The churches in Algeria may have closed down – but it hasn’t stopped God’s plans! We recently spoke to SAT-7 producer Samia Kessai, who told us more about SAT-7’s programmes for the Amazigh people and how God is at work in the country.
In 2017, Algerian authorities started closing down the Protestant churches. Out of 47 churches, now only one remains open.
“The situation is messy, but I believe that God is at work,” Samia shares. “Many small groups meet in homes, even if it’s just families praying and sharing the Word of God together. Some have left the country, but many who remain contact SAT-7 to say, ‘We’re fine, we believe that the best is yet to come.’ I miss being in a big church with lots of believers, but there is hope.”
The SAT-7 programme Home Church in Algeria uses a set styled like a family home and features Bible teaching, worship and prayer, so that isolated believers without their own church can feel connected to other Christians across the country. In a recently aired episode, one of the presenters, Brother Hafiz, prayed, “Lord, give us strength to overcome our difficulties. Fill us with your peace and love so that we are a light in our churches and our lives.”
THE KABYLE DIALECT
All of SAT-7’s Algerian programmes, including Home Church in Algeria, testimony programme Free Souls and women’s programme Despite All, are produced in the Kabyle dialect.
“Kabyle is one of the key dialects of the Amazigh language,” explains George Makeen, SAT-7 ARABIC’s Ministry Content Adviser. “There are millions of people in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and even some Egyptian tribes who speak the language. These dialects have lots of common words, and they generally understand each other.”
“SAT-7 is committed to making the Gospel available to everyone, everywhere across the Middle East and North Africa, and a big part of this is ensuring our broadcasts are available in as many dialects and languages of the region as possible,” George continues. “We are seeing many people in the Kabyle region of Algeria coming to Christ – which is why it’s vital we continue to produce faith-filled programmes in the Kabyle dialect, to support the growth of the Algerian Church.”
WHO ARE THE AMAZIGH?
The Amazigh, often called “Berber”, are a group of people native to North Africa, known for their own distinct culture, language, and traditions. They prefer to be called “Amazigh” because “Berber” is seen as derogatory – it comes from a Greek word meaning “barbarian”. “Amazigh”, on the other hand, means “free people”. The Amazigh language, known as Tamazight, has various dialects, including Kabyle.
AMAZIGH-ARABIC RELATIONS
For centuries, the Amazigh people have been marginalised under Arab rule, with ongoing attempts across North Africa to erase their language and heritage. But SAT-7’s Kabyle-language programmes are now breaking down barriers between the Amazigh and Arab people.
“SAT-7 always airs its Amazigh programmes with subtitles in Arabic, so that there is a better understanding of the content,” George explains. “Many Arab viewers in North Africa and beyond are interested in the testimonies and worship coming from these communities. In this sense, SAT-7 is not only celebrating the cultural uniqueness of the Amazigh, but also empowering them by giving their Arab neighbours a chance to listen to what they have to say.”
“SAT-7 is a voice of hope for minorities,” Samia adds, “and it’s so important to help Amazigh believers to discover and grow in their new identity in Christ.”
We are seeing many people in the Kabyle region of Algeria coming to Christ – which is why it’s vital we continue to produce faith-filled programmes in the Kabyle dialect, to support the growth of the Algerian Church.” George Makeen, SAT-7 ARABIC
AFFIRMING THE AMAZIGH IDENTITY
Hearing the Gospel and other important topics being talked about in their heart language is extremely affirming for SAT-7’s Amazigh viewers. Zeinab, a young Amazigh woman, recently shared: “I was previously subjected to a great deal of discrimination because I am Amazigh. I was denied opportunities because I speak Arabic and Amazigh fluently, and there are people who believe we lack an identity. But, thank God, as Amazighs, we were raised to preserve our identity. We must understand the nature of minorities, respect their customs and traditions, and build relationships with them. Thank you for the topics you cover, your freedom of expression and discussion.”
Samia shared the impact that the Algerian programmes are having on Amazigh viewers like Zeinab. “Many people, especially women, have called me personally and said thank you,” Samia shares. “That’s a blessing for me. And not only believers – even the non-believers who watch our programmes call in.”
Algerian viewers are finding hope in SAT-7’s programmes, whether they are believers forced to worship from the safety of their homes, or non-believers seeking the truth. “God is at work here in Algeria, despite all that is happening around us,” Samia concludes. “Jesus came for all. We believe that God loves this country and these people, and he has a good plan for them.”
This article was from our Autumn Insight magazine. Read more.