AFWIS joins with Operation World in praying for the State of Kuwait

Aug 07: Kuwait

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Kuwait

State of Kuwait

Asia

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Geography

Area: 17,818 sq km
An oil-rich wedge of desert between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the northwest end of the Arabian Gulf.
Population: 3,050,744    Annual Growth: 2.47%
Capital: Kuwait
Urbanites: 98.4%
HDI Rank: 31 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 29 (38% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Arabic    Languages: 7 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	420,698	13.79	5.7
Evangelicals	46,391	1.5	7.3
Muslim	2,490,627	81.64

Answer to Prayer

Satellite television is probably the most powerful tool in reaching not only Kuwait but also the entire Gulf region. Several full-time Arabic-language channels offer a wide array of programmes focused on evangelism and discipleship. There are signs of great response from seeking Muslims. Al Shifaa (Healing), the Miracle Channel, Al Hayat, SAT-7, a Lebanese Maronite channel and more are having an impact and need prayer and support.
     For an additional Answer to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

Expatriate ethnic minorities. Part of Kuwait’s tolerance for other faiths is based on the reality that foreigners comprise most of the workforce. Few expatriates are permanent residents – most are men on short-term work contracts who must leave their families back home. Poor and unfair treatment of these labourers is all too common; this, combined with loneliness, opens many to sensitive Christian witness.
a) Arab groups. Palestinians were the largest group in the past, but Palestine’s support for Iraq in the Gulf War resulted in discrimination against Palestinians and expulsion of many. Egyptians make up for the decrease in Palestinian numbers, as do Lebanese, Iraqis and many other Arab groups. There are many nominal Christians among them all – and many opportunities to minister the love of Christ.
b) The Bidoon (literally “without”) are stateless Arabs originally from the Kuwait region, but now adrift in the Middle East. They are present in Kuwait in significant numbers. They have no known believers and almost no ministry to them.
c) Asians. South Asians and Filipinos predominate, but there are also many Indonesians, Chinese and Koreans. They are largely contract laborers or domestic servants. A large number of Kuwaiti families leave much of the child raising to the maids and nannies who are often committed believers. Increasing numbers live and work in difficult circumstances, since they are considered beneath Arabs and there are no official channels handling the mistreatment and abuse that regularly occurs. Fortunately, the situation is beginning to improve through changes to the law. Pray for God to encourage the many believers and, through them, break into the lives of those from other faiths. Precisely because of their humble occupations, many of these Asians have amazing access to the homes and lives of Kuwaitis.
     For an additional 6 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Kuwait.