In this week's Prisoners of Hope episode, Joshua Youssef interviews Bassem, who leads Help The Persecuted's work in Morocco, and two other persecuted Christians who have found dignity and independence through our Enduring Livelihood Minsitry. He shares how converts from Islam face complete rejection—losing family, jobs, and safety nets—while secret police maintain constant surveillance and neighbors gossip about their faith.
Despite these pressures, Bassem reveals how safe houses shelter those on the run, Muslims are coming to faith in Christ, and new businesses like Abdu and Ibrahim's electronics shop create employment for young believers who have lost everything because of their faith.
Shownotes:
(0:57-4:06) Historical Background:
- North Africa was largely Christian before 7th century
- Islam swept through and destroyed churches after 7th century
- French protectorate period (1912-1956) with European churches
- Christianity seen as colonial religion
- Current constitutional monarchy with king as "Commander of the Faithful"
- 99% Sunni Muslim population
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs monitors all religious activity
- Evangelizing Muslims prohibited
- Secret worship in home churches
- Family persecution, disinheritance, divorce common
- Employment loss for converts
(6:04-8:00) Bassam's Journey to Faith:
- Found contradictions in Islam at university
- Period of atheism before discovering the Bible
- Pastor corrected prejudices and false thoughts
- Began translating Jesus Film
- Family rejection - mother still pressuring return to Islam
- Neighbors gossip but show respect to his face
- Uses personal persecution experience to encourage others
- Created during COVID-19 lockdown
- "Our Hope" - evangelistic and theological articles
- Connects seekers to local church leaders
- Provides follow-up and discipleship
- Safe houses for those kicked out of homes
- Training center for language and job skills
- "Teaching to fish" philosophy - dignity through work
(24:17-27:03) Brother Abdu's Testimony:
- Muslim by birth in Islamic country
- Found contradictions in society and faith
- Met Moroccan Christians who answered questions
- Now serves the church
- Started with family members, then neighbors
- Secret police surveillance
- Cannot work for government
- Higher taxes than neighbors
- No family relationships or inheritance
- No safety net - no welfare or unemployment benefits
- Electronics shop - cameras, computers, security systems
- Training young people in technology skills
- Safe meeting space for church activities
- Vision to become self-sustaining
- Morocco's Christian heritage
- Prayer to restore Christian inheritance in North Africa
- "We are in the field of God"
- 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.