North Africa 2024

HOPELESSNESS

For many in North Africa, a sense of hopelessness pervades their life. Why? Many reasons, but here are a few in general: most are highly displeased with the government, it is very difficult to find work (especially for men), the cost of living is high, and any chance of change seems impossible. This leads many, especially the young, to give up on education and finding a job, and to seek to leave North Africa for other countries. As a last resort, many try to do this illegally, which is highly dangerous and sometimes fatal. It also hurts the region, because many of the most educated and skilled workers leave. It can also negatively affect the church, when believers and leaders move, leaving an already small, struggling church behind.

PRAISE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…” (1 Peter 1:3)

You are a God of hope, giving us a living hope that never dies, through Your Son and His work. We praise You for giving us new hearts, causing us to be born again to a new life filled with eternal hope.

CONFESSION

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

Forgive us for often fixating on and putting our hope in the things of this earth, rather than heavenly things. Forgive us for seeking our comfort and even just the necessities of life more than we seek Your kingdom and righteousness.

THANKS

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Thank You for giving us the gift of faith, through which we have assurance and hope of all Your blessings and promises. Thank You for giving the gift of faith to many in North Africa already, causing them to be born again to a living hope.

REQUEST

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

Please fill us and Your people in North Africa with all joy and peace and cause us to abound in hope. Help us to know how to live wisely in the world while not being of the world. Give us guidance in decisions about work, where we choose to live, security, finances, family and the raising of children. Help us to make those decisions in light of the gospel and considering the needs of the church as well. Please give Your eternal hope to many more people in North Africa.