Bahrain

Key Facts:
Leader: King Hamad
Population: 699,000 (10% Christian)
Majority Religion: Islam
Type of Government: Hereditary monarchy

A chain of 30 islands, this Gulf state is a banking and financial centre. In 2002 the king took the first steps towaords creating a constitutional monarchy, with an elected parliament and independent judges.

There is a large expatriate labour force which includes many Arab and Indian Christians. All Bahrainis are considered Muslim.

It is illegal to hold a religious meeting without a permit – but there are no reports of any group being denied one.

Prayer

• Pray for the witness of the Arab Christian community and other expatriate believers
• 'The Passion of the Christ' was banned, but Bibles can be bought openly; pray that the truth of Jesus will be found by many Bahrainis
• There are very few Bahraini Christians. Pray that they will be strengthened and remain faithful.