In August Wazala reported on the remarkable increase of the Algerian church – thought to be the fastest growing church in the Arab world.
Since then, there has been great progress in the TV broadcasts which Pastor Youssef, of the House of Hope Fellowship, mentioned. This week we heard that some 31 of the 52 church services in Arabic and Kabyle (Berber) have been recorded by the Algerian media team and broadcast on SAT-7.
The team tells us that the services themselves have included a vast range of topics and themes to stimulate people’s minds towards God and His truth. The preachers have shared about the resurrection, the uniqueness of Christ and the importance of faith and love.
ln addition, they have given practical teaching on living out this faith, such as what life in Christ looks like; being completely impartial as Christians; and the power of forgiveness in relationships. And they’ve used character studies, such as the life of Abraham, to show the impact someone’s faith can have in everyday situations.
The publication in autumn 2012 of the first ever full Bible in the Kabyle language will increase the ability of Kabyle Christians to apply God’s Word to every aspect of their lives. Please pray for the effective distribution of the first copies and for permission to import and make available all the Scriptures needed by Kabyle believers.
Recording testimonies
Not only is God’s Word directly taught and applied during the broadcast worship services but the media team tell us that “15 personal testimonies by people who have experienced God’s amazing grace and presence in their lives will be broadcast on SAT-7 soon! These testimonies will serve to strengthen the Algerian church and will no doubt touch the lives of others who are looking to understand more about the Christian faith.”
In a country where it is still a crime for Christians to share their faith directly, these satellite TV programmes, which go straight into people’s homes, play an essential role.
With its limited resources, the Algerian Church cannot hope to reach every Algerian village or to disciple the country’s estimated 100,000 believers who live alone or meet in house fellowships. But these programmes – made possible by SAT-7 funding and training – are meeting the need. You can help fund programmes in Algeria by making a gift to SAT-7 ARABIC, SAT-7’s satellite channel serving North Africa and the Middle East.
Prayer
Give thanks for 31 Algerian church services, that have already been filmed by a local media team and broadcast on SAT-7. Pray for theirimpact in presenting a clear, biblical picture of Jesus Christ and much-needed Bible teaching and encouragement for young believers.
“I could not believe it!”
“I found your channel by accident and, at first, I could not believe it! I thank God for you because I was, and still am, very lonely and in need of such programmes to encourage and strengthen me.”Isolated Christian woman in Algeria
“Truly I would like to thank SAT-7 for being the source of big blessings to us here in Algeria. I pray with all my heart that the Lord will bless you and keep you to continue being a blessing to us.” Algerian man