We focus on the lovely port city of Bizerte (pronounced as Binzert). This fifth largest city in the nation is Tunisia’s primary deep-water port as well as a picturesque weekend get-away, located an hour’s drive north of Tunis. Although it appears to be a sleepy serene town, it has good commerce, is a dynamic university city with a respected science faculty, and sees a great deal of people passing through–both Tunisian and foreign.

From the time of the Phoenician founding of the city through both World Wars. The French built it up as a prime military base during their occupation and invested in an offshore island prison, compared by some to Alcatraz. Thus, when independence was achieved in ‘56, the French were reluctant to relinquish control and, several years later, a bloody three day battle (slaughter) cost 700 young Tunisian soldiers their lives, but led to the final release of Tunisia.

A bluff just outside the city is the most northern point in all Africa; there, a sea of lavender flowers in the springtime compliments the breath-taking view across the Mediterranean. Lavender, a powerful herb known for its cleansing and healing properties, is often pressed into oil.

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you” (Isaiah 35:1-4).

Pray for the anointing oil of God’s spirit to bring cleansing and healing to Bizerte. Pray for the church in this city to see the splendor of our God, and that HE will strengthen their hands and steady their knees, making them strong. May the release of His Spirit impact this northern city, flowing through Tunisia, (and the whole continent of Africa) from North to South!