“Kuwait, be careful to do everything written in the Book of the Law!”
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Middle East
Population | 4.3 million
Area | 17,818㎢, located at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Capital City | Kuwait City (3.29 million people)
People Groups | Total 28 Groups, Kuwaitis 30.4%, Asians 40.3%, Foreign Arabs 27.4%, Africans 1%
Unreached People Groups | 13 (75.8% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Arabic
Total Languages | 24
Bible Translations | Completed 15, New Testament 1, Partial 6
Religion | Christian 10.1% (Protestant 0.6%, Catholic 4.4%), Muslim 68.5%, Hinduism 20.7%, Non-religious 0.5%, Evangelicals 1.5%(64,000 people)
》 About Kuwait
Kuwait was under the influence of the Ottoman Empire before the 16th century, but in 1756, the Sabah Kingdom was established, and they developed the barren land to build a settlement fortress called “Kut,” from which the name “Kuwait” originates. In 1897, the 7th ruler, Mubarak, requested support from the United Kingdom to prevent annexation by the Ottoman Empire. As a result, Kuwait became a British protectorate in 1899 and gained independence in 1961. In 1990, Iraq invaded and occupied Kuwait, but in 1991, a multinational force led by the United States liberated the country. As a constitutional monarchy, the 15th Emir (king) has dissolved the National Assembly seven times and overturned the Cabinet more than ten times since coming to power in 2006. The 16th Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has been in office since 2020.
The economy is small in size but wealthy and relatively open, with over 6% of the world’s crude oil reserves. As an oil-producing country, Kuwait relies on crude oil production and the petrochemical industry, and it has shown very low economic growth due to prolonged low oil prices. Due to a poor business environment, a large public sector that employs about 74% of the citizens, and an uncooperative relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch that has blocked most economic reforms. Kuwait’s GDP per capita is approximately $49,900.
》 Scripture Focus
| Joshua 1:5-9, 17-18(NIV) 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous! |
》 Prayer Points
1. In the early 20th century, the Arabian Mission established a royal clinic in Kuwait after American medical missionary Samuel Zwemer healed the king’s daughter. This led to the founding of a Christian hospital. Kuwaitis who assisted the missionaries became Christian families, eventually forming the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait (NECK). Today, more than 80 foreign congregations are affiliated with NECK, and over 30,000 people attend worship services each week. These gatherings include Syrian refugee churches, Iraqi churches, Bangladeshi churches, Sri Lankan churches, African churches, and Korean churches. Let us pray that the church in Kuwait will not focus only on its own ministries but will boldly proclaim the gospel throughout the nation in obedience to God’s Word. May God raise up leaders who, like Moses and Joshua, revere His Word and lead with faithful obedience.
2. The gospel has been powerfully shared with Kuwaiti Arabs, who make up 30 percent of the population, through satellite television channels such as Al-Shifa, Miracle Channel, Al-Hayat, the Lebanese Maronite Channel, and SAT-7. The message also reaches people through radio broadcasts, printed literature, Christian websites, and the Jesus Film. However, while Kuwait allows religious freedom in general, it prohibits evangelizing Muslims or encouraging them to convert. Converts who are discovered by their families or communities may face brutal consequences including rape, assault, or even death. Let us pray that Kuwaiti believers will hold firmly to God’s promise that He is with them in persecution. May they not fear or be discouraged but stand strong and courageous in faith. So Let us pray that the nation of Kuwait, as God has promised, will become a place where the Church is built on the life and truth of Jesus Christ.
3. Many young people in Kuwait, having gained immense wealth through oil, face constant temptation toward pleasure and materialism. Let us pray that the young generation in this land will come to discover the power of the gospel and encounter God as their true shepherd. Especially for those studying abroad who have more access to the gospel, may God to open their hearts to hear and respond with faith. Let us pray that they will rise up as a faithful army for the kingdom of God, standing firm in the face of worldly temptation and walking in obedience to His Word.
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