Yemen
Christianity was strong in Yemen by the fifth century A.D., but was virtually eliminated by the Muslim conquest in the seventh century. Today Islam is the state religion and Sharia law is the basis of the legal system. It is illegal for non-Muslims to share their faith and for Muslims to convert to Christ. In spite of persecutions there are believed to be as many as 100 indigenous “secret” believers in Yemen.
Expatriate believers are legally allowed a very limited freedom to worship, but many have been attacked or kidnapped. In June of 2009, Muslim terrorists kidnapped nine foreign Christians. Two nurses and a journalist were murdered shortly after capture. There is no information on the status of the remaining hostages, a family of missionaries including young children.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Yemen
Christian Workers Deported
Expatriate Christian workers in QATAR, OMAN, and YEMEN were deported in the past few months.
Pray that God will allow Christians to continue working in these countries. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Young Girls Rescued in Yemen
Two girls, ages six and four, were just recently rescued in Yemen. Last year they were kidnapped along with their parents and other Christians who worked at a hospital in Yemen. Their parents are still missing, and their two-year-old brother is believed to be dead.
Yemen arrests 7 Christians
Yemen arrested seven Christians for "promoting Christianity and distributing the Bible." They face torture; at least one is a former Muslim and risks death.
Pray that God will be mightily glorified in them. "He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"
Mission Workers Kidnapped
UPDATE (8/12): In YEMEN, Muslim terrorists kidnapped nine mission workers. Three were found murdered soon after. Now, there is confirmation that the other six are alive. This number includes three children, ages 5, 3, and 1.
Pray that negotiations are successful and that the Christians are released unharmed. "For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."
Update: Christians jailed in Yemen
Update: Yemeni officials acknowledge that nine Christian converts -- not just seven -- are in detention (8/17). The Political Security Office responsible for these prisoners is notorious for extrajudicial killings, torture, and other human rights violations.
Ask God to strengthen and be glorified in them. "And behold, the glory of the LORD stood there."
Christian Nurses Stabbed in Yemen
Two German bible school students were kidnapped on June 12. The women, who were working as short-term nursing interns in a Yemeni hospital, were on a daytrip when they were seized along with a German family, a British engineer, and a South Korean teacher.
The two Christian women were stabbed, and then shot. The teacher was also murdered. There are rumors that the other hostages have also been murdered, but those reports have not yet been confirmed.
Christian Radio Station Thrives
A Christian radio station in YEMEN found such a positive response that it is now airing 36 new programs. There are no churches in the country, but this radio station has already won many converts.
Thank God for the success of this ministry and pray that many more will be saved. Pray for the formation of groups for discipleship and worship. "The house of the LORD shall be established."
Christian Nurses Murdered
Two Christian nurses in YEMEN were kidnapped by Muslim militants along with several others. The nurses and another man were found later stabbed and shot. The kidnappers are still holding other
hostages.
Pray for the families of those murdered and for the safe release of the others held. "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie."