Bahrain

Leader: King Sheikh Hamad
Population: 791,000 (8.5% Christian)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
World Watch Rank: 45

The constitution imposes no restrictions on the right to choose or practise one's religion, but there is no law to prevent discrimination. All religious groups must obtain a license to operate and Christian congregations with registration operate freely. However, ten congregations were denied registration in 2009 and six were closed after complaints from neighbours. Converts from Islam to Christianity are shunned by society and sometimes subjected to physical abuse.

Please Pray:

• Most Christians are expatriate workers. Pray for those seeking to share their faith
• Ask God to build a church amongst indigenous Bahrainis
• The importation and distribution of Bibles and Christian literature is not restricted. Pray that God's Word would spread.