Islam is the state religion of this small nation on the Arabian Peninsula and is followed by 91% of the country’s 4.6 million people. All other religious entities must be registered with the government and must not conflict with Islamic moral practices. Any church and anyone who preaches must be under a government-approved sponsor, and churches can meet only where the government directs them. Almost all Christians come from outside Oman; most are workers from Southeast Asia and are mainly Roman Catholic. Several Pentecostal congregations meet in the capital, serving mainly Indian ex-pats. But Omanis are not allowed to attend any church, and sharing one’s faith with them is illegal. An Omani who decides to follow Jesus, especially in rural areas, risks losing family, job, and inheritance, so many opt to keep their faith secret. When possible, they find fellowship with other believers meeting in homes.

Let’s pray

• that the Lord would reach Omanis through dreams, visions, and other supernatural encounters and guide these people to His Word and to people ready to introduce them to the Savior;

• for Omani believers who must hide their faith, for their protection and their spiritual growth; may they meet other believers, and safely access God’s Word and other theologically sound resources online;

• that the Spirit would give Christian ex-pats amazing opportunities and wisdom to discretely share Jesus.