Nestled between Algeria and Libya on the southern Mediterranean coast, security and unity are the hallmarks of this country of 10 million. Having had only two presidents in the past 50 years, Tunisia is marked by political stability and prosperity. It is also a country of mixed cultural values. Islam and secularism both shape the minds and values of most Tunisians. Thanks to a strong and effective police force, peace and security reign, and millions of European tourists are welcomed each year. Islamists from neighbouring countries have made recent efforts to cause disruptions but have thankfully been thwarted.

Reaching Out

It is relatively easy to talk with Tunisians about the Gospel, though many do not show interest in spiritual things. Some who have experienced healing and deliverance in the name of Christ acknowledge that Jesus has changed their lives, yet still do not commit their lives to him. Others profess faith and then do not commit themselves. There are shining examples of committed individual disciples, but few truly indigenous house churches.

National Church

There is a small national church, with a handful of recognised local leaders. The church is composed mostly of well educated people who are more westernised than the majority of the population. The vast majority of believers and Christian workers live in the capital of Tunis (population 2 million). There are few believers, few workers, and very few gatherings of believers outside the capital city. In recent times a few believers have established residency in least four new cities and provincial capitals which previously had little or no Christian presence. With so few believers in these regions, the role of media, and especially Arabic satellite TV programming is still important in reaching vast parts of the country.

Fear Factor

Though direct persecution and arrests by the police are rare, many believers do live in fear of ostracism by their friends and families. The fear of persecution rather than the persecution itself is a major issue for most believers.

Map of Tunisia

Tunisia Map

Prayer points:

* Pray for unity and trust among local believers.
* Pray for healthy marriages and strong families. Some young adult believers sometimes have difficulty finding mates.
* Pray for those who have experienced Christ in healings, dreams and deliverance to really commit their lives to him (Ephesians 5:11-20).
* Pray for effective discipleship of believers and ‘near’ believers (Mt. 28:20a). May the power of God and the truth of Christ to come to dominate and transform the lives of all believers (Colossians 1:28).
* Pray for more effective co-ordination and followup of media contacts (satellite, and radio broadcasts are done daily).
* Pray for wisdom for government leaders, especially in protecting the country from radical islamists (Romans 13:1-5).
* Pray for the undereducated and unemployed who are easily exploited and marginalised (Luke 6:20-21 and James 2:5).
* Pray for God to work in the new cities and towns that now have a resident witness for the first time in many years.

More prayers for Tunisia can be found on the www.Pray4Tunisia.com site!

Background on Tunisia (World Factbook)

Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in getting the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society. In what became known as the Jasmine Revolution, a sudden and explosive wave of street protests ousted the authoritarian president, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, who had ruled with an iron hand for 23 years. On January 14, 2011 Mr. Ben Ali left the country, after trying unsuccessfully to placate the demonstrators with promises of elections. According to government figures issued later, 78 protesters died and 94 were injured during the demonstrations.

Economy of Tunisia

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Progressive social policies have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth slowed to a 15-year low of 1.9% in 2002 because of agricultural drought and lackluster tourism. Increased rain helped in 2003-05. However, a recession in agriculture, weak expansion in the tourism and textile sectors, and increasing import costs due to rising world energy prices cut growth. Tunisia is gradually removing barriers to trade with the EU.

Statistics for Tunisia

Population: 10,629,186 (July 2011 est.) World rank #78

Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.01 years. World rank #91

Ethnic Groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Literacy: 74.3% - male: 83.4%, female: 65.3%

School life expectancy: 15 years

"Travel to Tunisia" - Video

A professional video from a travel site, but gives a great idea of the life and style of Tunisia

Related Posts

• Sudan – rumors of war (11)
  Christians in Sudan and South Sudan have asked for prayer. There conti...
• Christian Witness Prohibited in Libya (8)
  About 96% of the Libyan population is Muslim and 3% Christian. The maj...
• The amazing story of Christianity in Algeria (38)
  The Kabyles live in the rugged mountains called Kabylia to the east of...
• Western Sahara? (3)
  In this harsh, sun-soaked, sand-moving country lives a people called t...
• Muslim Mauritania (5)
  A Christian who recently visited the country described the general sit...

Algeria: population: 33.8 million

According to some estimates, there are possibly 25,000-50,000 Algerian believers of all denominations (Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal and other). Some believe that the numbers are greater and there are various degrees of commitment to Christ which are manifest among them. Many Algerians have discovered Jesus through visions, dreams and supernatural events. Many more have discovered the Messiah in recent years through meeting other Algerian believers as well as through radio, satellite TV and films. Significant numbers of people have come to faith. As a result, in 2006 a law was passed opening the door to official persecution of Algerian believers. Several have been arrested, detained and tried for various offenses. While the situation is not as grave as in Iran or Saudi Arabia, Algerian believers are under increased supervision and have experienced the beginnings of significant governmental persecution. They have been courageous and generally continue to affirm their faith. Proselytising is a criminal offense. Any individual trying to convert a Muslim either through education, health, social, culture or financial means can be sentenced up to five years in jail with a maximum fine of $7,000. Pray along the lines of Acts 4:29-31. See more details at persecution.org.

Tunisia: population 10.5 million

Tunisia has the appearance of being a Muslim country, however the number of committed Muslims is limited. The vast majority of Tunisians are pursuing their dreams of having a better lifestyle. Tunisians need to reflect more on the meaning and the brevity of life. Tunisian believers number less than 1,000. Pray using Matthew 6:24-34.

Morocco: population 33.8 million

A very small number of Moroccan believers exist (possibly only a few thousand). Their numbers are slowly increasing, but knowledge of the Gospel in Morocco is very limited. Believers have suffered significant threats and mistreatment by relatives and some government officials. Pray along the lines of Isaiah 40:9-11; 52:7. Pray for King Mohammed VI and the royal family. Hassan, the Crown Prince, is six years old.

Related Posts

• El Jadida, Morocco (3)
  El-Jadida truly comes alive in summer. The many fine beaches in the ar...
• The amazing story of Christianity in Algeria (38)
  The Kabyles live in the rugged mountains called Kabylia to the east of...
• The little-known Souss story of Morocco (16)
  | · Souss Population: 3 million | · Muslim: 99.9% | · Also known as...
• Miracles in Tunisia, North Africa (20)
  Islam and secularism both shape the minds and values of most Tunisians...
• Morocco’s People (3)
  Morocco is the only kingdom in North Africa. Mohammed VI, who became k...

| · Population: 120,000

The city of Kairouan has existed for about 1,300 years. Founded as part of the expansion of the Islamic Empire, it boasts the oldest mosque in North Africa, with the oldest standing minaret in the world - a tribute to the city's original purpose: to be a base for the spread of Islam across the region.

The famous "Grand Mosque," is a significant destination for tourists. Elsewhere, the Zaouia Sidi Sahab, tomb of the barber who allegedly cut the Prophet Mohammed's hair, has gained a reputation as a being a place to pray for healing and for obtaining various blessings. If an appeal for favour seems to be granted, the recipient is obligated to bring a “gift” – usually food for the poor, in thanks for the answered prayer.

For many North Africans, Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city of Islam. Its school trains religious leaders (Imams) for all of Tunisia. The city is known for the quiet conservatism, women stay in their homes more than in other parts of the country. Kairouan lacks the bustle of many Tunisian cities, with little industry to boost the economy. Young people long to leave for the West in search of employment.

An entrenched fatalism seems even to cling to new believers. The few people who have heard and responded to the Gospel in Kairouan, often struggle with personal issues, some manifest little evidence of spiritual growth, perhaps due in part, to the hidden spiritual influences over the city.

Map of Tunisia

Tunisia Map

Prayer Starters

* Some believers in Kairouan are convinced that God has asked them to raise a banner of praise over this city, just as he called the worshippers to lead the march around Jericho. By His grace, they claim the promises of Isaiah 62 for their city. Pray through this text with Kairouan in mind.

More prayers for Tunisia can be found on the www.Pray4Tunisia.com site!

Pain near Kairouan

Rachid (pseudonym) has stopped hoping for a better job, or a better life. At one time, it seemed possible, but today, as he trudges along a dusty road, he is hoping for a free ride to the city.... and more sympathy from his friends. His wife and two sons are asleep; when they wake up, they will find little to eat. His son was sick last week and the doctor kept his identity papers when Rachid admitted he could not pay the bill. He will hitch-hike the 20 kms to Kairouan, hoping to borrow funds from friends there. Life is a depressing cycle. Rachid lives with his own family in one room of his father's house, as does an older married brother. That brother has a steady job and helps pay the family utility bills. Rachid's inability to contribute is a source of contention, especially with his unsympathetic stepmother, who has vetoed the use of a common kitchen.

Video: Tunisian Protests Spread to Algeria, Yemen [1:21]

Related Posts

• Miracles in Tunisia, North Africa (20)
  Islam and secularism both shape the minds and values of most Tunisians...
• Praying for Northwest Africa (8)
  While the situation is not as grave as in Iran or Saudi Arabia, Algeri...
• Sudan – rumors of war (11)
  Christians in Sudan and South Sudan have asked for prayer. There conti...
• Christian Witness Prohibited in Libya (8)
  About 96% of the Libyan population is Muslim and 3% Christian. The maj...
• Saved in Libya (4)
  Becoming a Christian believer in Libya is not easy. There is pressure ...