Unreached

ARAB, TUNISIAN of TUNISIA

Having won its independence from France in 1956, Tunisia is now the smallest country in North Africa. Agriculture, phosphate mining, and tourism dominate the nation’s economy. Despite having many primitive farming methods, cell phones, the internet, and Facebook are changing the way Tunisians are viewing and interacting with the world.

Though the country boasts a highly educated youth population, a revolution occurred in January of 2011 due to frustration, lack of opportunity, and government corruption. In the first democratic elections in Tunisia’s history in October 2011, the Islamic party won the largest number of seats and is seeking to make Islamic law the source of the nation’s legislation.

Though the country is almost entirely Muslim, it is largely secular, so that many Muslims rarely go to a mosque. Nevertheless, Islam influences many aspects of Tunisian culture. Witchcraft and worship at shrines has led to bondage and strong spiritual blindness.

Christian media (websites, TV, and radio programs) has in recent years led to a great interest in Christianity, so that there are now a few hundred believers in the country.

Some believers testify to seeing Jesus through visions and dreams. Many of those who profess Christ live far away from other believers, thus keeping them from fellowship and discipleship. Believers are subject to significant persecution from family and friends, and they may lose their jobs and place in society. They may also be under pressure from the authorities.

Primary Religion: Islam (many nominal Muslims)

% Evangelical: Less than 2%; few, if any, known evangelicals, though widespread church-planting reported in recent years

Primary Language: Arabic (Tunisian Spoken)

Status: Unreached

Prayer Points:

• Pray for more workers to be sent in light of recent gospel access granted due to the revolution
• Pray for completion of Bible translation in the native language
• Pray for God to strengthen and encourage the small group of existing believers
• Pray for strong local churches to emerge and to rapidly multiply

Information taken from Joshua Project. See also Operation World.