Libya
Overview
Libya has remained unstable and chaotic since the revolution and overthrow of its dictator in 2011. Three opposing governments vie for control, and the conflicts have severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and made gospel work in the country extremely difficult. Many missionaries and indigenous believers have been killed in recent years, and evangelical work in the country is ruthlessly opposed.
Major Religions
97 percent of Libyans are Sunni Muslims. 2 percent are Christians, including very few evangelicals.
Persecutor
Extremist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood and the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS), operate throughout the country. Friends and family also severely persecute converts.
What it Means to Follow Christ
Life is difficult in Libya, and the difficulties are compounded for Christians and especially Christian converts from Islam. There are few believers in Libya, and it is extremely difficult for them to practice their faith openly. Christians are rejected by their Muslim families and friends. They are beaten, lose families and jobs, and are sometimes killed. It is unknown whether any Christians are imprisoned in Libya, but it is considered likely.
Access to Bibles
Access to Bibles is severely restricted; they are brought into the country with extreme difficulty and risk.
Christians in Libya take great risks just to own a Bible, including digital formats used on smartphones and computers.
VOM Work
VOM supports an online church that allows believers to gather for fellowship and teaching from the safety of their homes. We also support several evangelists and church planters.