There are still daunting challenges ahead as the rebels try to build a Libyan state from the ground up. Wayne Pederson with HCJB Global says, "The concern of many of us that have been doing ministry in that part of the world is: 'What's next?' And, 'Could it be that something worse than Gadhafi could follow?'"
The system that governed the people had few checks and balances, which brings more challenges for solidifying unity among the tribes. Without unity, there is little hope for democratic change.
Pederson explains the perspective of the ministry and their partners at this stage of the country's rebuild. "Our hope and prayer would be that there would be a democracy created and that there would be freedom of religion and an end to the persecution of believers. There's a very, very tiny church in Libya. A friend from Libya told me there's about 4500 believers that he knows of, in all of the country."
Because Gadhafi crushed any civil society groups from forming, there's not much in the way of a transitional government root. Without leadership, there is a power vacuum forming. "What is it that's going to take its place. There's so much tribalism that the big question is: 'What tribe? What faction is going to rise to power, and what's their influence going to be over the freedom of followers of Jesus to practice their faith?'"
There's good reason for concern. A similar situation in Egypt was revealed during the "Arab Spring." Pederson says, "After Mubarak, there's even more persecution and limitations on the Christians--in particularly among the Coptics." He adds that already, "There's been more overt persecution and threats of violence against Christians. So, we don't know if this is going to make it better for believers. In some cases, it may make it worse."
And yet, there's hope. Libya's people want change. "By and large, I think you would find that followers of Islam arguably want to achieve peace, and they're looking for hope; they're seeking love." Pederson goes on to say that a common ground opens many doors of opportunity. "We are finding with our ministry and the ministries of others that are operating in that region that people are interested in Jesus as a prophet and as a great teacher, and they are intrigued by the concept that He might be the Savior of the world, the Son of God."
Libya ranks 25th on the Open Doors World Watch list of the top countries known for the persecution of Christians. Their history with believers has been a bloody one. Unfortunately, that's a trend likely to continue. "We've seen increased persecution of believers, because as the church has grown, authorities see the growth, and so they've stepped up opposition to stem the tide of Christianity."
In the drive for freedom, there is a yearning for something that frees the soul. Pederson says, "That's our task: to present Jesus in fullness, not only as a great prophet and a great teacher, but as the Son of God, the Savior of the World."
HCJB radio teams have responded by redoubling their efforts. HCJB Global added more broadcasts, more broadcast hours and more satellite coverage in order to reach more people with the Gospel. Pederson sums it up this way: "We feel that this is not the time to retreat."
An enthusiastic--albeit quiet--response provides the encouragement to keep going. Besides, Pederson says, the "bang" for the buck is huge in this region. "We know that we can reach over a million households in that part of the world with our budget of about a million dollars. It's still true that a dollar can reach a household for a year through media in that part of the world."
You can be a part of the equation for change in Libya, even as a new government forms. Pray for the freedom to follow Christ, but also pray for opportunities and open hearts.
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