North Africa 2024

MEN’S ROLES

As in other similar countries, a strong male figure is expected to head the family. This means he is the authority, responsible for providing for his wife and children, responsible for leading the family in religion, etc. Unfortunately, authority is often abused, his word is not allowed to be questioned, women are often highly restricted in leaving the house, domestic violence is common and often viewed as necessary to keep control, etc. High unemployment among men adds pressure to be able to provide and shame when they cannot. Also, the negative aspects of this strong man view can influence perspectives on leadership in the church. 

PRAISE

“Our Father in heaven…” – Matthew 6:9a

We praise You, for being our heavenly Father. We praise You for being our authority and our gentle care-taker at the same time; our Lord and our Good Shepherd.

CONFESSION

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you.” – Matthew 20:25-26a

We confess, Lord, that we often fail in exercising authority properly, and instead we lord it over those in our care. Forgive us for our self-serving leadership, which is not the example of servant leadership Jesus gave. 

THANKS

“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church…” Ephesians 5:23

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry…” Ephesians 4:11-12

Thank You for Your good design of authority in the family and in the church. Thank You for bringing many North African men to Yourself in Christ. Thank You for graciously giving some of those men as leaders for the Church.

REQUEST

Please help many more North African men understand what true, Christ-like, servant leadership is, so that families are built up in Christ, and churches are well-cared for. Please give discernment to understand the goodness of Your design and authority structures, while not succumbing to heavy-handed, domineering, controlling, unloving leadership. Please provide gainful employment for many North African men so that they can provide for their families.