Torn apart by civil war, life is very hard for everybody in Yemen, and even harder for Christians. The country is now divided into territory ruled by three different powers, as well as some areas held by al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State. None of the powers involved are sympathetic to Christians, and the official constitution upholds Sharia (Islamic law) and no freedom of religion.
The 1% of Yemenis from minority religions are severely marginalised. Relief aid is mostly distributed through local Muslim groups and mosques, which are alleged to be discriminating against anyone not considered a devout Muslim.
If someone is reported to be a Christian and or involved in Christian activities, they could face severe monitoring, arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment and even murder. In Houthi-controlled areas it’s dangerous to possess a Bible or other Christian books. Leaving Islam to follow Christ is seen as a huge betrayal of your native tribe – punishment by the community can include being disowned, disinherited, divorced and losing custody of their children, being banished or even murdered.
Meet Zahrah
“I know that sometimes when I enter a house, I might not come back out… They could take you to the extremists, or the police station, and that is where the interrogation starts. They could even issue my death sentence… I can’t carry the Bible with me. They can search me at any checkpoint on the way, so I try to memorise as much as I can before my visits.”
Zahra (name changed), whose Christian friend was shot in the street.
What does Open Doors do to help?
Open Doors supports the body of Christ in Yemen by raising prayer support, distributing relief aid, training believers and pastors, and offering shelter, protection and livelihood support to persecuted believers and their relatives.
Please pray
Pray for peace and justice in Yemen, and that God will hear His people’s cries.
Ask God to protect Yemeni Christians in places prone to Islamic extremists attacks.
Pray underground Church in Yemen to flourish, and for believers to live as salt and light.
Comments