1) The Arab Spring began in Tunisia (December 2010). The country had one of the most progressiveand open societies in the Arab world, but Tunisians felt frustrated by high unemployment, corruption,political oppression, and poor living conditions. Protests led to government changes, and inspired similar protests across the whole Arab world. Tunisia’s new constitution is truly progressive, and positive fruit came from the suffering of the Arab Spring. However, unemployment and economic decline remain big challenges to the new government. Pray for frustrations to somehow draw people towards Christ.
2) Many Tunisians have grown more devoted in their Islamic faith. Salafist Islamist groups became more bold and violent in their attempts to enforce their views. The government resistspolitical enforcement of Islam, but fundamentalist groups gain followers, especially among the restless, dissatisfied younger generations. Pray for the Church to reach Tunisia’s youth while their hearts and minds wrestle with such deep issues.
3) The Church in Tunisia was widespread in the early centuries after Christ. But without deep roots in the local culture and no Scripture translated into local languages, Christianity slowly faded until Islam finally overcame it. Most Christians in Tunisia today are expatriates, but about 500 committed indigenous believers again exist. A large international development organization relocated to Tunis, and increased the number of expatriate Christians (mostly African) in the country. Pray they may find opportunities to relate to their Tunisian neighbours. Pray that the Church might grow again in this land!
4) A century of missionary work produced very little fruit, but continued intercession can break through the long-standing barriers to the gospel! Pray for commitments to Jesus that will last. Few Tunisian believers remain faithful for more than 10 years due to spiritual, cultural, and family pressures. Pray that Tunisian believers might overcome their fear of sharing their faith. Opportunity exists for more Christian workers
to serve Tunisia, particularly in teaching, development, and healthcare. Pray for more Christian workers, especially from Arabic-speaking countries.
5) Specific unreached areas and peoples. The Church must use media to reach Tunisians, especially radio programmes, satellite TV, and the Internet.
• Women have more freedom here than in most other Muslim countries, but cultural and traditional restrictions still make it difficult to reach them with the gospel.
• The southern part of Tunisia is a spiritual desert. The cities of Sfax, Gabes, and Gafsa need wit-nesses.
• The Berber communities have Christian ancestors, but have very few Christians now.
• Some regard Kairouan as the 4th most holy city in Islam. Many go there for blessings, healing, and help. Pray that their search might lead them to find Jesus!