A place of Peace in North Africa

War and poverty has led millions of Arabs to flee their home country for the relative safety of North Africa. While many of these are registered refugees, others hope to return to their home country one day in safer circumstances, or after receiving medical care.

Though they are allowed entrance into North Africa, the government provides no further assistance and work is hard to come by. Many of these refugees continue to live in poverty, but now in a foreign country separated from their families or support systems. Even leaving their small apartments for the day is impossible for some, as they are unable to afford the minimal costs of transportation or activities.

Our Partners there have launched a Center in the heart of the area where most of these displaced people live. The purpose, one of our Partners said, was to create a place of peace that people can retreat to. In a crowded and chaotic city, they want to provide a space that is quiet, clean, and restful.

Several days a week, our Partners host free activities open to the community. There are art lessons, craft workshops, and medical clinics where participants receive free basic supplies and education. Soon, they will offer guitar lessons. These community activities not only help meet the physical needs of the neighborhood, but also provide vital opportunities for community that refugees—especially women—don’t have access to.

These people come from one of the least reached people groups in the world, and now they live in a safer, more accessible location. But though it is not illegal to be a Christian, these displaced people still face incredible amounts of family and community pressure to reject Christ. No one feels comfortable asking questions about religion, especially in group conversations, and even believers find it hard to trust each other.

Our Partners use the Center activities as a means of developing relationships, and visiting participants in their homes. Away from strangers, people are more willing to receive prayer and show their curiosity in Jesus.

The Center recently underwent many renovations, and now it is a beautiful and peaceful space for community. Soon, they will finish a rooftop patio where community members can relax and engage in conversation. Within the next few weeks, our Partners hope to be hosting activities and workshops every week day.