Qatar Leader:  Emir Sheikh Hamad Population:  841,000 (9.5% Christian) Main Religion:  Islam Government:  Traditional emirate

Nearly all the Christians in this wealthy Gulf state are from other countries. Qatari believers strongly protect their anonymity and don't want to know about others for fear of betrayal and persecution. Almost all of them became Christians abroad, some while attending summer courses at Western universities. But many of these stay abroad, afraid to return. Individuals caught sharing their faith with Muslims may be jailed for up to ten years.

Pray

• That the agreement of the authorities to the building of churches in one location will turn out to be a breakthrough for the Gospel
• That Christian literature will reach those who need it most, and that it will be an encouragement to growth in discipleship
• That recent signs of improvement will truly be seeds of religious freedom.

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