Day 5

OCTOBER | 2025

Bhutan

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Praise Points

Preservation of cultural identity – Bhutan has protected its traditions and resisted cultural erosion. “Stand firm, and hold to the traditions you were taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Political stability under the monarchy – The country has maintained peace compared to its neighbors. “Pray for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:2).

Prayer Points

Religious restrictions – Christianity is not officially recognized.

“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Youth migration and loss of faith – Young Bhutanese often leave for jobs abroad and drift from their spiritual roots. “Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me” (2 Timothy 4:10).

Poverty and inequality – Despite progress, rural Bhutanese struggle with limited resources. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker” (Proverbs 14:31).

A Call to Salvation

Teach children the Word of God diligently“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Strengthen unity, trust, and fellowship“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Remain bold in witness despite persecution“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has long been known for its isolation and unique culture shaped by Tibetan Buddhism, monarchy, and the pursuit of “Gross National Happiness.” Historically, it remained closed to outside influences to protect its traditions, with Buddhism and monarchy as central pillars of national identity. Bhutanese culture is rich with festivals like Tshechu, traditional dress (gho and kira), and Dzong architecture, all closely interwoven with Buddhist beliefs.

Christianity entered Bhutan much later, with early missionary contacts traced back to Jesuit priests in the 17th century. However, they were never allowed to establish a lasting presence. Recently, a few Christian leaders quietly visited and sowed seeds of faith. Still, no official church buildings are permitted today. Bhutanese Christian teenagers now face great struggles—discrimination at school, social exclusion, and family rejection—while also lacking the freedom to worship openly.

A deeper issue is disunity among Bhutanese Christians, often driven by denominational divisions, personal ambitions, and fear of persecution. Without biblical humility, forgiveness, and unity, the survival of Christianity in Bhutan is at risk. To prevent extinction, Bhutanese Christian Believers must embrace the biblical call to unity (John 17:21), perseverance (Hebrews 10:36), and sacrificial love (1 Corinthians 13:7), ensuring their faith passes on to the next generation. There is a growing number of Believers scattered throughout Bhutan.

CHIEF OF STATE
King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Tshering Tobgay
POPULATION
741,700
CHRISTIANS
1.4%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
0.4%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Buddhism
PERSECUTION RANKING
36
REFUGEES
23,833
LIFE EXPECTANCY
68.3 yrs
LITERACY RATE
52.8%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
12%

Day 5

OCTOBER | 2025

Saudi Arabia

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Praise Points

Heavenly Father, we thank You that even in a land where churches are forbidden, the light of the Gospel still reaches people through radio and digital means. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Almighty God, we praise You for the many migrant workers who carry the testimony of Christ in Saudi Arabia, standing as hidden witnesses in a difficult place. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

Abba Father, we are grateful that the Gospel cannot be silenced by human laws, and that even in secret, Christians gather to pray and grow in their faith. “The Word of God is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9).

Prayer Points

Almighty God, we pray against the surveillance of Christians and Your protection of Christians’ secret gatherings by the authorities. Protect Your children from harm and exposure. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

Lord Jesus, we raise the issue of restricted internet access, which limits Believers’ growth in Your Word. Open new doors for creative ways to share the Gospel. “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

Abba Father, we cry out to you for the many migrant workers facing severe abuse, violence, and exploitation in Saudi Arabia. Righteous King, strengthen them in their suffering, and let justice be served on their behalf. “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3).

A Call to Salvation

Lord Jesus, help Christians in Saudi Arabia stay firm in their faith, discipling their children and teenagers even in secret so that the Gospel is never forgotten. “All Your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of Your children” (Isaiah 54:13).

Father, grant Believers courage and holiness so they can shine brightly even under persecution, refusing to compromise. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Lord Jesus, unite and network the hidden churches of Saudi Arabia so that they may encourage one another, evangelize wisely, and stand together as one Body. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Saudi Arabia is a monarchy located in the Arabian Peninsula. It is recognized as the birthplace of Islam and is home to Mecca and Medina, the Islamic holy cities. The government is one of the wealthiest oil-producing nations in the world. Saudi Arabia’s culture is rooted in Islamic law, tribal traditions, and stringent social codes, influencing every aspect of public life. Although Christianity existed through early Eastern churches before Islam’s rise in the 7th century, it is now officially banned, and no church buildings are permitted.

The global Church has not been successful in establishing Christianity openly in most of the country. However, missionaries, Bible translators, and modern Christian radio broadcasters have quietly planted seeds of faith, especially among migrant workers. Today, Christian teenagers in Saudi Arabia face enormous struggles: they live under constant surveillance by police, restricted internet access limits their exposure to Christian teachings, and persecution against Christians continues to increase.

Migrant Christian workers in Saudi Arabia frequently endure horrific violence in silence due to their faith. The Saudi Church is under threat because of fear, isolation, and a concerning lack of discipleship for Christians living there. This challenging environment makes it difficult for Believers to support one another and grow in their faith.

CHIEF OF STATE
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
POPULATION
33 million
CHRISTIANS
4.3%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
0.6%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Islam
PERSECUTION RANKING
12
REFUGEES
70,661
LIFE EXPECTANCY
74.8 yrs
LITERACY RATE
87.2%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
Unknown