Northern Africa and the Middle East

Religions of NAME

Evangelical Christianity

When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Capodacia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome; Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked each other, "What does this mean?"

–Acts 2:6-12

Evangelical Christianity in Northern Africa and the Middle East dates back to the Day of Pentecost, weeks after the Ascension of Christ. After that first international group of new believers responded to the gospel they returned to their homes as "jars of clay" carrying the precious treasure of complete redemption of sin through faith in Jesus Christ.

The differences between evangelical Christians and other Christians can be difficult to navigate. Evangelicals are people who believe that Jesus Christ is the sole source of salvation through faith in Him, have personal faith and conversion with regeneration by the Holy Spirit, recognize the inspired word of God as the only basis for faith and Christian living, and are committed to Biblical preaching and evangelism that brings others to faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, an Evangelical church is characterized by these same beliefs and principles. Some churches that are not considered Evangelical in faith and practice may contain members who are Evangelical.

There are many important challenges facing Evangelicals in NAME today – everything from evangelizing and discipling in the local cultural context to recognizing the powerful witness and leadership of local Christians. From preparing fruit for the inevitability of persecution to living boldly for Christ regardless of how their own community may misunderstand them. Evangelical Christians in NAME very much need our prayer, support, and respect as they, too, follow the command of Christ to "Go, disciple, and baptize" the nations in His name.

Pray for Evangelical Christians

• To be bold, loving witnesses of life transformation through personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• For pastoral and lay leadership to grow strong in faith and in their knowledge of the Word of God.
• For whole families of believers to be shining lights of truth and mercy in their local communities.
• For converts from a variety of backgrounds – Islamic, Jewish, and those who have grown up knowing about Christ, but not knowing Him personally.
• Pray that these will bond into their own "communities of faith" and reproducing churches.
• For cooperation between western and non-western evangelicals as we labor humbly alongside each other, that we will each fulfill the role to which we have been called in equipping the church.
• For Believers in NAME to have a clear scriptural understanding of persecution, prepare for this reality, and respond Biblically to persecution.

Further Discovery

• Fast Facts about NAME
• Religions of NAME
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  • Orthodoxy
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• Peoples of NAME
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