“Saudi, you are our glory and joy”
Indeed, you are our glory and joy.(1 Thessalonians 2:20,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Middle East
Population | 36.79 million
Area | 2,149,690㎢, encompasses most of the Arabian Peninsula
Capital City | Riyadh (7.54 million)
People Groups | Total 45 groups: Saudi Arabs 70.3%, Bedouins 3.8%, Gulf Arabs 2.8%, Filipinos 2.7%, Punjabi Indians 2.3%
Unreached People Groups | 29 groups (91.1% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Arabic
Total Languages | 40
Bible Translations | Completed 24, New Testament 3, Partial 7
Religion | Islam 92.2%, Christianity 4% (Protestant 0.5%, Catholic 3%), Hinduism 2.5%, Non-religious 0.6%
Evangelicals | 0.6% (approximately 200,000 people)
》 About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the historical birthplace of Islam and the leading nation of Sunni Islam. It was under Ottoman rule from 1453 until 1913, when it broke away with the support of Britain. After a period under British influence, the country gained full independence in 1927 and officially became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed by Sharia law, the Islamic legal system based on the Quran. The king holds supreme authority over politics, religion, and administration and also serves as the head of the Islamic faith in the country. In 2015, King Salman bin Abdulaziz ascended the throne at the age of 79. In 2017, he appointed his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as Crown Prince and first in line to the throne, helping to stabilize the monarchy. Under the banner of “moderate Islam,” the Crown Prince has launched ambitious reforms and policies of openness. While these efforts have garnered widespread public support, they have also been accompanied by tighter control over dissent and opposition. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is currently spearheading “Vision 2030,” a strategic initiative aimed at economic diversification and social reform. As part of these reforms, Saudi Arabia has permitted women to drive, reopened cinemas, and expanded cultural events. However, restrictions on the press and political opposition remain stringent, drawing criticism from the international community for ongoing human rights concerns and limited political freedoms. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is strengthening diplomatic ties with major powers including the United States, China, and Russia, seeking regional stability and economic cooperation.
The Saudi economy is heavily state-controlled and based on oil. The country holds approximately 16% of the world’s known oil reserves and is the leading exporter within OPEC. In 2020, the economy was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp decline in global oil prices. Additional challenges include strained relations with Iran, ongoing conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and rising defense expenditures. In an effort to tackle persistent unemployment, the government has been enforcing the “Saudization” policy, which mandates the hiring of Saudi nationals. Still, around six million foreign workers are employed in the oil and service sectors. Meanwhile, efforts to reduce oil dependency and diversify the economy continue under the Vision 2030 initiative.
Saudi Arabia’s GDP per capita is approximately $34,000.
》 Scripture Focus
| 1 Thessalonians 2:4-8, 19-20(NIV) 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace and stronghold of Islam. The phrase on its national flag, “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger,” is the Islamic confession of monotheism known as the Shahada. The sword on the flag symbolizes their unwavering determination to defend their faith. Through Wahhabism, a literalist interpretation of the Quran, Saudi Arabia established a powerful monarchy. This ideology has influenced Islamic extremist groups such as ISIS, the Taliban, and Al-Qaeda, and continues to shape Muslim populations and Islamic culture around the world. Let us pray that Muslims in Saudi Arabia will not seek false glory from Allah but instead believe in Jesus as the only Christ and Lord through the grace of God, who searches the hearts of sinners. Let us pray that this land—at the heart of global Islamic influence—will be shaken so that both Islam and Muslims will turn to Christ, who gave His life for them on the cross.
2. In Saudi Arabia, about 2.7 million Shia Muslims live among a population of approximately 36.8 million. Most reside in the eastern region and face discrimination in employment and political participation. They live in poverty and suffer ongoing harassment and violence due to continued tensions with the ruling Sunni majority. Although they form human rights groups to resist political oppression, these efforts often lead to further persecution. There are no known believers among the Saudi Shia Muslim community, and there are no visible efforts toward church planting. Let us pray that the love of Christ, who gave His life even for them, would be heard by these people living in discrimination and poverty without knowing God. May the door to evangelism be opened among them so that the gospel of salvation may be believed, and when Christ returns, they may stand before Him as a crown of hope and joy.
3. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been promoting a more moderate image of Islam—one that claims to acknowledge and tolerate other religions, traditions, and peoples of the world. He has lifted the ban on women driving and removed travel restrictions, and movie theaters have opened for the first time. He is working to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil by promoting tourism and planning the futuristic eco-city of Neom. However, despite these surface-level changes, Saudi Arabia still ranks 13th among countries that most severely persecute Christians. Let us pray that these reforms will extend to religious freedom for Christians. In the midst of rapid reform and openness, many are hearing the gospel through TV, the internet, social media, and overseas travel. As people are exposed to new ideas and information, some are beginning to distrust Islam and its leaders. Let us pray that the church and mission organizations entrusted with the gospel will be equipped with wisdom and open doors to reach those whose hearts are more open than ever before.
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