Underground Church Thrives As Christianity Expands In Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia, known for being the home of a large Muslim community, is seeing an influx of Christian growth throughout the country.

Being a believer in a country where the government is ran by an Islamic monarchy isn’t the easiest, causing those of Christian faith to practice in silence or face repercussions including discrimination and arrest. Despite the norm, according to statistics from the Joshua Project and FMI (Forgotten Missionaries International), “Saudi Arabia’s Christian growth is about 65% greater than the global average,” a percentage that proves the significant rise of Christianity in a Muslim dominated nation. “Just because we hear that a government is closed to the gospel doesn’t mean the hearts of the people are,” said Bruce Allen of FMI.

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With the militaristic ways of the Middle East on the rise, a beacon of hope remains in the sole church that still stands in Saudi Arabia. The community of Saudi is composed of at least 30% who are not originally from the country but are instead transplants from other countries who have migrated for work. Forgotten Missionaries, an organization working to create strong connections with local church leaders, is heading to Saudi Arabia for the third time this year to help bridge the gap.

“We know there are shepherds of small, underground, scattered fellowships of Christ followers. [We want to] come alongside them, and empower them for their crucial work in such a strategic place as the birthplace of Islam,” said Allen.

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With Christianity on the rise, one can only believe that miracles will take place, resulting in the Gospel being shared for all to hear. Prayer is essential for those living a Christ-led life in a country where Christianity is prohibited. The growing Christian community continues to find strength through their faith, even amidst difficult challenges.

“We see the work of the Holy Spirit occurring in this place,” said Allen.

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