Day 19
Bahrain
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of India called the two temples of the Bochasanwasi sanstha coming up in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain as “two consecutive miracles in the Gulf”. Speaking at the Gulf Countries Day as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami, one under construction at Abu Dhabi and another expected at Bahrain. Jaishankar said, “We are living in a world with several challenges, primarily that being of 3Cs — conflict, Covid and climate— and the solution lies in 3 Ps – peace, progress and prosperity. Pray for positive impact as India is due to host a virtual meeting of over 120 nations spread over two days titled ‘Voice of Global South Summit’. Pray for the eyes of the Bahrainis to be opened to see the power of God and accept Christ the Savior (The Bible, Isaiah 12:2).
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Bahrain is not ranked in the World Watch list because it is relatively religiously tolerant compared to its neighbors in the Persian Gulf. It is a majority Islamic country mainly with Shia Muslims, but the ruling family is Sunni Muslim. Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa is King of Bahrain since 14 February 2002. The Kingdom of Bahrain is the most open island country in the Gulf region and has opened its doors to some Christian influence. The constitution of Bahrain officially grants freedom of religion, but a provision also states that this freedom cannot violate established customs, policies or morals, all of which are influenced by Islam. Only a few expatriate Christians in the country experience relative freedom to worship but are under close surveillance by the government and security forces. Converts from Islam experience the most severe persecution, as family members and local communities pressure them to recant their Christian faith.
