Algerian Christians are rejoicing over the release of Hamid Soudad, a Christian convert who was sentenced in March 2021 to five years in prison for blasphemy (read more). Hamid was among the 8,500-plus prisoners who were released or had their sentences decreased as part of the Algerian Independence Day celebrations on July 5th.
Married with four young children, Hamid has been a believer since 2001. In 2018, he shared a caricature of the Islamic prophet Muhammad on social media, which resulted in his arrest. For more about the persecution of Christians in Algeria, go to our country report.
Praise God that this believer has been pardoned and, as a result, is now happily reunited with his young family! Pray that Hamid will fully recover from the ordeal, so he can transition well to life beyond the confinement of prison walls. Throughout the process, may the Lord minister in wonderful ways to Hamid and his family, providing them great peace, healing from the trauma of his imprisonment, and guidance as they anticipate a brighter future. Continue to prayerfully uphold this North African nation, praying that our Algerian Christian brothers and sisters will be granted freedom to worship God and share their faith without the threat of charges or imprisonment.
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