Saudi Arabia
“Freedom of religion is neither recognized nor protected under the law and is severely restricted in practice.” Islam is the state religion and Wahhabi Islam is dominant. Operation World has stated that “Saudi Arabia has the world’s worst record on religious freedom and human rights. Conversion from Islam is punishable by death, while speaking about Christ is punished with jail, beatings, torture, and/or execution. All converts to Christ who have been discovered by the government in the past have been martyred.”
No public manifestations of Christianity are permitted. Yet there may be as many as one million foreign Christians in Saudi Arabia who are unable to practice their faith publicly. Estimates of the number of native Saudis range as high as 50,000 secret believers.
The Muslim World League in Mecca provides billions of petrodollars for the global growth of Islam, including the building of mosques, installation of Wahabbist imams, radio, literature, and funding of Islamist terror groups throughout the world.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Saudi Arabia
Believer Released, Deported
UPDATE: SAUDI ARABIAN officials have decided not to execute an Eritrean believer accused of proselytizing, but instead to deport him back to Eritrea, where he will likely face further persecution.
Pray that this Christian will remain strong in the Lord. Pray also that those who heard his witness will listen and believe. “You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger and brought water for them out of the rock for their thirst.”
Believers Released from Prison
UPDATE: Two Indian Christians were released from prison in SAUDI ARABIA. In July they were deported back to India.
Praise God for their release, and that they remained steadfast in their faith. “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome...”
Believers Languish in Prison
Two Indian Christians languish in prison in SAUDI ARABIA. Islamic police arrested them after a prayer meeting at an apartment. Officials interrogated and beat them and tried to make them convert to Islam. They are now in a prison with room only to stand. One believer says, “If I have to die for my God, I will die for Him here. God will help me.”
Pray for their release. Ask God to strengthen them and their families. “From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.”
Convert Arrested
An Eritrean convert to Christianity was arrested in SAUDI ARABIA for sharing the Gospel with Muslims—a crime punishable by death. According to one report, he shared his faith with Eritrean Embassy members and with Muslims at the local mosque.
Ask God to sustain his life. “For it is You who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.”
Threatening Audio Message
In August, a prominent Muslim posted an audio message online calling for the death of all Christians in SAUDI ARABIA.
Pray that God will shelter believers from attack and uplift their hearts. “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
TV Ministry Reaches Many
Christian TV programming for kids is changing lives in Middle Eastern countries like SAUDI ARABIA. It offers an alternative to the religious hatred preached by Islamic TV stations. Children and parents write to the station with their questions about Jesus, and many come to know Him personally.
Praise God for a Muslim little girl who accepted Christ through the ministry! “Rejoice always.”
Imprisonment, Forced Marriage, Murder
In SAUDI ARABIA, an MBB was imprisoned and tortured physically and mentally. After his release, he was forbidden from leaving the country. Another MBB’s parents are trying to force her to marry a Muslim. She says that she must either escape or die. Yet another MBB was murdered by her own brother.
Pray that God will give perseverance to the believers suffering in this Islamic country, where even their stories often do not escape. “Precious is their blood in his sight.”
Saudi police raid prayer meeting
Saudi Arabian police raided a home prayer meeting, confiscated money and Christian books, and arrested 16 believers. They were interrogated and forced to sign statements in Arabic, a language they cannot read. After 3 days they were set free, but soon received letters demanding they leave the country.
Ask God to send His Spirit and bring this dark land to an awakening in the light of Christ. "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."
Saudi believers meet in secret
One Christian organization reports a secret church meeting in Mecca, Saudi Arabia -- Islam's holiest city, where only Muslims are officially allowed. Others are hearing the Good News via satellite.
Pray that hearts will continue to turn to the Gospel, and that the Lord will watch over all those who are His. "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told."
Saudi Arabia to deport 15 Christians
On Friday, April 25, twelve Saudi Arabian police raided a house where 16 Christians were holding a prayer meeting. The first officer to enter the house after breaking down the main gate pointed a pistol at the Christians and ordered them to hand over their resident permits and mobile phones. The other police followed quickly and started searching the entire house. They confiscated an electronic drum set, an offering box with some money in it, 20 bibles, and a few Christian books.