Feature: Kabyle Berbers find Christ by watching TV
For the last 10 years Christian broadcaster Arab Vision has seen many viewers respond to their television programmes – none more so than the Kabyle Berbers in the North-Eastern coastal region of Algeria.
A Kabyle policeman came to Christ through the programmes, now his father, his wife and his two
sisters are sharing the same faith after he witnessed to them.
He explained in a phone call: “In the beginning, I was anxious and fearful that this faith may cause me more harm than good, especially in relation to my work. However, the Lord Jesus not only comforted me in my faith, but led me in an unusual way to meet other colleagues in the police corps who are also Christians. We now even pray together.”
The number of Christians among the Kabyle is growing, with a minimum estimate of 10,000 converts representing both large mainstream and secret 'house group' churches.
“The figure could well be four times that. We are not sure,” says Arab Vision’s North Africa Director. “But what we are sure about is that the response among the Kabyle to the Gospel is uniquely encouraging for this region.
“Many tell us about dreams and visions they’ve had, confirming the truth about Jesus. The Kabyle believers are also actively involved in evangelism.”
The three Kabyle presenters, who have been involved in the most recent TV production with Arab Vision, have the burden and passion for sharing Christ with their people.
In a recent series entitled Questions & Answers recorded last month, the presenters read out questions sent in by the Kabyle viewers and responded to them in their own language.
The language is a critical factor. The Kabyle, though living in the Arab World, do not like communicating in Arabic. The regional history and politics have shaped a strong repulsion in their hearts of being associated and ruled by Arabs – sentiments which are similarly shared by the Kurds, for example.
Arab Vision’s commitment has always been to communicate the Gospel in the ‘heart language’ of the viewer and in a manner that respects his or her community and culture.
Another series, recorded earlier this year, covered stories and teaching of the Old Testament. This coincides with the ongoing translation of the Old Testament to the Kabyle language (the New Testament is already available).
The TV series and Bible translation are jointly providing the essential teachings for today’s Kabyle Church to survive and grow, in the face of opposition and persecution.
“The level of persecution may not be as high as in other areas of the Arab World,” reports the Director, “but the recent Algerian law against proselytising can make life quite difficult for these new Christians. Five Algerians are currently being prosecuted for witnessing to their faith.”
Arab Vision will continue to produce more programmes to reach out to the five million Kabyle and encourage the local churches. There are hopes to produce more specialised broadcasts for women, children and youth in the future.
And beyond that, Arab Vision aims to support the development of a production team and studio in the Kabyle region itself and make programmes produced by local Christians in their own language.
Today, Kabyle lives are being changed. A widow, who recently lost her three sons in a car accident, was blaming God for her sad situation. One day, she happened to watch the TV programmes, and gradually became convinced that Jesus is the Truth.
God healed her miraculously from a health problem in the process, and she now testifies: “I believe I am restored to a true life; I know I will still miss my sons, but I have a hope to live in peace with God through Jesus Christ. And the zeal of Jesus drives me to witness about him to others with tears of joy …”
