Bahrain - Photo: Unsplash / C. A. Fournier

Bahrain

This small island nation, which includes a mix of Sunni and Shiite Muslims, is connected to Saudi Arabia by a causeway and is frequently referred to as the “Saudi playground” because Saudis can leave their oppressive homeland and enjoy more freedom in Bahrain. While maintaining a distinctly Muslim identity, Bahrain has experienced significant religious, political and economic division. This unrest, coupled with the faithful witness of Arab and immigrant Christian workers, has led to a season of openness and some response to the gospel among those indigenous to Bahrain.

Life for Christians

Christian converts from Islam often lose their jobs, families and positions in society. However, some still gather to worship in secret.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to provide Biblical training on discipleship and the theology of persecution to Muslim Background Believers.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints, Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Bahrain map & flagPopulation
    1,553,886 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Bahraini (47.4), Asian (43.4), other Arabs (4.9), African (1.4), other (2.9) (2020 est.)

    Religions (%)
    Muslim (74.2), Christian, Jewish and other (25.8) (2020 est.)

    Government type
    Constitutional monarchy

    Leader
    King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa (1999)

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Islamic law, English common law, Egyptian civil, criminal, and commercial codes; customary law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Bahrain

    Pray on behalf of those converting from Islam to Christianity, as they typically face opposition from family, society and governing authorities.

    Pray for the effectiveness of ministries that are reaching out to the people of Bahrain by communicating the Gospel message through the Internet and satellite TV.

    Pray that the factional unrest within the country will subside, and that many will instead be led in their search for spiritual truth -- finding it in Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).

Bahrain News

  • Child Beaten for Her Faith
    A 10-year-old girl was badly beaten recently by her mother and uncle after she told them she believed in Jesus.

    The girl's father has been a believer for several years and is open with his family about his faith. During a recent conversation with her mother and uncle, the girl was asked what she believed. This was her reply: "I believe what my dad believes. I believe in Jesus."