Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit Ireland and Northern Ireland next week, and security is being stepped up. Concerns have been raised that Irish Islamic extremists may try to target the visit. In addition to the risk from dissident republicans, Gardai (Irish police) are monitoring a number of radicalised individuals who they fear may attempt to disrupt the trip. Among suspects under surveillance is Irishman Khalid Kelly, who converted to Islam in 2000 while imprisoned in Saudi Arabia and is thought to have recently worked as a nurse in Syria before returning to Ireland. Mr Kelly knew Michael Adebolajo, the man who brutally killed British soldier Lee Rigby. Speaking at a mosque in Cavan, Mr Kelly said that Gardai were monitoring him ahead of Prince Charles’s visit.

The Church in North Africa is growing, most notably in Algeria. Mustapha Krim, pastor and former president of the Protestant Church of Algeria, reports, ‘The Church started out very small. In the beginning we saw very little growth, but then the growth became like a rolling snowball, growing bigger and bigger. Now, there are zeros at the end of the growth numbers.’ He said growth followed the 1990’s persecution. Then Christian radio broadcasts and screening the Jesus film started. ‘The media is the most important tool for bringing people to Christ. I give thanks to the Lord because every day new people are saved. People in the north are less opposed to Christians than in the south. Even in our part of the country, people sometimes call me to insult me. That is part of being Christian. But even when we are mistreated or insulted we end up winning the confidence and respect of the people.’

As darkness fell in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a ‘woman of the night’, wandering aimlessly, noticed a large crowd forming on the outskirts of the city and went to investigate. People were slowly filling up an empty field where a large, white screen had been erected. 'What is this all about?' she wondered. There seemed to be a buzz of excitement and anticipation in the air. She knew she should begin looking for her next customer, but something was drawing her to stay. She lingered a few more minutes, then sat down among the crowd. A movie began that was like no other she had seen: the JESUS Film. She learned about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and that he reached out with healing hands to the last, the least, and the lost. On bended knee, she wept over her sins. When the invitation was given, she stood up to receive Jesus as her Saviour and Lord.

The Church in North Africa is growing, most notably in Algeria. Mustapha Krim, pastor and former president of the Protestant Church of Algeria, reports, ‘The Church started out very small. In the beginning we saw very little growth, but then the growth became like a rolling snowball, growing bigger and bigger. Now, there are zeros at the end of the growth numbers.’ He said growth followed the 1990’s persecution. Then Christian radio broadcasts and screening the Jesus film started. ‘The media is the most important tool for bringing people to Christ. I give thanks to the Lord because every day new people are saved. People in the north are less opposed to Christians than in the south. Even in our part of the country, people sometimes call me to insult me. That is part of being Christian. But even when we are mistreated or insulted we end up winning the confidence and respect of the people.’