You can listen to Aseel's first interview with us here.
Shownotes:
Persecution Hotspot: Libya
(0:55-2:06) Historical background of Libya:
- Muslim conquest in 7th century
- Large Christian conversions during the Crusades (around 1000 AD)
- Italian rule in 20th century with small Catholic community
(2:06-4:22) The Gaddafi Era:
- Gaddafi's Islamic socialism and suppression of religious minorities
- Vision for African unity under Islamic flag
- Immigration of Sub-Saharan Africans to Libya
- Use of Sub-Saharan Africans in security forces
(4:22-5:52) Current State of Libya:
- No unified government since 2011
- Two rival governments (Tripoli and Benghazi)
- Armed militias in control
- 97% Muslim population
- Islamic law enforcement and death penalty for leaving Islam
From the Frontlines: Interview with Aseel in Libya
(6:13-7:42) Introduction to Aseel
(7:42-10:52) Post-Gaddafi Impact on Sub-Saharan Africans:
- Organ harvesting and human trafficking
- Muslim Brotherhood influence
- Treatment of Sub-Saharans as slaves
- Militia control and lawlessness
(10:52-12:36) Religious and Racial Persecution:
- All non-Libyans assumed to be Christian
- Fear of Christian influence on families
- Systematic attacks and restrictions on faith
(12:36-18:19) Current Persecution Methods:
- Children encouraged to attack Sub-Saharans
- Arbitrary arrests and imprisonment
- Hospital patients taken to prison after giving birth
- Forced conversions and evictions
- Embassy restrictions and diplomatic immunity ignored
(18:49-23:49) Examples of persecution:
- Militia raid on Christian family
- Severe beatings with pipes and shovels
- Ear removal and head injuries
- Mock execution with machine guns
- Workers kidnapped
(23:49-27:41) Aseel's Personal Experience:
- Daily prayer for protection
- Constant threat from neighbors, landlords, taxi drivers
- Bold witness despite discrimination
- Housing and business discrimination
(27:41-29:20) Prayer Requests:
- Strength for ministry
- Revelation of truth to persecutors
- Protection and sustenance for field workers
- Maintaining faith despite trials
(29:20-31:57) Closing Prayer for Aseel and the work in Libya
Questions from Listeners
(32:05-35:49) Questions from Listeners:
- How field ministers stay safe in dangerous places
- Miraculous protection vs. wisdom and caution
- Balancing boldness with prudence in evangelism
(35:49-38:07) Bible Verses on Persecution:
- Focus on Revelation 6:9 regarding martyrs
- Hope for divine justice and restoration
- Gospel advancement despite persecution
(38:07-38:15) Closing and contact information
Key Themes
- Historical context of Christian persecution in Libya
- Intersection of racial and religious persecution
- Systematic oppression of Sub-Saharan Africans
- Courage and faith under extreme persecution
- Hope for gospel advancement despite suffering
Connect with Us:
- Submit questions: podcast@htp.org
- Support persecuted believers through Help The Persecuted: htp.org/donate
Note: Names and some details have been changed to protect the safety of those still in Iran.