Sousse
The influential, university city of Sousse, capital of the district of Sousse, is located on the Mediterranean coastline, about halfway between Tunis and Sfax. The third largest city in the country, Sousse residents enjoy the bustle of a growing economy due to the influx of money from tourism as well as a thriving textile industry. Production plants from Europe use local labor at cheaper rates to produce many clothing items–check your labels, you might be surprised to find a few clothes in your closet that were made in Tunisia-probably Sousse.
The reputation for a robust economy attracts people from the “rif” (pronounced “reef” meaning “countryside”) who are in need of jobs and are usually unskilled. Many find legitimate employment, but others are not so fortunate. Sadly, the thriving tourist trade offers opportunities that the desperate can’t ignore: many Europeans come on holiday in search of a bedroom companion for their weeks in town, and Sousse is famous for providing this service. It is not unusual to see a local with someone 20, 30, even 40 years older. This can determine the local expectations of Western lifestyle and values, and is an insipid influence on the local moral climate, producing a more secularized city culture.
Underneath several city blocks in central Sousse are catacombs dating back to Roman times. Here, men and women of Faith in Christ met in secret and some were martyred and buried. A short walk through the underground labyrinth (only partially excavated and open to public tours) conjures up vivid images from the past, of a time when faith in the Son of God was entered into with serious knowledge of the cost of discipleship. A display of dry bones (behind plexiglass) is a fitting reminder of the prophecies of Ezekiel, calling the dry bones to life. At one time, the churches of the area that is now Tunisia were vibrant and plentiful. Today, there is an ongoing struggle for existence and growth.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples (John 15:5-8).
Pray for the dry bones to live and breathe with relevance in the culture once more. As you pray for the Living Breath of God to stir this city, please pray through John 15 above. Pray that believers in the city of Sousse will pursue this deep intimacy with the Father that will result in the vibrant walk of faith that Christ demonstrated. Ask that the Body in this city would be characterized by a passion for His presence, and a prayerful heart that would result in bringing much fruit and much glory to the Father’s name. Pray that in response to our prayers, God will do far beyond what we have asked or imagined (Ephesians 3:20).