Shinas (شناص in Arabic, population 55,549) is a city and the seat of Shinas district (pop. 82,741). It is the northernmost district of Oman (excluding the enclave of Musandam) and borders the United Arab Emirates. Shinas has a distinctive collection of traditional buildings, including its historical fort built around 1800. According to once source, at that time the town of Shinas was allied with the Persians and quite separate from the rest of Oman. The people of Shinas fought against British shipping in the Arab Gulf, along with some tribes in what is now the UAE. The British and Omanis retaliated and in 1810 the castle was attacked and forced to surrender. Since that time Shinas has been under Omani rule.

Shinas is known for its for its mangrove forests, and agriculture, such as mangoes, lemons, bananas, and sweet potatoes. It also has a ferry port, with boats running to the Musandam enclave. The port of Shinas has dhows (traditional boats) that are still operated and generate profits from fishing and exporting fresh seafood to the neighboring Dubai for restaurant use.

The meaning of “Shinas” in Arabic is “Knower, Identifier, Distinguisher, Intelligent”. Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32). We bless the people of Shinas to hold to Jesus’s teachings, and know the Truth and be set free!

Pray for the Town and District of Shinas:

• Glory of God.  That God would be glorified and exalted and worshipped in Shinas. (Habakkuk 2:14, Psalm 138:4-5)    
• Expansion of the Kingdom.  That many people in Shinas will come to know Jesus, and that communities of believers will be planted, that movements will be ignited. (Luke 1:32-33, 2 Cor 10:15-16)
• Hearts and Minds.  That spiritual blindness and bondages will be lifted from the minds of the people in Shinas, and that hearts will be stirred with hunger for Jesus and truth. (2 Cor 4:4, Luke 24:45)
• Authority.  Pray with the authority that Jesus gives you over principalities, powers and spiritual strongholds in Shinas. Pray that God would release prophetic words over the land, releasing visions, dreams, signs and wonders in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 18:18, 2 Cor 10:4)
• Revival.  That any believers living in Shinas would be awakened by the Holy Spirit, have love and passion stirred in them for the lost, and rise to meet the need in their neighborhood. (Luke 10:2, Ezekiel 37:10)
• Provision.  That God would bring His provision and blessing to all those in need in Shinas. That He would show His eternal kindness, demonstrate the blessing of His Kingdom, and cause His people to prosper. (Philippians 4:19, Jeremiah 29:7)

Worship with us!: Jesus The Truth by New Wine. May many Omanis know Jesus, the Truth! 

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Al-Manzlah, Al-Khaboura district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 93

Janah, Al-Khaboura district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 81

Al-Baks, Al-Khaboura district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 80

Biayq, Al-Khaboura district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 74

Dhaharat as-Salam, Al-Khaboura district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 74

Lifayyah, Al-Khaboura district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 74