and even cancelled its national Bible camp.

A month on, Armand reports that the intense fear and anxiety among sub-Saharan African students has diminished somewhat, but many students remain cautious and are waiting to see how things will progress day by day.

“Several of our students were ready to leave Tunisia permanently before the end of their studies, but we tried to reassure them and their parents,” he said. “But it is not easy. I fear that many students will leave at the end of the academic year and will not return, and that we will have fewer new international students coming into the country.”

Tunisia is a popular destination for international students from Sub-Saharan Africa who are attracted by the quality of the country’s universities, as well as the fact that Tunisia has lower living costs and less strict visa requirements compared to European countries. In response, the Tunisian national movement has developed a vibrant ministry among international students.

In this predominantly Muslim nation, international students make up the vast majority of the national movement. Approximately 500 international students attend weekly bible studies and other activities across 10 cities. Alongside this, Christian students play an important role in providing friendship, welcome, and orientation to international students, many of whom face culture shock, language barriers, and financial and academic challenges.

Armand explains that the Lord has opened wonderful opportunities through this international student ministry: “It really is the humour of the Lord that we have several testimonies of international students who meet the Lord here in an Islamic country. But doing pastoral care work with students in an Islamic context is very difficult and our ministry requires a lot of creativity.”

Please join with us in prayer for students in Tunisia:

  • Pray for the Lord to bring His peace and consolation to the sub-Saharan students who have been traumatized by this crisis
  • Pray for the authorities to take action to end these racist attacks
  • Ask God to turn this situation into an opportunity for Christian students to be witnesses to His love.
  • Pray for the Lord to provide for the material needs of sub-Saharan students (food, for example)

For more information about international student ministry in Tunisia, listen to this recent Voices of IFES podcast interview (in French) with Armand.

Running Towards Christmas

Christmas can be a tricky time of year – taxing on the emotions as well as the bank account. Though we may wish to respond to every opportunity for generosity in this season, it is not always realistic to do so. The sense that we can’t do ‘enough’ may leave us feeling like there’s no point in doing anything. This Prayerline, however, provides a reminder of what God might do when we step forward anyway.

When a massive explosion rocked Beirut in August 2020, a country that had just begun to find its feet was brought to its knees. Over the last two years, this tragedy was compounded by the pandemic, political unrest, economic sanctions, grain shortages, and a currency that has, to date, lost 95% of its value. Consequently, Lebanon and her people exist in a state of ongoing crisis.

Speaking to this reality, Roula Abi Hanna, General Secretary of Lebanon InterVarsity Fellowship (LIVF), found herself discussing social altruism with Reina, a LIVF member, as they drove to a Bible study. They wondered especially about the question of giving in the light of the upcoming Christmas season. The current situation in Lebanon was, they felt, making “students and people in general think only of themselves and forget others” – a reasonable response when people are forced to make dramatic choices just to survive.

In response, Reina declared her wish to give gifts “to needy kids or elderly people” that Christmas. Roula, encouraged by the idea, suggested they might raise funds for Cedar Home, a Christian society that cares for abandoned, orphaned, and at-risk girls. The LIVF Student Planning Committee readily agreed, but the question remained as to how Roula and her students would raise funds to buy these gifts.

In the process of brainstorming, Roula mentioned that she’d run the Beirut Marathon some 15 years earlier for charity and that asking her friends for sponsorship had “worked surprisingly very well”. But even as she recalled this, Roula had no idea that a new Beirut Marathon was due to be run the following month, on 13 November! The group couldn’t believe it. The opportunity felt even more providential when they realized that registration for the event was about to close.

Roula challenged the LIVF students’ coordinator, Heba, to run the marathon and she agreed on the condition that two other “sporty students”, Miguel and Michel, joined her. Reina, whose convictions led to this project, also signed up to run for her cause. So, the LIVF team of four was ready to face the 10km route, but first had to face the donors.

Given the economic situation in Lebanon, they managed their expectations. But God was at work in people’s hearts, igniting their sense of generosity, and fundraising efforts were more successful than the group could have anticipated. The LIVF runners came away with USD 200 enough to buy gifts and a Christmas cake for the children at Cedar Home.

Along with their gifts, the students also prepared “some Christmas cards, a skit, and other things to present to the kids” during their visit on 17 December. This project has been especially poignant for Heba, who grew up as an orphan in a similar Christian center. On the morning of their visit to Cedar Home, she shared “a small testimony on how God intervened in her life and gave her hope as an orphan and also a foreigner.”

Roula is “very thankful to see how God led this project from its beginning and how it challenged our students and people to think of others even in the hard current situation.” Indeed, the spirit of this season is found in every act of generosity, as illustrated by the students of LIVF. “How beautiful it is”, observes Roula, “to see them giving to others from their time, energy and talents.”  

Please pray with us for LIVF Lebanon:

  • Thank God for guiding this generous effort from start to finish and pray that he would continue to inspire LIVF students to think of and help others, even in the difficult current situation.
  • Pray that Roula, who began as LIVF General Secretary earlier this year, would have wisdom, compassion, and perseverance to lead the movement amidst the current challenges.
  • Pray that LIVF Lebanon would be able to witness powerfully and creatively to the hope that Christ offers.

Thank you for supporting LIVF Lebanon in prayer. If you feel led to contribute to their movement financially, you can do so here.

Please note that, due to the holiday break, our next Prayerline will be published on 10 January.

Meetings in forests for God’s kingdom

In recent years, a sweeping revolution in one north African country has changed everything for the local IFES movement. Under the control of a new government, churches have been closed, church leaders and other believers prosecuted, and Christian activities officially frozen.  

Courageously, however, brothers and sisters in the student movement continue to carry out their activities. The general secretary quotes the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:9 in insisting they are “persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.” As there are few options for safe places to meet, and even fewer churches to host Christian activities, the students are gathering for prayer and Bible study in cafeterias, forests, and gardens. A few places of worship do remain open, so small groups of students take advantage of this to carry out secret ministry training.  

“The Lord continues, day by day, to encourage us and give us hope”, says the general secretary. “But please pray for the faith of the students, so that the Lord gives them hope to continue serving him.” 

Pray with us today for this national movement: 

  • Thank God for keeping and guarding his people, even in places which are hostile to the gospel, and for their courageous continuation of ministry in the face of strong opposition. 
  • Pray that God would arm the students with all the grace they need to keep living for Jesus, and joyfully share their faith with their peers at university. 
  • Pray for the student leaders and staff to persevere, knowing that God will supply everything they need to accomplish what he has given them to do. 
  • Pray that the Holy Spirit would move in this nation, bringing the hope of Jesus to many, and greater freedom to God’s people.  

Strength to continue for young emerging leaders in closed countries

Some places in the Middle East have been experiencing extreme humanitarian crisis for many years. The country we’re featuring in this edition of Prayerline has been embroiled in conflict for a long time, with different groups holding power in different regions. A huge proportion of the population are in need of food aid. Most people do not have electricity, and the most powerful wings of extreme Islamic thought are spreading, affecting the security of everyone in the country.

Nonetheless, there is life in the desert. God has been at work, bringing people to himself. The underground church is alive and well, and student ministry is thriving. There are four IFES staff working there.

Recently, the general secretary of the student movement in this country was exposed, threatened, and forced to leave the country. This was the catalyst to bring together around ten brothers for a training conference, to strengthen and equip them to continue student ministry. For a few days, they studied the Bible intensely. One attendee, who is known by his neighbours for talking about Jesus, rejoiced in ‘a complete training on the whole Bible. Now I have more confidence in what I believe and it has strengthened my faith’.

IFES MENA Regional Secretary, Jamil, shares that ‘it was humbling to be in the presence of these believers, so eager, enthusiastic, courageous and passionate in their love for Jesus and desire to share the gospel.’

Here is one of many testimonies shared at the conference:

‘Not long ago I was stopped by the police. An officer found a piece of paper in my car with the following words from Isaiah, written in Arabic:

“Do not fear because I am with you; do not be anxious because I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand.”

‘The paper didn’t include any reference to where the words came from. Imagine my mixed emotions when I heard the officer reading the verse aloud; the same man who had been ordered to stop me, was inadvertently bringing me comfort and reassurance by reading this verse.

‘I spent a week at the police station. During this time, police went to my house, took my computer, and told my wife to leave me. She responded that all she sees from me is love, care and compassion for others. It was eventually decided that I would be taken to a detention centre. This place is far from the city. There is no record of your detention there, and no possibility of connecting with anyone in the outside world. It’s a place of torture, and people can be there for months, or years, or disappear completely. When we were on the way there, however, the commissioner received a call asking him to turn around and return to the station.

‘I don’t know what had happened. But the commissioner said to me back at the station, ‘you have caused us problems’. I asked his forgiveness for that. Six hours later, the commissioner asked for my forgiveness for causing me so much trouble, and declared me free to go.

‘I don’t know why I had that piece of paper in my car. I do give out a lot of gospel leaflets and New Testaments to people I meet. I’m glad that the police commissioner now has been able to read a copy of those words from Isaiah.’

Pray for these strategic leaders from this country:

  • Please pray for the safety of staff. The brother in the above testimony spent two or three months in a safer country, but has now returned to his home country, saying ‘if I die, I will die in my country’.
  • Praise God for the spiritual growth, security and fruitfulness of those who attended this conference, and a great harvest of believers among students in the coming months.
  • Pray for the hope, peace and light of Jesus to be made manifest in the Middle East.

Pray for Graduates in Yemen

Between religious persecution and political instability, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues to be a difficult place for Christian students and graduates. Dr. Nader, General Secretary of Yemen, shares his thoughts on the growth and perseverance of graduates in his country.  

“According to the United Nations, Yemen is experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. The country is engaged in armed conflicts. Nearly 80% of the total population needs aid. The most powerful wings of extremist Islamic groups and radical Islamic thought are spreading among the tribes along with more than 60 million weapons. Article Three of the Constitution of the Republic of Yemen 1994 states that Islamic Sharia is the source of all legislation. In summary, Yemen is not only one of the worst countries to live in, but one of the worst countries for Christianity.  

It is strange that Yemen has grown the fastest underground church in the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the challenges facing the church amid a strict Islamic society, many Yemenis are able meet Jesus Christ and believe in him as Lord and Savior. The Lord has his miracles and gifts for this church and its people in this land.  

I find it difficult to publish or speak directly about the Christian religion, especially in a way that contradicts the prevailing Islamic thought. I feel frustrated with the public environment and what I personally face in terms of psychological crises, frustration, pain, and financial and social challenges. In spite of that, the Lord’s interventions make me stand amazed at his miracles and how he makes “all things work together for the good of those who love God.” This verse gives hope to those who love God because he is the one who will create opportunities and use them to his will.  

I find no logical explanation for the opportunities in which our Lord Jesus Christ works to spread the word. But those who taste the love of Jesus and experience a personal relationship with him know that he has extraordinary ways through which they can face all challenges.” 

Amidst life’s difficulties, Dr. Nader says that he stays motivated through prayer, investing in his direct relationship with the Lord, remembering God’s wonderful interventions in his life and ministry, and witnessing the fruit of many years of work. He asks the Fellowship to pray for graduates in Yemen and throughout MENA, that they may persevere in faith. 

  • Pray that MENA students will have hope and endurance in an unstable situation. 
  • Pray for MENA graduates who are in leadership positions. Pray also for their personal and spiritual life, and for their families and work.  
  • Pray that the year 2021 will be fruitful, with meaningful steps towards peace and health in the MENA region.  

This article is titled “Are there factors motivating hope amid failure, despair, & wars?” It was taken from The Journey, a magazine produced in French and English for IFES graduates from MENA. To learn more, get in touch with us at hello@ifesworld.org. 

LIVF Lebanon Declares God is Faithful

Trivinia rubbed her eyes as the sunlight washed into her room. Time to get up, she thought. She had a one-hour drive to the hospital in Beirut where she was completing training. Like any other day, she fought city traffic and admired the shimmering water as she passed by the port.

It was a busy day and by the end of it Trivinia was ready to unwind. She thought about her options. She could either spend the evening alone in her Beirut apartment, or she could drive an hour back to her parent’s house. Why stay here all alone tonight? She thought. I’ll just go home. Little did she know that decision would save her life. An hour later, her apartment, the hospital, and her university were destroyed by a huge blast in the port.

Since that day, Trivinia has shared her powerful story of God’s protection. Despite enormous suffering, she and other students, graduates, and leaders of the LIVF movement are courageously declaring that God is faithful. Not only are they sharing their stories of his provision, but they are aiding the city by connecting traumatized students with psychology practitioners and sharing information about humanitarian aid services. One graduate who is a physiotherapist is even offering free sessions to those in need. The movement has also received outside support. General Secretary Farah Bou Kheir says,

‘We are thankful for all the support we received from IFES sister movements because this will allow us to reach devastated families and distribute food vouchers to buy their needs from nearby markets. I am overwhelmed with the thoughts and prayers of IFES family. God is in control. This is our only remaining hope.”

Despite LIVF’s brave efforts to push through a crisis, the needs are crushing, and Christians feel overwhelmed with grief. Please continue to pray for Beirut.

  • Pray for the nation of Lebanon, which was already experiencing poverty, currency devaluation, and corruption before the blast. With the resignation of the government, the country is held in uncertainty about the future. 
  • Pray for those who have lost loved ones.  
  • Pray for students who must face the aftermath of this tragedy while also preparing for the new academic year. 
  • Pray for LIVF as they serve their community while dealing with their own grief. Pray that others will be open to the gospel as a result of the comfort they see in the lives of Christians.  

Finding an eternal home

Not having a home is exhausting. Fatima was well-acquainted with the feeling. She had fled her home many times before, when her father’s rage led to violence, and it was a risk to merely sleep in her own bed. But when she went off to university, everything changed. Through her involvement with the IFES movement in Syria (SIM), Fatima’s life was transformed by a man named Jesus.

When she tried to tell her family about her new faith, her father’s violence worsened, and again she was forced to flee. This time when she left her home, she knew it was for good. Fortunately, Fatima had found a home among her friends from SIM who helped her secure accommodation and even paid her rent for the first three months. Now, she actively participates in SIM events, boldly sharing her faith and joyfully serving others.

For many students in Syria, home is not a safe place. Whether from religious persecution or war, students throughout the country have been forced to flee for safety. Through embracing students like Fatima, SIM Syria plays a redemptive role in this crisis by pointing them to an eternal home. But the movement faces many obstacles. Due to the war and refugee crisis, SIM lacks qualified ministry leaders and local financial supporters. Like most movements around the world, they are also dealing with the frustrations of adapting ministry to the pandemic.

This week let’s pray for SIM Syria and for students like Fatima who are searching for an eternal home.

  • Praise God for his work in Fatima’s life. Pray for the hearts of her family members, that they will be open to learning more about Jesus. Pray for her as she uses her life to reach other students.
  • Pray that God would raise up qualified leaders and local funding for SIM Syria. Pray for them as they continue to adapt ministry for online during the pandemic.
  • Pray for Syrian students like Fatima who have had to flee their homes. Pray that they would encounter Christians who will introduce them to Jesus.