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Bahrain
This small island nation is located in one of the world’s chief oil-producing regions, but it has relatively small petroleum resources. Therefore, its economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighboring countries. Bahrain has experienced significant religious, political and economic tension, resulting mainly from the Sunni-Shiite division among its Muslim populace and its involvement in the global economy. This unrest, coupled with the faithful Christian witness of indigenous Arabs and immigrant workers, has led to a season of openness and some response to the gospel among those indigenous to Bahrain.
Major Religion
Less than 1 percent of native Bahrainis are Christians; nearly all are Muslims. However, Christians among Bahrain’s expatriate workers make up 8 percent of the population.
Persecutor
Families and local communities are the main persecutors, but the government occasionally imprisons or harasses new Christians.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN BAHRAIN
Christian converts from Islam often lose their jobs and social status, and many are rejected by their families. However, some still gather to worship in secret.
Access to Bibles
Bahrainis have limited access to the Bible through the internet and churches. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM supports evangelists who work throughout the Arabian Peninsula. We distribute Bibles and other Christian literature, and we support and encourage new believers who suffer for their faith. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Bahrain
- Ask the Lord to reveal himself in dreams to Muslims, who make up a majority of the population.
- Pray that Muslims persecuting family members who became Christians will repent and turn to Christ.
- Pray for efforts to make Bibles and Christian materials available to Bahrainis and nearby Arab nations.
- Roughly 8% of the country's 1.6 million residents are Hindus. Pray they will have opportunities to hear the gospel.
- Christian foreign workers make up 8% of the country's population. Pray they will witness to Christ.
