Restricted Nation: Libya

Over the weekend we have seen the United States decide to go to war with Libya. Naturally, one of my first thoughts was how is this going to impact Christians in Libya. Since Libya is a restricted nation and Christians are the minority in this nation, I'd like to ask everyone to make sure you pray for the Christians in Libya who are now having to endure what is going on there.

There is an interesting commentary on Christians, Libya and the cycle of violence on the Ekklesia website. Here is a snip from that article:

What is clear is that a different way of engaging is required, if the patterns of domination, dictatorship and violence that dominate the long-term and overshadow the present are to be broken. This is what Christian Peacemaker Teams and others are seeking to do in situations of conflict in Israel-Palestine, Colombia and elsewhere: putting their bodies on the line to challenge violence and to bring people together in the face of injustice, using civil techniques and tactics which take huge effort and a good deal of discipline to develop. In the case of Libya, such responses are rendered much more difficult by the absence of a coherent civil society or civil infrastructure, of course. Colonel Gaddafi, at various points criticised and at other points supported, sanctioned and armed by countries like Britain, has made sure of that.

Here's more information about Libya from our Restricted Nations Page:

Libya

DESCRIPTION

Libya is ruled by Muammar al-Qadhafi, who is perhaps best known for his association with other radical regimes and terrorist groups. Qadhafi has attempted to appease Muslims by broadening Islamic law. Category: Restricted Nation Religion: Muslim 96.50%, Christian 3.00% Ideology: Islam/Military dictatorship Head of State: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi Libyans are off limits for evangelism. A number of expatriates are trying to reach Libyans, but they are hindered by the country’s secret police. Christian literature may enter only through secretive means. There are very few Libyan believers; almost all Christians are foreign workers, and the government strictly monitors them. There is a limit of one church per denomination per city. A non-Libyan Christian man who sought to share the gospel in Libya was beaten and held for 45 days before he was deported.