Christianity spread early to this area of North Africa, but divisions were rife, and by the time Arabs brought Islam in the 7th century, the Church was almost non-existent. Today 99% of Tunisia’s 12 million people are Muslim, though many are nominal believers and the country is quite secular. However, extremist elements are active, especially in the rural south, where people often mix witchcraft with Islamic practices. Tunisia’s president has taken sweeping powers since 2022, sacking the government, suspending parliament, and rewriting the constitution. While this constitution upholds freedom of worship, it also “requires the state to support and advance the purposes of Islam.” Only a few thousand Tunisian citizens are Christians, mainly Anglicans or evangelicals. They face persecution from family and society, including beatings, excommunication, and forced marriages if single.

Let’s pray for the people of Tunisia.

• Pray for upcoming presidential elections on October 6. Only 2 candidates are running against the incumbent, many others having been disqualified, and tensions are running high. Pray that all is done in peace and that the Lord would use the outcome for His glory and the good of His Church.

• Pray that Jesus would reveal himself to Tunisian seekers in dreams and visions and lead them to salvation.

• Pray for the young people (38% of the population is under 25). High unemployment, a sagging economy, and disillusionment with Islam and politics drives many to seek answers elsewhere—and some are turning to Jesus. They then face persecution. Pray they would grow in their faith and find fellowship with believers.