Ali speaks passionately about what God is doing in Libya. He leads a team that the Danish European Mission is part of, reaching out to the young convert church in Libya through social media, counseling and faith formation.
"Most Libyan Christians are youth or young adults," he says. "Until the beginning of 2023, many were optimistic and some dared to openly profess their faith. But in March 2023, the situation changed when a group of young believers were arrested."
Some families turn their children in to Islamists if they have become Christians
The secret service even posted videos of the interrogations on YouTube. "This created fear and restraint among the Christians," says Ali, who says that the intelligence service did remove some sensitive information in the published interrogations.
"In terms of families, there is a big difference in Libya," Ali continues. "Some families are open and tolerant, while other families even turn their children over to Islamist groups if they become Christians, so the groups can pressure their children to return to Islam. I personally know someone who is in prison right now because his family handed him over to Islamists," Ali says seriously.
"Libyan Christians thus face severe persecution - from family, society and especially from decision-makers influenced by extremist Islamist groups that hold power in the country."
While Christians are persecuted, many Libyans want to hear about Jesus and experience His miracles. "Magic and superstition are widespread in North Africa," Ali explains. "In North Africa, you often hear people say that they are plagued by evil spirits, for example. That's why many are interested in the Bible, where they read that Jesus delivered people from demons."
Read also: From zero to 100 convert Christians in Libya
Jesus' unconditional love attracts Muslims
However, it's not just miracles, but the character of Jesus and his love that touches people. "When Libyans read the New Testament, they see a unique, unconditional love found only in Christ and a peace that surpasses all understanding. The love of Jesus is in contrast to Islam, where love is limited to one's own in the uma (community of believers). I felt that way myself as a Muslim. But in Christianity, love is unconditional and given without expecting anything in return."
"Jesus gave his life on the cross for our sin. It is the ultimate expression of God's love. Likewise, Jesus' teaching to love your enemies is revolutionary and appealing in the Muslim world."
"At the same time, many young people experience an inner emptiness that can lead them astray - to a life of changing sexual partners, drugs or a life without direction. This gives us as Christians a great task in sharing God's love with them. We pray that God will give us the power to help."
"Social media plays a key role in leading people to the truth. It will be impossible to talk face to face with every person in Libya, but we can plant seeds through media."
"In a country where Christians are persecuted, it's also much safer for spiritual seekers to discreetly ask their questions and get answers online. This is especially true for sensitive questions about Islam and defense of faith that would be difficult to talk about if others were listening in."
