After centuries of Ottoman rule, Libya was conquered by Italy in 1912 and occupied by British and French forces during World War II. Libya gained independence from Britain in 1951 and, in 1969, Muammar al-Qadhafi seized power in an atmosphere of animosity toward Western control of the oil industry. Since then, he has single-handedly ruled the country.

Qadhafi is best known around the world for his open hostility toward the West and his sponsorship of terrorist groups. However, because of a failing economy, he has begun to open up to the West, including handing over two men suspected of masterminding the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. More recently, he has paid compensation to relatives of victims of the UTA and La Belle disco bombings. As a result of this and other actions, the U.N. lifted sanctions against Libya in September 2003.  

The growth of militant Islamic groups in Libya has caused concern for Qadhafi, resulting in a broadening of Islamic law to appease these groups. With Qadhafi's strict control of the country, evangelism is difficult and any Christian literature must be smuggled into the country. There are few Libyan believers; almost all Christians (three percent of the population) are foreign workers and their meetings are strictly monitored by the government.

Conversion to Christianity is forbidden. In August 2002, fourteen students from Nassar University were arrested for converting from Islam. It was feared that even if they were released, they could be killed by their families. In October 25, 2002 it was reported that they had been sentenced to death. No further information ever came forward.

• Pray that the changes that have begun in Libya will continue and that freedom will result.
• Pray for Christian ministry opportunities taking place in secret in Libya.
• Pray for those who do convert to Christianity, that they will stand firm, despite the threats of suffering and death.