21Mauritania
Converts from Islam to Christianity face severe opposition from their families and surrounding communities. Public expressions of faith by non-Mauritanian Christians can be viewed as proselytising Muslims. This can lead to imprisonment and deportation. These realities make it essentially impossible for anyone to live out their faith in public.
The government has indicated it will enforce strict apostasy laws. Since 2018, these laws include the death penalty, with no possibility of leniency based on repentance, making execution mandatory for any Muslim convicted of leaving Islam or committing blasphemy. However, no executions have yet taken place.
Meet Yasmina
“I was sad, overwhelmed by fear and insecurity. Life had no meaning or value for me. But God helped me overcome all of that. He gave meaning to my life. I tasted true joy and true peace when I entrusted my life to the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Yasmina* (name changed) from North Africa.
What does Open Doors do to help?
In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in North Africa through leadership and discipleship training, trauma counselling, prayer and livelihood assistance.
Please pray
- Pray for the followers of Jesus who feel the pressure of public demonstrations being incited against them.
- Pray that the law making it illegal for Muslims in Mauritania to convert to Christianity will be overturned.
- Ask God to encourage the small community of believers and help them to grow in their faith and live out the Great Commission.