(Prayer information via OpenDoors)
There is some religious freedom for foreigners here, but evangelism is prohibited, and Yemenis who leave Islam may face the death penalty. Muslim-background believers are forced to meet in secret. If their faith is discovered, they face severe persecution from authorities, family and extremist groups who threaten “apostates” with death if they do not recant. Insecurity caused by Islamist movements makes Yemen very unstable. Christians are believed to be under surveillance by extremists, and ex-pat Christians can be a specific target for these extremist groups.
PRAY:
- The number of local believers is estimated at just a few hundred. Ask the Lord to encourage them and increase their numbers.
- Several ex-pat Christians have been kidnapped in recent years. Pray for protection for foreign Christian workers and NGO’s.
- Al-Qaeda-linked groups are gaining more power. Pray that Yemen’s leaders will be able to restore peace to this deeply divided country.
Quick Facts About Yemen:
Leader: President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi
Government: Republic
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
Main Religion: Islam
Population: 27.2 million (a few thousand Christians)
Source of persecution: Islamic extremism
Source of persecution: Islamic extremism