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Libya
Libya has remained unstable and chaotic since the revolution and overthrow of its dictator in 2011. Three opposing governments vie for control, and the conflicts have severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and made gospel work in the country extremely difficult. Many missionaries and indigenous believers have been killed in recent years, and gospel work in the country is ruthlessly opposed.
Major Religion
97 percent of Libyans are Sunni Muslims. 2 percent are Christians.
Persecutor
Extremist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood and the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS), operate throughout the country. Friends and family also severely persecute Christian converts from Islam.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN LIBYA
Life is difficult in Libya, and the difficulties are compounded for Christians and especially Christian converts from Islam. There are few believers in Libya, and it is extremely difficult for them to practice their faith openly. Christians are rejected by their Muslim families and friends. They are beaten, lose families and jobs, and are sometimes killed. It is unknown how many Christians are imprisoned in Libya.
Access to Bibles
Access to Bibles is severely restricted; they are brought into the country with extreme difficulty and risk. Christians in Libya take great risks just to own a Bible, including digital formats used on smartphones and computers. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM supports strategies that allow believers to gather for fellowship and teaching, despite extreme risks, and that aim to give Libyans greater access to God’s Word in various formats. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Libya
- Pray for 11 Christians sentenced to up to 14 years in prison for practicing their faith.
- Pray that Libyan Christians will boldly practice their faith in a country where it is dangerous to follow Christ.
- Pray that Christians will be able to gather together and fellowship despite extreme risks.
- Pray that Islamic extremist groups operating throughout the country will fail in their efforts to stop the gospel.
- Pray that Christians who take great risks to own a Bible will receive their own copy of God's Word.
