Underground Churches Help Morocco Earthquake Victims

Hidden Christians have been stepping out into the open these last two weeks to provide aid and share Christ’s love with those wounded, grieving and displaced after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people in Morocco.

In the 99% Muslim nation listed among the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians, converts from Islam come under heavy pressure to renounce their faith. Some have been victims of violent attacks by Islamic extremists. Others face interrogations, beatings or imprisonment. Christians have been arrested and fined just for having a Bible or talking about their faith with a Muslim. In some areas, however, they are allowed to gather quietly in homes for worship under heavy surveillance, as long as they don’t try to convert Muslims.

One such church in Tangier traveled south with supplies for needy villagers in the Atlas Mountains, reports Christianity Today.* But when they encountered roadblocks only allowing family members to enter, the believers proceeded to Marrakesh, where they ministered to masses camping out on the streets in fear of further aftershocks.

Such journeys on high mountain roads damaged by the earthquake are dangerous, as a Christian from Casablanca discovered. On her way to help those in need, she watched drivers plunge to their death. Upon arrival at her destination, further death met her with the pungent odor of decomposing bodies trapped under rubble. Desiring to “have a positive impact” and “show the world who Jesus is,” she now works until 2 a.m. daily helping earthquake victims.

Believers in Agadir, southwest of the epicenter, have been “pleasantly” sharing the message of salvation as they visit hospitals and distribute food, clothing and medicine to displaced families.

Because Morocco only recognizes Islam and Judaism, local Moroccan churches cannot register, so they also cannot officially do relief work. But dozens of underground congregations have joined with the relief efforts of Christian agencies from abroad. Through those legal distribution centers, they can share God’s love with fellow Moroccans in their own language as they pass out food, clothing, medicine and tents for displaced families. International congregations in Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh have also joined in aiding earthquake victims.

*See Jason Casper’s September 15 CT article.

Lord, thank You for answering our prayers and opening the way for Christians to share Your love in the midst of such a terrible tragedy. We thank You especially for using so many Moroccan believers to speak Your good news in their own language with those who have never heard before. Wrap Your arms around the lost and comfort them in their grief like only You can. Meet them in dreams and visions, showing them who You are and inviting them into Your Kingdom. When they cry out to You, hear them, O God, and save them. We ask You for miracles, as Christians walk among the hurting, sharing with them Your love. Heal the sick. Make the blind see and the lame walk. Feed the hungry, provide shelter for those without. Push through the darkness with Your light, awakening every heart to You. Provide Christian counselors to help those who have been traumatized find their way into Your safe, loving arms. When they speak Truth, resound it in every Muslim heart, drawing those who have longed for the more to find You are the One they’ve been longing for. So many have lost businesses, homes and loved ones. O God, please have mercy. Reach into every family and heart and SPEAK in such a way that they HEAR You and respond. For only You can carry them through this time of great hardship. Only You can provide for their eternal future. Open wide every heart to seek Truth and find You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen. 

Please join us for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday, November 5, 2023, as we pray for our brothers and sisters who are in danger, and for their persecutors to be saved.

Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:

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