13Saudi Arabia

The small number of Saudi Christians has been slowly increasing, and they’re becoming bolder, sharing their faith with others online and on satellite TV – but it comes at a cost. This is because conversion from Islam to Christianity is unacceptable under Islamic law. If discovered, men and boys are more likely to be forced out of the home, whereas women and girls are usually isolated and abused within the home.

All converts risk being killed to “restore” the family honour. While some Saudi Christians are open about their faith, most choose to keep it hidden – even from their own children, so they don’t inadvertently reveal their parents’ faith.

All expatriates are severely restricted in sharing their faith with Muslims and gathering for church activities. Doing so can lead to detention and deportation. Asian and African workers are regularly exposed to verbal and physical abuse because of their ethnicity and low status, but their Christian faith can also play a role. Persecution can be exacerbated if they are from Muslim backgrounds.

Meet Waleed

“Waleed still lives surrounded by a family who are continually involved in evil practices, but he is able to stand strong in the authority of Christ and doesn’t live in fear.”

Open Doors shares about Waleed (name changed), who became a Christian after crying out to God when surrounded by evil spirits one night.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors supports the Body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, and training believers and pastors.