Because the Church cannot be closed

The Christian minority in North Africa is experiencing challenging times. This also became clear at a meeting that recently took place in Tunis (Tunisia).
 
From February 25 to 27, 2024, the pastors of The United Methodist Church in Algeria as well as a representative from Alger and a representative from Constantine met with Bishop Stefan Zürcher and District Superintendent Freddy Nzambe from Tunis. Alain Buléon, authorized representative for church properties in Algeria, Daniel Nussbaumer, retired pastor, and Pastor Üllas Tankler, European/Eurasian representative of Global Ministries, the mission agency of the worldwide United Methodist Church, also took part in the meeting. It was all the more pleasing that everyone was able to travel to Tunis, as this was not a matter of course for various reasons.
 
As another new member of staff was present, building relationships and personal exchanges were an important part of the meeting. During the meeting, over meals and during the breaks, there were many opportunities for sharing personal stories of life and faith with one another. The prayer times were also important moments, characterized by thanksgiving, but also by petition and intercession. There were - and still are - plenty of concerns. It was impressive and encouraging to hear that in one of the churches six people from the same family and three others came to faith, that people regularly knock on the pastors' doors and ask for a Bible or to learn more about Jesus, about faith in him, about the path to discipleship and about the Bible. This is happening at a time when all but two church buildings are closed and the usual church program is out of the question. But the Church in Algeria and Tunisia is alive. Although the church buildings are closed, the Church cannot be closed, said one participant.
 
The political and economic situation in both countries is extremely difficult and stressful for many people, which is of course also felt by the employees of the UMC. However, they report that the pressure from outside is allowing the life of the Church to flourish even more, simply in a different form, with personal encounters and small house groups playing a central role. It is impressive to see the passion, love, confidence, and creativity with which everyone does their work under the most difficult conditions.
 
It is infinitely valuable and enriching that our brothers and sisters in North Africa are part of the Annual Conference Switzerland-France-North Africa! With this in mind, it is to be hoped that they will be able to take part in the Annual Conference in Rothrist (Switzerland) in June 2024. The North Africa platform is planned for the days before.
 
On Tuesday afternoon, District Superintendent Freddy Nzambe took the participants on a tour of Augustine's place of work in historic Carthage, not far from the center of Tunis. There was also a visit to a traditional café, and the day ended with a delicious dinner in a Tunisian restaurant.
 
At the end of the meeting, the participants returned home thankful, strengthened, and with many impressions, but also aware of the bond between them in their common service for Jesus Christ.
 
May God continue to encourage and equip our brothers and sisters in North Africa with joy to continue their ministry.
 
Bishop Stefan Zürcher
Photo: The participants of the meeting in Tunis