The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet. This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia). Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders. This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:

 

ALGIERS, ALGERIA

Algiers is the capital and largest city in Algeria. Known for its picturesque views of the Mediterranean and its whitewashed buildings, Algiers is one of the most influential cities in all of North Africa. Over 4 million people live in metropolitan Algiers and the cost of living is one of the highest in all of Africa. Within the city, is an interesting mixture of Arabs and Berbers, with Arabic, Berber, and French being the primary languages spoken.

Until 1962, Algeria was under French rule. Since their independence, there have been several civil wars throughout the country. The ethnic distribution of the city of Algiers is 53% from an Arabic speaking background (mostly Arabized Berbers), 44% from a Berber speaking background, and 3% foreign born. This diversity has resulted in some conflicts throughout the country. Nonetheless, with a country population of over 35 million, Algeria is a very strategic city within the 10/40 window and across North Africa and the Middle East.

Best estimates suggest that there are several hundred believers in the city of Algiers between the Arab and Berber population. With that said, there are over 24 million Algerian Arabs and very few believers among them. Algeria is over 97% Muslim. The church does exist among some of the Berber people groups in the country, but among the Algerian Arabs, the church for the most part does not exist. In 2006, the government passed a law that forbids any Christian evangelism efforts. As a result, there are few workers and few believers among the 24 million Algerian Arabs.

Pray for the millions of lost people in Algiers and throughout Algeria. Christians are persecuted. The workers are few. The need is great. Pray for the gospel to spread in Algiers and for the church to be established and multiply among the 24 million Algerian Arabs.

Facts:

• Many people in Algiers can speak Berber, Arabic, and French.


• Algiers is home to the largest port in Northwest Africa.


• 80-90% of the country of Algeria is covered by the Sahara desert


• Algeria has the highest cost of living in all of N. Africa.


• During WWII Algiers was the base for Charles de Gaulle’s French Army as well as the headquarters of British and American war planners.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for more witnesses among the people in Algeria.


• Pray for the believers among the Kabylia Berbers.


• Pray for the believers to be bold in sharing their faith.


• Pray for the Berber church to reach out to their Arab neighbors.


• Pray for the persecuted believers in Algeria