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Devastating floods in Libya have exposed previously hidden archaeological structures in an ancient Greek city near Derna, prompting calls for preservation and restoration efforts.

The recent catastrophic floods that wreaked havoc across Libya have unexpectedly unveiled previously unknown structures at an ancient Greek city near Derna, posing a unique challenge for archaeologists and local authorities.

Libyan authorities, who arrived to assess the damage and salvage any historical remnants in the ancient city of Cyrene, stumbled upon structures that had lain hidden for centuries beneath layers of earth and debris.

Dr. Ahmed Issa from the Department of Archeology at Omar Al-Mukhtar University said that a national committee consisting of experts should be formed to classify the new archaeological monuments and develop a plan to restore the area.

Cyrene, founded in 631 BC by Greek settlers, stands as a testament to the rich history of the region.

Flourishing during the fourth century BC, Cyrene became a hub of agricultural and commercial activity, and several Greek baths, the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Apollo are among its notable landmarks.

The catastrophic floods that swept through Libya have had dire consequences, leading to the loss of thousands of lives, the destruction of residential buildings, and the obliteration of critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, particularly in the city of Derna.

The toll continues to rise, with more than 11,000 reported fatalities and over 10,000 people still missing more than a week after the calamity, according to both the Libyan Red Crescent and the United Nations.

Check out the video above for a closer look at the newly discovered structures inCyrene, Libya.

Video editor Theo Farrant

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Libya floods reveal forgotten structures in ancient Greek city - Euronews

What does life look like in northeast Libya after catastrophic flooding killed thousands of people?

Find out for yourself with this weekly view from a photographer on the ground in Derna, a city that lost entire families and neighbourhoods when two dams burst after a storm tore through the northeast mid-September.

While official estimates of the dead sit at more than 4,200, other numbers are much higher, and thousands remain missing.

Check back to see weekly photos, and to listen to photographer Mohamed Nabil explain why they matter to him, as long after other cameras have moved on The New Humanitarian looks to keep the spotlight on northeast Libya.

Photographer Mohamed Nabil explores the aftermath of the floods in his home city of Derna, capturing rescue workers, ambulances, protests, and messages of unity that have emerged in the wake of the disaster.

Edited by Ciara Lee and Annie Slemrod.

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A Libyan photographer captures life after the floods - The New Humanitarian

The Mediterranean remains a perilous route for a swelling number of migrants and asylum seekers trying to reach Europe, Security Council members said today, as they discussed the situation in the high seas off Libya ahead of a decision to renew resolution 2240 (2015), which authorizes States and regional groups to inspect and seize vessels in that area suspected of being used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking.

Ruven Menikdiwela, Director of the New York Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that while nearly 50,000 refugees and asylum seekers are registered with the refugee agency in Libya, it is not authorized to access the disembarkation points. As such, many detained refugees are escorted to border areas and expelled to neighbouring countries, mainly Egypt, without procedural safeguards. Libya is not a place of safety for the purposes of disembarkation, following rescue at sea, she stressed, underscoring that any cooperation or assistance provided to Tripoli should uphold the human rights of refugees and migrants.

Pr Liljert, Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office to the United Nations, reporting that 2,093 deaths were recorded along the central Mediterranean route between January and September, expressed concern over the rise of discrimination and xenophobia directed at migrants and refugees. Noting that more and more people may embark on perilous journeys due to conflict, disasters and environmental degradation, he urged all States to ensure the dignity of those within their borders through a human rights-based approach that prioritizes lives.

In the ensuing debate, several Council members expressed concerns about abuses of migrants and refugees in Libya. Some called for a more holistic approach to tackle the drivers of irregular migration and prioritizing assistance, underscoring the importance of Libyas stabilization to strengthen, while others spotlighted the rescue efforts of the European Unions Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI.

The Russian Federations representative said that his delegation requested the meeting following the information that 3,111 people died in the Mediterranean, while trying to reach Europe. Tragedies such as the one on 14 June off the coast of Greece, in which 78 people died, demonstrate that the mechanism provided for in resolution 2240 (2015) is not functioning or is ineffective, he added.He questioned whether his European colleagues support investigations into the failure of European border services to aid migrants in distress, and what measures are being undertaken within the Operation IRINI framework.

Mozambiques representative, also speaking for Ghana and Gabon, said that more must be done to address conflict, terrorism, poverty and climate change factors that have led to the worrisome scenario being seen today.Strongly condemning the arbitrary detention of asylum seekers and refugees in Libya, he called on the national authorities to ensure that migrants are protected from human rights violations. The stabilization of Libya would allow to strengthen control over its territory and reduce the Mediterranean migrant crisis, he said.

Maltas representative, emphasizing that the Mediterranean remains a perilous migratory route, said that resolution 2240 (2015) and its renewals reaffirm the Councils determination to combat the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons off the Libyan coast. Reiterating Maltas commitment to save lives and respond to displacement crises, she said that the Council should address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement through a comprehensive and integrated approach.

Frances representative said that establishing a Libyan State is theonly way to end trafficking. He called for more intensive cooperation among States to prevent dramas such as the ones unfolding in the Mediterranean. Council members must help counter insecurity, he added, noting that the Wagner Groups presence in the Sahel fuels terrorism and leads to displacement.

MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

Briefings

RUVEN MENIKDIWELA, Director of the New York Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reported that between January and August, more than 102,000 refugees and migrants attempted to cross the central Mediterranean from Tunisia to Europe, up 260percent compared to 2022. More than 45,000 made the same journey from Libya. Some 31,000 people were rescued at sea or intercepted and disembarked in Tunisia and another 10,600 in Libya. Departures from Algeria remain limited with almost 4,700 arrivals in Spain until August, an increase of 18percent compared to 2022. In total, 186,000 people arrived from January to 24 September by sea in Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta, with more than 130,000 people arriving in Italy. This constitutes an increase of 83percent compared to the same period in 2022. Moreover, as of September 24, more than 2,500 people were accounted as dead or missing, a two-thirds increase from the same period in 2022. Lives are also lost on land, away from public attention, she said, adding that the journey across Africa to coastal points of departure remains one of the worlds most dangerous. High departure rates in Tunisia result from the perception of insecurity among refugee communities, following incidents of racially-motivated attacks and hate speech, as well as collective expulsions from Libya and Algeria, she said.

In Libya, nearly 50,000 refugees and asylum seekers are registered with UNHCR, she continued, noting that the refugee agency is not authorized to access the disembarkation points controlled by entities involved in interception and rescue at sea. Many detained refugees are escorted from Libya to border areas and expelled to neighbouring countries, mainly Egypt, without procedural safeguards. Libya is not a place of safety for the purposes of disembarkation, following rescue at sea. Turning to the simultaneous arrival of large numbers of people on Lampedusa, and noting its limited reception capacities, she said that UNHCR supports the authorities in decongesting the island. Italy cannot be left on its own in responding to the needs of the arrivals, she said, calling for a regional disembarkation and redistribution mechanism for people who arrive by sea. The challenges of mixed movements of refugees and migrants require a panoramic view of population movements, stressing the need for establishing proper, legal, substantive migration pathways, she said.

She went on to set out several urgent recommendations, including human rights safeguards, increased search and rescue at sea, the prosecution of smugglers and traffickers, and resettlement and complementary pathways. Elaborating, she said that any cooperation or assistance provided to Libya or Tunisia should uphold the human rights of refugees and migrants. All States around the Mediterranean must urgently step up search and rescue efforts and implement effective and predictable disembarkation mechanisms. States must also cooperate on a route-based approach to investigate and prosecute smugglers. Finally, UNHCR urges all States to invest more in development and inclusion in countries of asylum and transit, as well as to remove barriers to family reunification and to expand resettlement quotas for refugees from Libya and other countries in North Africa, she said.

PR LILJERT, Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office to the United Nations, citing recent IOM data, said that between January and September, more than 187,000 people crossed the Mediterranean in pursuit of a better future and the promise of safety.Tragically, during the same period, IOM recorded 2,093 deaths along the central Mediterranean route. While significant attention is dedicated to deaths at sea, the stories shared by migrants suggest that several tragedies may be going unnoticed, especially during the crossing of the Sahara Desert. Although the central Mediterranean is the most dangerous route, Greece has seen a 300percent increase in arrivals this year, while entries into Italy have numbered 130,000 compared to 70,000 in 2022.

The impact of the conflict in Sudan is visible in the demography of those who arrive in Europe via the central Mediterranean route, he said. In August, 1,294 Sudanese transited through Tunisia, while crossings from Libya into Tunisia also increased. Expressing concern that discrimination and xenophobia directed at migrants and refugees are on the rise, he urged all States to ensure the dignity of those within their borders through a human rights-based approach that prioritizes lives. He added that IOM is also concerned about refugees and migrants who are intercepted at sea and sent back to face appalling conditions and abuse in detention centres. There were 10,992 such cases as of mid-September, he said.

As the world is experiencing higher rates of conflict, disasters and environmental degradation than at any time in the past three decades, compounded by glaring inequalities and increased poverty, we can expect more and more people to embark on perilous journeys, he said. In this context, IOM recommends that the international community find ways to foster regular migration; enhance regular pathways for migrants who do not qualify for refugee status; ensure that the rights of those in irregular situations are respected; support national and regional efforts to prevent and resolve forced displacements; and increase search and rescue operations and capabilities. We must recognize that solutions to irregular migration cannot solely rely on preventing departures, but also on ensuring that we are effectively addressing the various drivers of migration in countries of origin, transit and, oftentimes, in countries of initial destination, he added.

Statements

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation) noted that he requested todays meeting after reading the latest Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 2652 (2022) (document S/2023/640), which showed that 3,111 people died in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe, an increase of 77percent from 2022: This is a very sordid picture. Tragedies such as the one on 14 June off the coast of Greece, in which 78 people died, demonstrate that the mechanism provided for in resolution 2240 (2015) is not functioning or is ineffective, he said, adding: Why is this resolution needed if the European Union is unable to properly carry out the functions placed on it on its own request? Recalling a remark by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy that everything must be done to protect a blossoming garden from guests from the jungle, he questioned whether his European colleagues support investigations into the failure of European border services to aid migrants in distress, and what measures are being undertaken within the OperationIRINI framework. The rights of refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons must be protected, he said, adding that the European Union does not extend the solidarity it shows to Ukrainian migrants to those migrating from North Africa and the Middle East.

PEDRO COMISSRIO AFONSO (Mozambique), also speaking for Ghana and Gabon, called the central Mediterranean the deadliest route for refugees and migrants. States must prioritize assistance, search and rescue efforts, and protection and humanitarian support, and rescued migrants must be assigned a safe port of disembarkation and be treated with dignity regardless of their origins, religion, age or status. Greater efforts are also needed to address conflict, terrorism, poverty and climate change factors that lead to the worrisome scenario being seen today.The flux of migrants through Libya has led to the creation of smuggling and trafficking networks in that country, he added, highlighting that the Global Compact on Migration and Global Compact on Refugees remain essential to improve migration governance and give better access to protection, assistance and justice for survivors. Equally important is the need for strengthening regional initiatives, including the African Unions Migration Policy Framework for Africa and the United Nations-African Union-European Union Task Force on migration.

Close cooperation with other countries and agencies has led to the recent arrest and extradition of two key suspects of crimes against migrants and refugees from Ethiopia to the Netherlands and Italy, respectively, he continued. Strongly condemning the arbitrary detention of asylum seekers and refugees in Libya, he called on the national authorities to ensure that migrants are protected from human rights violations. He also echoed the Secretary-Generals call for alternatives to detentions to manage migration, in line with international law. He went on to call for the Libyan authorities to show a renewed commitment, with the support of the Council and international community, to stabilize the country as soon as possible. The stabilization of Libya would allow to strengthen control over its territory, dismantle the smuggling and human trafficking networks and reduce the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean Sea, he said.

DAI BING (China), spotlighting relief supplies and financial assistance provided by China to Libya following the storm that impacted the country, stated that the situation of migrants in Libya requires in-depth study to glean solutions and root causes. Some European Union countries have blamed others under the theme of human rights while at the same time shirking their responsibilities to ensure protection of migrants, thereby participating in severe human rights abuses. Fundamental rights must be upheld, he emphasized. Noting the role of poverty, social unrest and armed conflict as drivers of illegal migration in the high seas by Libya, he said: Who would drift from place to place and undertake perilous journeys, unless their homes had not been destroyed and their survival hard to ensure? In this context, he called for European Union countries to do more to address the root causes of irregular migration, including by helping develop economies and delivering overseas development assistance.

ROBERT A. WOOD (United States) said that Europe and the United States share many challenges related to irregular migration, as well as responsibility for managing migration on their borders. Prioritizing access to international protection and humane border management measures is essential to address forced displacement and irregular migration, he said, highlighting regional and multilateral approaches to that end. He commended the European Union for rescuing refugees and migrants on the high seas off Libyas coast through its IRINI naval force operation, adding that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the use of vessels to smuggle migrants and engage in human trafficking. Operation IRINI is a key component to alleviating human tragedy at sea, as it puts the primary focus on the human rights of migrants. This challenge is bigger than just Operation IRINI, he emphasized, and the international community can do more to help vulnerable migrants.

ANDRS EFREN MONTALVO SOSA (Ecuador) said that his countrys long tradition of humanitarian protection has made it a regional and a worldwide reference, with the highest numbers of requests for refugee status in Latin America. To date, it has registered hundreds of thousands of people of 88 nationalities who need international protection, of which more than 75,000 were recognized as refugees. In addition, Ecuador has experienced all facets of the migratory phenomenon, be it country of origin, destination, return or refuge. As such, it has sought to promote safe, orderly, regular and responsible migration and to combat networks of trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Risky migration through different routes is a danger that exposes people to sexual violence, torture, slavery and other conditions of exploitation both during transit and at destination. Migrants and asylum seekers need to be treated with dignity, he said, urging States to put into place mechanisms for disembarkation on risky maritime routes.

VANESSA FRAZIER (Malta), emphasizing that the Mediterranean remains a perilous migratory route, said that her country is committed to saving lives and to the effective management of mass migration, in line with international law. Resolution 2240 (2015) and its renewals reaffirmed the Councils determination to combat the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons off the Libyan coast. Most often, the journeys of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants are facilitated by human traffickers and smugglers, she said, adding that the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI has helped to counter this phenomenon. Calling for further capacity-building measures, she reiterated Maltas commitment to save lives and respond to displacement crises. For its part, the Council should address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement through a comprehensive and integrated approach, she added.

ADRIAN DOMINIK HAURI (Switzerland) said that while IOM has recorded 21,105 missing migrants since 2014, there are many more who have not been counted. We need to combat trafficking and exploitation of migrants, he said, adding that Switzerland works to improve the protection and sustainable integration of refugees, displaced persons and migrants in their first host region and along migratory routes. For its part, the international community must tackle the root causes of forced displacement caused by armed conflicts and the consequences of climate change. To this end, he added, the Council should enhance crisis prevention and protection of civilian populations. Strong partnerships are also crucial, he said, adding that Switzerland remains committed to improving the search for missing persons and restoring family ties. The Global Refugee Forum, to be held in Geneva in December, is an excellent opportunity to strengthen cooperation, announce new multi-stakeholder commitments and exchange best practices, he added.

NICOLAS DE RIVIRE (France), stating that France has welcomed 700,000 forcibly displaced persons, making it the third country of such refuge in the European Union, pointed out that among them were Ukrainian refugees who fled the Russian Federations war of aggression.That conflict has forcibly displaced more than 11million people, including 6.3million refugees, he added.France contributed 93million to the UNHCR budget, while the European Union member States contribute more than 1.5billion, which represents respectively 50 times and 750 times the contribution of the Russian Federation, which does not respond to humanitarian crises. France is committed to establishing a Libyan State the only way to end trafficking, he said, calling for more intensive cooperation among States to prevent dramas such as the ones unfolding in the Mediterranean. Council members must help counter insecurity, he added, noting that the Wagner Groups presence in the Sahel fuels terrorism and leads to displacement.

THOMAS PATRICK PHIPPS (United Kingdom) said that Libya is a complex operating environment for tackling migration and human smuggling. Recognizing the efforts of France and Malta in drafting the renewal of the Council resolution 2652 (2022), he said that all migrants, regardless of their migration status, and refugees should be treated with dignity. Expressing concern about abuses of migrants and refugees in Libya, he called for a more holistic approach to tackle the drivers of migration across Africa and the western Mediterranean route. The United Kingdom continues to urge Libyan authorities to respect migrants and refugees, he said, adding: Unfortunately, these challenges will sadly endure in Libya in the absence of a political solution. Hopefully, the Russian Federation will give equal support to language focusing on human rights and international law when the Council discusses the extension of the United Nations Support Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) in October, he added.

GHASAQ YOUSIF ABDALLA SHAHEEN (United Arab Emirates) said that the worlds many challenges including conflict, climate change and food insecurity are leading the displacement of millions of people. Displaced persons now total 110million, of whom half were displaced due to conflict.In this context, she underlined the need to protect migrants and refugees and ensuring their rights are respected. Voicing concern over the uptick in deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean, she said that the international community must do more to tackle the drivers of irregular migration and support development in post-conflict communities, including early recovery projects. With migration related to climate change set to increase, the link between both phenomena should be tackled, and support should be lent to countries impacted by such migration, she added.

SHINO MITSUKO (Japan) said that it is shocking that more than 3,000 persons died or went missing in the Mediterranean between August 2022 and June 2023. While many of those who arrived in Europe departed from Libya and Tunisia, the international community should not consider this as only a North African issue. Collective actions are required to solve this problem. While welcoming efforts to rescue migrants, intercept boats and tackle the smuggling and trafficking of persons off the Libyan coast, she called for a holistic approach to address the root causes of irregular migration. She also urged the Libyan parties to fully respect human rights, expressed concern over reports of violence and reiterated Japans commitment to international cooperation to stop the unfolding tragedy.

NORBERTO MORETTI (Brazil) said that measures authorized through Council resolution 2240 (2015) do not criminalize migration flows and should not be interpreted in such a way. Those intercepting vessels must place human rights and the immediate needs of migrants and refugees at the core of their efforts to prevent and counter smuggling and trafficking. The issue should not be politicized and taken out of context, he added. Moreover, States must ensure that border governance measures do not conflict with the prohibition of collective expulsions.Such measures must comply with human rights standards as well as search and rescue obligations under international maritime law. Calling for addressing the root causes of irregular migration, he highlighted the importance of effectively implementing the Global Compact for Migration. He also expressed hope that the Global Refugee Forum will foster ambitious commitments for improving the situation of those fleeing persecution.

FERIT HOXHA (Albania), Council President for September, speaking in his national capacity, deplored illegal migration flows, which are putting the lives of innocent people at risk.Albania stands for the humane treatment of migrants. Migrant flows, albeit unsustainable, are causing tragedies, he said, adding that the death toll is unacceptable. Sustainable solutions must be sought and found. He commended the work of Operation IRINI and looked forward to the Councils renewal of its mandate. Underlining the importance of preventive measures to disrupt criminal networks, he called for greater efforts to deal with the root causes of migration, including food insecurity, climate change, terrorism and conflict. As well, border management must be strengthened.He went on to express support for instruments that fostered legal migration for those entitled to it.

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Conflicts, Disasters Driving More Migrants to Risk Mediterranean ... - United Nations

President, let me begin by thanking Directors Menikdiwela and Liljert for their briefings today.

The UK would also like to thank France and Malta for their efforts in drafting the renewal of UN Security Council Resolution 2652, which we fully support. As we are all aware, Libya is a complex operating environment for tackling migration and human smuggling. All refugees and migrants, regardless of their migration status, should be treated with the humanity and dignity that they deserve.

The UKcontinues to be deeply concernedby abuses of migrants and refugees in Libya. We continue to call on the Libyan authorities to takestepsto end theexploitation and abuse of migrants and refugees, working towards the closure of all detention centres. A more holistic approach is needed to tackle the drivers of migration across Africa and the Western Mediterranean route and we are committed to working closely with member states and the UN to achieve this, and we take note of the recommendations by the UNCHR and the IOM today.

President, the UK also continues to urge the Libyan authorities to comply with their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and implement a functioning migration system that respects migrants and refugees human rights.

Unfortunately, these challenges will sadly endure in Libya in the absence of a political solution, which is why driving forward that process is front and centre of our work. We continue to support SRSG Bathily and the work he is doing to reach an inclusive political agreement, as well as UNSMILs wider efforts to support peace and stability in Libya.

President, before concluding, let me also note that we hope the Russia delegation will give equal focus to language on human rights and international law when the Council discusses UNSMILs mandate next month.

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The UK calls for political solutions to end the exploitation and abuse ... - GOV.UK

by Tessa Sanchez/IMB

DERNA, Libya (IMB) Two stories worth of water wiped out land with Christian history and tradition dating back millennia on Sept. 11. Rain from Storm Daniel overwhelmed the dams in Derna, Libya, and the deluge claimed entire neighborhoods and the lives of thousands.

In recent days, the world has witnessed unspeakable tragedies, IMB President Paul Chitwood said. The death toll from the Morocco earthquake is nearing 3,000. In Libya, more than 11,000 have been reported dead in the floods and tens of thousands remain missing. These staggering numbers should alert the Church to the immediacy of our mission.

Chitwood, who often speaks of the urgent need to reach the lost, prays Southern Baptists will respond to world events with prayer and renewed commitment to reach the lost.

The daily death toll of people dying without Christ is much higher than what weve seen in these tragedies. 173,451 people die every day without the hope of salvation. We dont have time to wait. We must reach the lost and we must reach them as soon as possible, he said.

The high number of North Africans dying without knowing Christ wasnt always the case.

North Africa isnt a region many think of as an epicenter of Christianity, yet its roots run deep and span the rise and fall of empires. The Berbers, also known as Amazigh, were the first inhabitants of North Africa.

They refer to themselves as free people, said North African journalist and author Youcef. Youcef hopes that his people will discover and claim their Christian inheritance. One of their own was a helper to Jesus in the hours leading up to the prophesied day that humanity waited centuries for.

Perhaps an understanding of Gods work among the people of North Africa will drive us to pray with greater fervency. May God complete the good work He started and bring salvation to the lost.

Youcef committed his life to Christ 40 years ago after reading a New Testament a friend gave him. The friend received a copy from Christians in Switzerland. Three years after becoming a Christian, Youcef discovered Simon of Cyrene the man enlisted to carry Jesus cross.

Why did the Lord choose someone from North Africa to carry His cross? Youcef wondered.

Simons story intrigued him, but references to Simon in the Bible are limited. Simon is only mentioned in Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21 and Luke 23:26.

Youcef embarked on a journey to learn more.

Simon was a Berber from the ancient Libyan city of Cyrene. Until he read and investigated the passage, Youcef didnt know Cyrene was in Libya. The city was decimated in an earthquake in the 4th century and is now called Shahat.

Cyrene is a short drive from Derna where the dams released torrential waves. Excavations of Cyrene began in recent years; however, Youcef said the recent flood most likely wiped out what remained of the city. Through natural disasters and man-made leveling, Christianitys rich legacy in the region has largely been washed from the memories of many, but that is something Youcef is praying he can help remedy.

Cyrene was founded in 631 BC by Greek migrants who fled from famine and went south to what is now known as Libya. At the time, Libya was the name given to all North Africa. Berbers already lived in the area, and they welcomed the Greeks. By 85 BC, Cyrene was home to Greeks, Berbers, Jews and other foreigners. The Berbers and Greeks built five cities that came to be called the Pentapolis, with Cyrene being the most important city a city of philosophers and poets and a mix of Greek and Berber culture.

In 33 AD Simon and his sons, Rufus and Alexander, made the pilgrimage from Cyrene to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Simon happened to be walking down the street at the same time soldiers were leading Jesus to His death. He was singled out and forced to carry Jesus cross to Golgotha.

According to Youcefs research, Simon, Rufus and Alexander returned to Cyrene, and they visited synagogues to share that they met the Messiah. The word Libya means helper, and Simon, without knowing, ultimately went to Jerusalem to help Jesus.

Later, a group of believers began to preach the gospel in Cyrene, and believers spread the good news to Carthage, Tunisia, and Alexandria, Egypt, key cities in the rise of Christianity.

Youcefs research of Simon inspired him to write a book to chronicle the history of his people. He hopes to make his book into movies since many Berbers are oral learners. He wants to share the story of North African Christians so they can discover their history and draw closer to the truths of the Bible.

Though Islam has been the reigning religion in North Africa for centuries, Christianity predates it.

Why did such a Christian region leave the Lord and turn to Islam? Youcef wondered. Why did God allow that? And, with all the information we have today, why dont [North Africans] ask themselves about what happened?

Youcef was the fifth Christian in his city, that he was aware of. Through his research, he learned it wasnt always this way. According to Tertullian, a prolific Berber Christian author, more than half of the population of North Africa were Christians. Each town averaged three churches, and there once were more than 20,000 bishops. Christians from Cyrene were important leaders in the early church.

Islamic immigrants led to the purging of many of the regions Christians in the 7th century. Though there were Christians for two more centuries, the populations dwindled and disappeared with time. In the ensuing centuries, people came to believe Islam was always the faith of the land.

Cyrenes legacy and hometown heroes are not so easily expunged from history.

Cyrene was also widely believed to be the birthplace of John Mark, more commonly known as Mark. He is credited by many as the author of the Gospel of Mark. Many believed he heard and recorded an account of Jesus life and ministry from Peter. Mark was the traveling companion of Barnabas, his cousin, and Paul, but the men parted ways after a disagreement. Mark established the first Christian church in Africa and was the first bishop of Alexandria, Egypt. The Coptic church continues to this day, and many churches in Egypt bear his name.

Lucius, mentioned in Acts 13, was also from Cyrene. Lucius was one of the founders of the church in Antioch. Famous Christian Berbers include Augustine, Tertullian and Cyprian.

Youcef said he discovered that God has prepared a destiny for every nation.

This region once had a thriving evangelical movement. Now, there is only a remnant, but the remnant is working to restore the holy seed that took root in the region so long ago. Youcef said the gospel is spreading quietly and silently but also efficiently among local believers.

He says the destiny of North Africa is to play the role of a helper, like Simon, who came in quietly from behind to carry the weight of the cross. Berbers helped take the gospel across the region and to Europe, and they continue to be helpers of the gospel.

We need more workers, as Jesus said. We need people who go and spread the gospel, either physically, or by technical means, Youcef said.

North Africa needs more Christians like Mark, Simon, Rufus, Alexander and Lucius to spread the gospel. Join him in praying more Christians will boldly share their faith.

Youcef hopes God will give boldness to the Algerian, Tunisian, Libyan and Moroccan church leaders who have this desire not only to lead a community of faith but to go and reach the lost.

*Some names may have been changed for security purposes.

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Song of the Cyrene: IMB calls Southern Baptists to pray for Libya ... - The Pathway