Located on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is comprised of harsh desert, humid coastal region, and temperate Asir Mountains, where most of the population lives.
Since its inception as a nation, Yemen has experienced political turmoil and intermittent civil war between its government and armed rebel forces. Ongoing civil war has devastated trade and infrastructure and contributed to high unemployment and extreme poverty.
Nearly 100 percent of the population is Muslim, and the country is under strict Sharia Law, which prohibits the denunciation of Islam, conversion from Islam to another religion, or proselytizing. Apostasy is a capital offense.
Persecution is extremely high for Christians in Yemen, which is listed as the fifth most persecuted country in the world according to Open Doors. Christians face persecution such as arrest, excommunication from their tribes, divorce, loss of custody of children, exclusion from government aid, and even death. In addition to the armed rebels in the northern region, Christians also face danger from Islamic terrorist groups in the southern region, such as ISIS and al-Qaeda.
“Yemen is one of the least reached countries with the highest levels of persecution,” a field surveyor for Christian Aid Mission reported. “Because of the hatred and violence of radical Islamic practices, many young people are searching for answers. The best way to get to them is through social media.”
One Yemeni believer has posted hundreds of videos to various social media platforms. His network of teams follow up with seekers and new believers. Millions of views have resulted in thousands of interactions. In 2023, approximately 400 people professed faith in Christ through these efforts.
Those who accept Christ are delegated to a network of trusted people in various countries; several house churches were started by those new believers.
Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, U.S. Department of State, Open Doors
