Officials in Morocco recently expelled 26 foreign Christians, bringing to approximately 105 the number of Christians who have been deported in recent months. In March, more than 40 foreign Christians were forced to leave the country, reportedly due to Muslim hardliners pressuring the nation's royalty to show "Islamic solidarity." According to Moroccan law, foreigners who have lived in the country for more than 10 years cannot be deported unless they are accused of a crime. They also have the right to appeal the deportation order within 48 hours. Those expelled in recent months, however, were given only hours' notice and were forcibly escorted to the country's exit ports. Very few of the believers were able to appeal. Moroccan officials have cited "proselytism" as the reason for the deportations.
The deported foreigners have had to leave their families, friends and communities behind in Morocco. Many of the deportees were the primary providers for their families. One of the deported said of the experience, "It's devastating, because we have invested years of our lives into our community, business community and charity sectors.... It was like a death in the family -- forcibly ejected from the country without being able to say goodbyes, just like that."
It has also been reported that at least two Moroccan Christians have been beaten in recent days, and that police have brought other believers to police stations daily for psychologically "heavy" interrogations about the activities of foreign and local Christians. (Source: Compass Direct)
Pray for guidance and strength for the deported believers. Ask for God's provision for their loved ones. Pray that many followers of Christ will continue His work in Morocco (Matthew 9:36-38).
To find out more about trials facing Christians in Morocco, click here.
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