This morning as I opened up my VOM Prayer Calendar prayer application for my Android phone, I was very eager to read today's request. Here's what it said:
MALDIVES: Maldivian believers cannot meet together or read the Bible openly.
After I read this request, I went to the Restricted Nations page and found out more about the Maldives. Here's just some information about this area of the world where Christianity is sparse.
The Maldives is a string of 1,191 islands in the Indian Ocean. Its culture is a blend of influences from southern India, Sri Lanka, East Africa and Arabic countries. Islam is the only recognized religion, and strict adherence is strongly promoted as Islamic conservatism continues to grow. In order to minimize outside influence on Muslim communities, foreigners are allowed only brief visits to the Maldives. The biggest challenges facing the government are a growing heroin addiction problem and youth gangs. Out of 10 people groups, five are unreached by the gospel.
Category: Restricted Nation
Religion: Muslim 99.0%, Buddhist 0.4%, Christian 0.2%
Ideology: Islam
Head of State: President Mohamed “Anni” Nasheed
Please join me and others in praying for the gospel to go forth in the Maldives. Can you imagine what would happen if the Muslim population received Christ! I think that would be AWESOME!
I would also encourage you to take some time today to thank the Lord for allowing you the privilege of meeting openly together with other Christians and also the freedom you have to open your bible and read it openly where others can see it. This is a gift that most of us take for granted, yet other believers in the world, like in the Maldives, can't do this.