LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP PROJECT ABSTRACT

A RESEARCH PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. JIM O’NEILL
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF
GLOBAL STUDIES SURVEY
GLST 500-D07

BY
RYAN FREUDENTHAL

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
DECEMBER 14, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT 3
BACKGROUND 5
PEOPLE 10
LANGUAGE 16
RELIGION 17
MISSION WORK SURVEY 24
PROPOSED STRATEGY 27
PERSPECTIVE ONE 38
PERSPECTIVE TWO 33
PERSPECTIVE THREE 12
BIBLIOGRAPGY 13

ABSTRACT

Missions are found throughout the entire Bible, as well as being commanded of Christ’s followers by Christ Himself. The Great Commission serves as the primary call and purpose of Christians all around the world. The person that heads this call and purpose and follows the example of Christ is one that may experience many things. This person may experience sacrifice, discomfort, doubt, and maybe even persecution or death. On the other hand, this person will definitely experience purpose, rewarding relationships, God’s power, God’s blessing, and the knowledge that they are right where God wants them to be. This person or person(s) will be spreading the gospel of Christ to areas and people where the gospel has never been heard before, and there is no greater service that one can provide. One of these areas is located in North Africa, in the country of Algeria. Algeria has a population of almost 37.5 million people. Algeria attained their independence a relatively short time ago when they won their independence from France in 1962. While the majority of the population in the past where the Berbers that held close to Chrisitanity, this changed around the seventh century when Arabs invaded the area. Now, almost 95% of the population is Muslim, and only 0.17 % of the population is Christian. An even further challenge is the fact that the primary language of this area is Arabic-speaking. How will someone overcome the challenges of language and an extremely minimal amount of exposure to God and Christianity? This paper will provide information that people and organizations anywhere can utilize for missions. This paper will better prepare those people and organizations as to what they can expect, methods of communication, challenges they may face, and so on during their visit in Alegeria. This paper will explore the culture of customs of Algeria in order to find ways that those either on or going on mission to this area will find invaluable. This paper does not serve as an exhaustive, step-by-step manual for missions in Algeria. This paper simply serves as a framework for missions, and more specifically, missions in Algeria. Some parts of missions can only be learned through experience.

BACKGROUND Algeria is located in North Africa. As stated in the abstract, this country was once primarily Christian with the Berber population. However, after the seventh century it and the Arab invasion this quickly changed. From the time of the Arab invasion on, the country has been primarily Muslim in faith. Actually, as of the last estimate 95% of the population is Muslim, and only 0.17 % of the population is Christian. [1] Algeria is a relatively young nation. Algeria did not gain independence until 1962.[2] Algeria declared independence from France on July, 5 1962. Algeria is approximately 3.5 smaller than Texas. [3] Algeria is bordered by Morrocco, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Libya, and Tunisia. The terrain of Algeria consists primarily of high plateau, desert, mountains, and coastal plains. In fact, about “85% of the land area” of the country is made up of the Sahara Desert.[4] This information will help a missionary prepare for the physical area in which they are being sent.
PEOPLE
The people of Algeria rely heavily on agriculture. Much like their Berber ancestors, The current population uses livestock, primarily cattle, as a source of income. Through the trade and sales of meat, dairy, hide, etc the people are able to make money for survival. A more current source of income for the Algerian people lies in hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons currently provide about 60% of budget revenues and 30% of the GDP for Algeria.[5] In fact, Algeria has on of the top ten largest reserves of natural gas, and has one of the top 20 oil reserves. With this being said, Algeria still struggles in developing a more diversed and well-rounded economy. In all essence, Algeria is still a primitive nation in regards to their economy. Figure one shows the geographical area and boundaries of Algeria.
[pic]
Figure two shows an exact area of the Arabic-speaking population of Algeria, which included most of Algeria’s largest cities.
[pic]
The table below provides very useful information for missionaries when trying to develop a plan for witnessing to people in Algeria, as well as the fact that approximately 70% of the population is literate.[6] Please observe Figure 3 below.

|0-14 years |27.8% |(male 5,318,100/ female 5,072,373) |
|15-64 years |67.2 % |(male 12,743,060/ female 12,363,782) |
|65 years and over |5% |(male 854,036/ female 1,015,875) |

LANGUAGE The primary language of Algeria is Arabic. Approximately 81% of the population speaks Arabic.[7] The only variance lies with the Berber population that was under French rule. This sect of the population continues to speak French. This comes as part of a resistance to the Arab rule, and as a simple draw to the past and the language that they grew up speaking. It would be very beneficial to seek missionaries that speak Arabic when attempting to conduct missionary activities in Algeria. As stated previously, approximately 95% of the Algerian population is Sunni Muslim. This religion is based upon a belief in five major pillars.[8] These pillars are listed below. • There is only one god, Allah, and one prophet, Mohammed. • The individual must pray five times per day in the direction of Mecca. • Alms must be given generously. • The individual must fast during Ramadan, and during the ninth month of the Muslim year. • The individual must make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in his lifetime.
SURVEY OF MISSION WORK It will be very difficult for a missionary to find a fellow Christian in Algeria. It seems that a majority of the Algerian population is untrusting and skeptical of outsiders. This is especially true of those attempting to alter their religious views. To the Algerian population that holds to Muslim beliefs, the work of missionaries and the attempt to spread the gospel of Christ may be viewed as sinister, evil, or terroristic. There is a phobia or fear of Christians attempting to share their faith in this region. In fact, Bin Badis, a famous Algerian scholar, believed that Islam and the Arab language would unite Algerians and assert their indigenous identity whatever their ethnic background.[9] For missionaries in this area there are very high risks associated with sharing their faith. There are many accounts of violence and persecution. According to Joshua Project statistics, less that 10% of Algeria has been exposed to the gospel of Christ.[10] This statistic is very disturbing, but understandable given the outlook of the Algerian people towards the gospel of Christ, and those that wish to spread it. . However, there is hope. Since the early 1980s, God has been at work in Algeria. Specifically, God has been working among the Kabyles in Algeria. There is a story of a missionary that shared the gospel of Christ with a football team. Several of the players accepted Christ as their personal savior, and began sharing their new faith with others among their people. Shockingly, churches began to form in people’s homes. These people kept these churches a secret in fear of persecution of the Muslim population. However, according to one source, the Algerian government has published figures indicating the presence of at least 7,000 Kabyle Christians.[11] The Kaybles have been influential in the spreading of the gospel of Christ, and would serve as a great resource for missionaries wishing to enter Algeria. Kabyles have translated the New Testament into their language, as well as translating the Jesus film. This population has gone so far as to begin translating worship tapes and beginning to translate the entire Bible. This shows that God can work in the most hostile of environments, and that there are those that are hungry for His message.
PROPOSED STRATEGY Developing a missiological strategy is difficult for this region. With heavy Muslim influence in the area, the lack of support for religious freedom by the government, and the cultural and language barriers present a missionary must overcome many obstacles. However, like with the Kaybles God can work in this area.
PERSPECTIVE ONE According to the Joshua Project, Algeria is located in a an area known as the “10/40 Window”. [12] The 10/40 Window is a rectangular-shaped area of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The reason for the name is because this area’s location is 10˚ north and 40 ˚ north latitude. This region is often known as the “Resistance Belt,” and for good reason. This is the area in which Christianity receive the highest level of resistance due to the heavy influence of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. To even increase the difficulty, this area is the least evangelized area of the entire globe. Figure 4 shows a map of this region.
[pic]
If a missionary seeks to be effective in this region must understand the difficulty they are likely to encounter due to many things. First, there are very strong and long-standing religious strongholds in this region. Second, there is a high level of poverty in this region, and some missionaries may be viewed as exploiting this group. Third, there is an extremely high level of illness in this region. Again, missionaries may be viewed as exploiting this group. Because of these challenges as well as the cultural and language differences, the missionary must be highly adaptable and flexible. Time must be invested in these regions. Simply because this area is highly unreached with the Gospel of Christ does not mean that the people in this area are beyond being reached with the Gospel of Christ. It will take time to earn the Algerian people’s trust. Through showing interest in and learning their culture a missionary may be more easily accepted and trust gained. A missionary must be willing to adopt the Algerian way of life. A missionary must be willing to learn the Arabic language, eat what the local people eat, work alongside the people, and abandon the way of life to which they are accustomed. Just as Romans 15:18 tells us, “I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has wrought through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed.”[13]
PERSPECTIVE TWO After reviewing the information we have found regarding Algeria it can be concluded that a mission plan for this area must be long-term. Christians are not trusted, nor is religious freedom a priority of the Algerian government. A mission organization may have an even more difficult time trying to evangelize this area. An organization will have a more difficult time gaining entrance into the country, and their mere numbers and presence may overwhelm or frighten the people. An organization must also plan to stay long –term in order to earn trust, and it may be a good idea to spread the group out so that they do not overwhelm the people. However, a mission organization also has some distinct advantages. The organization may be able to gain more influence with government of the country, in this case Algeria. The organization will have also a have a larger source of assets that will help provide materials for mission activities. Finally, the organization will be ale to rely on each other for mental, emotional, and spiritual support.
PERSPECTIVE THREE Deciding to send a group from church or a group of laborers to this region is a decision that should not be taken lightly. The above mentioned facts and details will discourage many from undertaking the task of ministering to this area. It would be highly reccomeded for a church or labor ogroup to take an intial trip to this area to decide if undertaking a mission project to this area is the best fit for them. There is no doubt that God can and will use whoever is willing. However, a intense and intentional effort must be taken in order to find where God would have the person or group serve. If it is decided that Algeria is where God wants the church or group of laborers to be, then heavy planning and high levels of caution must be undertaken. Much time and work will be required. Since Algeria is a primarily unreached area more work and time will be required than national and other international mission trips.
CONCLUSION
Algeria is a country that desperately needs to hear the gospel of Christ. With less than one percent of the nation being Christian, we as Chrisitans must take notice. I knew very little about Algeria, even less about the spiritual welfare of the country before writing this paper. Since researching the country I have come to develop a passion for sharing the gospel of Christ with the people of this country. If this paper must be summarized, it would be that if we are willing to go anywhere, God can and will use us for His glory. We simply must be willing to listen, to work, and to go!

Bibliography

30 Days of Prayer Network, The Amazing Story of Christianity in Algeria, http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/north-african/algeria-kabyles/

Algerian Review, Religious Conflicts in Algeria (Christianity). http://algerianreview.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/religious-conflicts-in-algeria-christianity/

Altapedia Online, Algeria, http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/algeria.htm

Altapedia Online, Political Map of Algeria, http://www.atlapedia.com/online/maps/political/Nth_Africa_W.htm

Christian Aid Mission, Algeria, http://www.christianaid.org/Interactive_World/countryPages/Algeria.aspx

CIA, The World Factbook: Algeria, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ag.html

Joshua Project, Algerian Arab-Speaking of Algeria, http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=10379&rog3=AG

---------------. What is the 10/40 Window, http://www.joshuaproject.net/10-40-window.php

Moreau, A. Scott, et al. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2004.

Piper, John. A Theology for Missions. September 19, 1987. http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/conference-messages/a-theology-for-missions

Winter, Ralph D. and Steven C. Hawthorne. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader, 4th ed. Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009.

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[1] Joshua Project, Algerian Arab-Speaking of Algeria, http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=10379&rog3=AG

[2] CIA, The World Factbook: Algeria, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ag.html

[3] Ibid.

[4] Altapedia Online, Algeria, http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/algeria.htm

[5] CIA, The World Factbook: Algeria, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ag.html

CIA, The World Factbook: Algeria, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ag.html

[6] Altapedia Online, Algeria, http://www.atlapedia.com/online/countries/algeria.htm

[7] Joshua Project, Algerian Arab-Speaking of Algeria, http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=10379&rog3=AG

[8] Algerian Review, Religious Conflicts in Algeria (Christianity). http://algerianreview.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/religious-conflicts-in-algeria- christianity/

[9] Joshua Project, Algerian Arab-Speaking of Algeria, http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=10379&rog3=AG

[10] 30 Days of Prayer Network, The Amazing Story of Christianity in Algeria, http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/north-african/algeria-kabyles/

[11] Joshua Project, What is the 10/40 Window, http://www.joshuaproject.net/10-40-window.php
[12] Piper, John. A Theology for Missions. September 19, 1987. http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/conference-messages/a-theology-for-missions