“Bahrain, remember your Creator before the days of trouble come!”
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”—(Ecclesiastes 12:1,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Middle East
Population | 1.54 million
Area | 760㎢-An island nation located between the Qatar Peninsula and Saudi Arabia
Capital City | Manama (690,000 people)
People Groups | Total 17 groups: Bahraini 52.7%, South Asians 15%, Persians 13.2%, Arabs 9.8%, East Asians 7%, Europeans 1.5%
Unreached People Groups | 8 groups (77.6% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Arabic
Total Languages | 15
Bible Translations | Completed 11, Partial 2
Religion | Islam 83.6%, Christianity 8.3% (Independent 1.8%, Catholic 3%), Hinduism 6.9%, Evangelicals 2.6% (39,000 people)
》 About Bahrain
Bahrain is located on the Persian Gulf, a strategic link between continents and oceans, and has prospered as a key trading hub since ancient times. It became a British protectorate in 1820 and gained independence in 1971. The 1990s were marked by oil-related wars and domestic uprisings. The Sunni royal family has long struggled to govern the Shiite-majority population. After the death of Amir Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1999, Crown Prince Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa ascended the throne and has since maintained significant executive authority. In 2002, he enacted a constitution, turning Bahrain into a constitutional monarchy and renaming it the Kingdom of Bahrain. Although around 70% of the population is Shiite, most of the royal family and elite are Sunni, contributing to ongoing political instability. Bahrain maintains a pro-Western foreign policy and hosts the largest U.S. naval base in the Middle East. In 2020, alongside the UAE, it signed the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accord with Israel, becoming the third and fourth Middle Eastern countries after Egypt and Jordan to normalize relations with Israel.
Bahrain’s economy is primarily driven by oil and gas exports and financial services. Aluminum production and construction make up the second-largest portion of its exports. Despite ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, oil still accounts for about 85% of government revenue. In response to economic downturns, Bahrain has implemented austerity measures such as removing subsidies and introducing consumption taxes, while also revising investment laws to attract more foreign capital.
Bahrain’s GDP per capita is approximately $30,048.
》 Scripture Focus
| Ecclesiastes 12:1–5(NIV) 1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”— 2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; 3 when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; 4 when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades, when people rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint; 5 when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about the streets. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Since the 19th century, Bahrain has welcomed various religions, becoming the first Middle Eastern country to host a Hindu temple. In 2017, the “Bahrain Declaration” named the capital, Manama, the “Capital of Coexistence,” promoting peace among people of different faiths. Let us thank God that missionaries are active in Bahrain, opening doors for the gospel through medical care, education, and business. Let us pray that Indian, Filipino, Korean, and Western believers living and worshiping in Bahrain will recognize their missionary calling and follow it with obedience. The Christian bookstore in Manama is a vital place for sharing the gospel, and the Bible Society continues to distribute Scripture in many languages. May Christians in Bahrain remember their Creator, boldly proclaim the gospel, and stand firm in the truth.
2. Bahrain faces ongoing tensions between Sunni Muslims, backed by Saudi Arabia and holding political power, and the majority Shia population, aligned with Iran. Since taking control, the Sunni government has increased its influence by bringing in more Sunni immigrants, while Shia-led protests and discontent have persisted. Although the situation appears stable now, political participation for Shiites remains restricted, and deep unrest continues. Let us pray that Sunnis and Shiites in Bahrain will lay aside earthly divisions before the day of judgment comes, hear the gospel of the cross, be reconciled to God, and become united as one body in Christ.
3. Though Bahrain is officially an Islamic kingdom, it has a large foreign population and is relatively open to outside cultures. Some restaurants openly serve pork and alcohol—strictly forbidden in Islam—and the capital, Manama, is filled with clubs offering nightlife and entertainment. For this reason, many young people from across the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, come to Bahrain to enjoy its nightlife and entertainment, and the country is even sometimes called “the playground of Saudi Arabia.” Let us pray that the youth and next generation of Bahrain will hear the gospel, turn from the desires of this world, and realize they are made for an eternal home. May they become a people who fear their Creator and walk in His ways.
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