Kuwait
Overview
Kuwaitis have amassed significant wealth from their national oil reserves. As a result, a great deal of labor is outsourced to foreigners in the country. This foreign-labor economy has created opportunities for foreigners who have a heart to reach Kuwaitis with the gospel, despite the risk to their jobs and residency status. There is a sharp divide between Kuwait’s younger generation, which includes many who reject Islam and are open to new ideas, and Kuwait’s older, more traditionally Muslim generation.
Major Religions
Nearly all Kuwaitis identify themselves as Sunni Muslims, even though many do not practice their faith. Many Christian foreign workers are present in Kuwait, but churches are allowed only on designated compounds.
Persecutor
Christian converts from Islam are opposed by their families and communities.
What it Means to Follow Christ
Kuwaiti authorities are opposed to Christian witnessing and conversion. The small handful of indigenous Kuwaiti believers must exercise extreme care in disclosing their faith in Christ. If they are discovered and refuse to return to Islam, they may be disowned, beaten or killed. A small number of converts have been accepted by their families and are even able to attend worship services.
Access to Bibles
Access to Bibles is severely restricted. Most prefer to access Scripture online because of the risks associated with owning a Bible.
VOM Work
VOM provides help to those who have been persecuted and is involved in training local believers in evangelism and discipleship.