Introduction to MENA (Middle East and North Africa Region)
- We focus prayer on this region because it consists of nations most difficult to access with the Gospel.
- Most of these nations are Muslim nations which are resistant to Christianity and have strict laws forbidding conversions and severe consequences for those who do convert.
- Historical prejudices and misunderstandings of Western Christianity, as well as conflicts in the Region, have caused spiritual strongholds that keep people in bondage from seeing the light of the Gospel.
A. The Nations of MENA:
The following countries are normally included in MENA:
MIDDLE EAST:
Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, and Yemen.
NORTH AFRICA:
Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia.
In addition to this countries such as Sudan, Chad, NIger, Mali, Mauritania and Western Sahara can be included in this Region.
B. Geography and Population.
The MENA Region is home to nearly 570 million people who are directly or indirectly experiencing complex emergencies associated with occupation, civil unrest and protracted conflicts. Many countries in the region are experiencing rapid and unplanned urbanization, resulting in growing informal settlement and slum areas with limited or no access to basic services such as healthcare systems.
C. Middle East: The Birthplace of Christianity:
“The first millennium of Christianity did not happen in the Vatican, or in the West or in Europe. The first millennia of Christianity happened in the Middle East.”
Christianity, which originated in the Middle East during the 1st century AD, is a significant minority religion within the region, characterized by the diversity of its beliefs and traditions, compared to Christianity in other parts of the Old World.
Pray for the Christian Communities in Middle East:
- Protestant denominations are few and small, and many struggle with nominalism. They likewise face pressure and persecution, although in a number of countries they are growing. Interdenominational relationships have not always been smooth and gracious. Pray for unity, strength and revitalization.
- Believers from a Muslim background (BMB/MBB) are growing in number in almost every context and on an unprecedented scale. This is happening in trickles (in places such as the Arabian Peninsula) and in torrents (Iran, Iraq). Pray for:
- All who have come to Christ from such backgrounds. They have specific spiritual, social and personal needs that are different from Christians of other backgrounds. Pressures on them are usually acute – from relatives, employers and authorities – and can range from ostracism to martyrdom. For many, emigration is the only way out of impossible situations. Pray for courage in the face of opposition and for faithfulness in all situations.
- The witness of believers. There is great potential to communicate the gospel through the testimony of believers’ lifestyles, through their work habits, through their marriages and through family relationships. Christian homes can demonstrate profoundly the power and love of Christ. Pray for those who have come out of a Muslim background to witness with both wisdom and fearlessness.
- Networking for Muslim-background believers. It is easy for them to slip into isolation and discouragement. Pray for the development of networks that will afford opportunities for fellowship with those of similar background. Pray for such believers to be discipled appropriately, and to find both employment and marriage partners – neither of which is easy for Muslim-background believers still living in Islamic contexts.
D. Religious Contexts and Spiritual Change:
A vast majority of Iranians are tired of the state and religion having been mixed with each other. They are seeking a deeper meaning about life from the internet and from other peers across other nations.
It’s very interesting to see the same trends happening in the neighboring countries.
It’s all part of a bigger movement. The MENA region is returning to its spiritual roots.
The Islamic trends across Iran and Arab countries are diminishing and are being replaced by a true thirst for understanding who Jesus is, and was, in that region.
The Abrahamic tradition itself and the three best-known Abrahamic religions originate from the Middle East: Judaism and Christianity emerged in the Levant in the 6th century BCE and the 1st century CE, respectively, while Islam emerged in Arabia in the 7th century CE.
E. MENA CONFLICTS:
Since the mid-20th century, the Middle East has been a hotspot of volatility, with Israel engaging in wars and facing threats from militias like Hamas and Hezbollah. Conflicts have involved regional and global powers, leading to widespread instability and violence.
F. PRAYER NEEDS:
1) Pray and affirm that God is sovereign over the entire universe and has the power to change the situation especially in conflict areas:
2) Pray for a quick end to conflicts, and that they do not escalate into a larger war in the region.
3) Lift up in prayer those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
4) Pray for those who have been wounded during the conflict and for those providing medical assistance to them.
5) Pray for the safety and liberation of hostages, and pray for mediators to facilitate their release.
6) Pray for wisdom and discernment for the leaders, that they may make decisions that lead to lasting peace and alleviate suffering.
7) Pray that Christians around the world will join in prayer for peace, demonstrating the love of Christ to all peoples.
8) Pray for the safety of local followers of Jesus, that they will be shielded from extremism and hatred.
9) Pray that God will utilize our churches as effective witnesses during this challenging time, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
10) Pray for peace and security for the entire region.
- Sources:
- Operation World.
- Strong Cities Network.
- stizada.com
- Wilsoncenter.org
- Global Christian Relief.