Capital: Doha
Population: 700,000
Religion: Islam
Muslim Background Believers: A few scattered believers
Qatar
is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, who
deposed his father in 1996 in a bloodless coup. Under the progressive
leadership of the Emir, Qatar is developing quickly.
Qatar's population has more expatriate than local citizens. Of its roughly
700,000 people, only about 220,000 are Qatari nationals.
The strict Wahhabi sect of Sunni Islam is dominant in Qatar, but there is
also a small number of Shi'ite Qataris. Because of the influence of
Wahhabism, Qatar has one of the most conservative societies in the world.
While expatriates enjoy quite normal lifestyles, the Qatari society is far
more restrictive, especially for the local women.
Christianity has been tolerated in Qatar (among the expatriates) for some
time, as long as Christians keep their faith to themselves. No "formal"
churches have been allowed to be built, but "unofficially" they have existed
for a long time. The government has granted permission and land for the
first church complex to be shared by several churches. This represents a far
more lenient and tolerant attitude by the Qatari government.
Due to past restrictions, Qataris have had very little exposure to Christian
truth. Most Qataris have never met a real Christian with whom they could
communicate at a meaningful level. Many Qataris have no idea that Christians
even worship in their land.
PRAYER POINTS
Monday - Pray
that God would give birth to a local Church and national leadership within
Qatar
Tuesday - Pray
that the Bible, other literature and videos would be distributed boldly and
that Christian media (satellite TV, radio, Internet, etc.) would have
greater impact.
Wednesday - Pray
that God would mobilize the thousands of expatriate Christians here to pray
for Qataris and to reach out to their Muslim friends.
Thursday - Pray
for greater unity amongst the 50 plus churches and Christian fellowships
that meet in Qatar.
Friday - There
is only a handful of "known" local believers, most of whom are not
spiritually mature. Pray that they would be strengthened, discipled and used
of God.
Saturday - Pray
that God would break the spiritual pride that Qataris have concerning Islam
and prepare their hearts for the message of the Gospel.
Sunday - Pray
for God to grant Christians greater favor with the Qatari government, which
has decided to give land to build churches for the first time. It seems that
the Lord is creating a "new atmosphere" in this strict Wahhabi Muslim
country.
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