People of the Arid Triangle, North Africa

About two years ago, two believers were part of a local fellowship. Bennaceur was (and still is) the leader of the group, and Mostapha had just recently come to faith. Mostapha began experiencing trials in his life related to family and work, which led to his isolating himself from the fellowship. Bennaceur began to wonder if he could trust Mostapha because of his lack of commitment and his unwillingness to communicate with the other believers. Eventually, Bennaceur told Mostapha that he was no longer welcome in the fellowship and stopped trying to contact him. Mostapha was working an unhealthy number of hours to make ends meet and was experiencing deep depression. He eventually moved back home to his parents’ city, a 36-hour bus ride away. Recently, Mostapha returned to Bennaceur’s city for a visit. He sought out Bennaceur and confessed his sin, begging for forgiveness. Though Bennaceur was hesitant at first, he listened intently to Mostapha’s apology and eventually forgave him. The two embraced as Mostapha wept on Bennaceur’s shoulder. Praise God for the reconciliation that has taken place between these two brothers in the faith! Pray for continued unity between Bennaceur and Mostapha as well as the whole body of believers.