Bahrain

Bahrain Factbook

Bahrain is officially Islamic, and it is illegal to evangelize native

Bahrainis. However, Christian churches are allowed and to some extent encouraged for expatriate workers. Although few Bahrainis have ever heard the gospel, some opportunities for reaching these people do exist.

Bahrain is comprised of one larger and several smaller islands in the Persian (or Arabian) Gulf. It is located just off the coast of Saudi Arabia not far from Qatar. Approximately 700,000 people live in Bahrain. Nearly two thirds of them are of Arab origin. There are also a significant number of Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians. Over 200,000 are expatriates.

The economy is based primarily on oil production. However, Bahrain has become a banking center in the region and has developed an industrial base. Bahrain gained independence from Great Britain in 1971, and the government has been an absolute monarchy in 1975. In recent years the government has transformed itself into an parliamentary monarchy.

Islam is the state religion, and over 80% of the people are Muslim. Although it is illegal to tell Bahrainis about Christ, the government allows expatriate Christians to worship, and there are even a few Bahraini evangelical believers. There are a significant number of evangelicals among the expatriate workers. There is at least one known Arabic speaking evangelical church, and other Bahraini believers meet in homes. Still, few Bahrainis have been exposed to the gospel.

Pray for those expatriates who are seeking to spread the gospel. They need wisdom in their approach because speaking to the wrong person could lead to deportment. Christian radio broadcasts are available in Arabic from FEBA in Seychelles and TWR in Cyprus for several hours each week. Christian literature is also available to those who want it. Pray for that these means may reach Bahrainis with the gospel.

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