Arab, Libyan in United States

Introduction / History

Most Libyans in the US are refugees from when Muammar Gaddafi was killed and his regime ended in 2011. Anyone suspected of supporting the old regime was suspect; they faced torture or death at the hands of those who support the new regime. Next, the country divided into two, and there was civil war. The violence has not ended, so some Libyans have fled to the US and other Western nations.

Where Are they Located?

Most North Africans in the US live in the urban centers of California, Texas, or New York. There are some in Washington DC.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There has not been a gospel witness in Libya for centuries. Those who have arrived from Libya since 2011 are still in that "sweet zone" when they are still open to spiritual change. This is the time to reach out to them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A good percentage of Arabs who flee the Arabic-speaking countries are Christians. But there are almost no Christians in Libya. Libyan Arabs are Sunni Muslims, though not all of them practice Islam. Some are more devout than others.

What Are Their Needs?

Those who follow Christ could see him glorified among Libyan Arab Muslims by helping them develop useful job skills for America's urban setting. Many will also need help in becoming proficient in English. There is religious freedom in the US, so Libyan Arabs have a much better chance of hearing about Christ than they would in their own country. Someone needs to go to them!

Prayer Points

Pray for Libyan Arabs to find ways to use the Internet to access Bibles, the JESUS Film, and other materials.
Pray for a Christ-ward movement among Libyan Arabs to begin in North America and spread to Libya.
Pray for believers in the US to help Libyan Arabs develop the language and job skills that they need.

Text Source:   Keith Carey