A Glimpse into Saudi Arabia and the Hope of the Gospel
Saudi culture is rich and deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Family and tribal ties remain strong, with hospitality and generosity being core values. Saudi society is predominantly conservative, although under the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the country is going through rapid modernisation. The economy is being diversified – moving away from being oil dependant and moving towards tourism, technology and sport.
Saudi Arabia’s population is young, with over 60% under the age of 35. There is a growing openness among the younger generation, who are increasingly exposed to other cultures, technology and new ways of thinking. Although the country is going through immense change, Saudi Arabia is still a very restrictive nation. Women are still expected to live by strict rules around dress and behaviour – with those who break the rules being punished harshly.
While Saudi Arabia does not permit public expressions of Christianity, digital technology presents new avenues for discreet outreach. Media—especially social media, podcasts and videos are powerful ways to share the Gospel. Indeed, one of our social media outreach projects, Desert Roses, has a big following from Saudi Arabia.
We are always looking for new ways to reach people in Saudi Arabia, in particular by training local Saudis in how to use media to reach their own people.
Local Christian media ministry teams can:
- Provide spiritual encouragement and teaching to secret believers.
- Introduce the gospel to people seeking Jesus in a culturally relevant way.
- Share stories of transformation that resonate with seekers.
- Offer answers to existential questions with love and truth.
- Support and equip underground church movements through discipleship resources.
Please pray for:
- God to bless Christian media efforts and creative outreach in Saudi.
- More opportunities for us to build and equip media ministries there.
- The people of Saudi Arabia, that they will encounter Jesus in their dreams, through relationships and media.
- The safety, courage and the spiritual growth of Saudi believers.
- The leaders of Saudi Arabia as they guide the nation through change, that they would encounter wisdom and truth.
- The youth of Saudi Arabia, that their hunger for purpose and identity would lead them to Christ.
- Unity among Christian media ministries working in the region.
- A powerful movement of the Holy Spirit across the kingdom.