News from The Bible Society NI
Malta has a huge number of refugees from North Africa and the Bible Socity is active there. Last year 2,775 immigrants landed on Maltese shores, putting a great strain on the small island’s resources. In the last 5 years Malta has received more than 10,000 refugees (the population of the Maltese Island is 400,000).
Most have been rescued from vulnerable boats and there are many others who die in the attempt to reach Europe. Many are held in crowded detention centres for up to 18 months where they are given €4.66 per day for food, most of which they send home.
These migrants can be detained 24 hours a day, so books of any kind are precious to those who can read. Many are grateful to receive Scripture selections and there is a need to distribute such material in the languages of the refugees, particularly Arabic, French, English, Chinese, Turkish, Tigrignan and Amharic.
Pray for the ministry of the Bible Society in Malta and the churches they partner with to distribute Scripture and offer support to refugees. Pray for the refugees themselves who are desperate enough to risk their lives by crossing from North Africa. May they come into contact with Scripture, and ultimately meet Christ himself.
Algerian Steps!
Christian ministry in Algeria has always been incredibly difficult and dangerous.
It is still illegal to give a Bible to, or attempt to convert a Muslim. However, compared to past years when churches were closed and people were imprisoned for their faith, 2011 was an encouraging year.
The Bible Society of Algeria (BSA) registration was accepted by the Government in July and an Import licence was granted for 10,000 Bibles. Opportunities were taken to reach people through the media and there was lots of demand for Scripture at BSA premises.
There are also signs of church growth. The first Berber Bible was launched last year. A Berber Arabic Bible and Children’s Bible are due to be launched this year. Praise God for these incredible opportunities that would have been impossible previously. Give thanks that God is opening doors and drawing people to himself. Pray for the plans to launch the Berber Arabic Bible and children’s Bible. Pray too that God will continue to protect His people and continue to grow His Church.