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
Calls for Arrest or Death of Convert
Muslims are calling for the arrest and death of a believer from a Muslim background in SAUDI ARABIA. He is accused of insulting Muhammad. He has been in prison 3 times in the past 8 years.
Ask God to help him stand firm in his faith. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Churches in the Arabian Peninsula
A member of Kuwait’s legislature reportedly planned to draft a law calling for the removal of all churches in Kuwait.
Imprisoned Christians Assaulted, Mocked
UPDATE: Ethiopian Christians imprisoned in SAUDI ARABIA have been assaulted, mocked for their faith, subjected to unsanitary conditions, and denied medical aid. A high-ranking security official called them “non-believers and animals.” They could be deported.
Ask God to sustain and encourage them. “But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’”
Determined to Love
A high-ranking security official in Saudi Arabia reportedly mocked imprisoned Ethiopian Christians, saying, “You are non-believers and animals. You are pro-Jews and supporters of America.” The prisoners replied, “We love everyone. Our God tells us to love everyone.”
Praying in Saudi Arabia
Although Saudi Arabia is considered to be 100% Muslim, some non-Muslims, many of whom are foreigners, do live there.
Believers Arrested at Prayer Meeting
In SAUDI ARABIA, 35 Ethiopian Christians were arrested on December 15 during their weekly prayer meeting. Officially the men and women were accused of mixing (or being in the same room) with the opposite gender, but a Saudi official told a believer’s employer that they were arrested for practicing Christianity.
Ask God to encourage them and bring about their release. “Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.”
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.”