Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. (Col. 1:24-26)

Although death is the exception and not the rule, the cost of turning away from Islam to Christ is enormous. Many Omani believers have lost families, friends, communities, jobs, reputations, and freedom. Some in the Arabian Peninsula have been imprisoned and killed in honor killings. Jesus even predicted this (Matthew 10:21-22). Since the Arabian Peninsula is the very heartland of Islam, persecution is a reality for Omani believers. 

Prayer: O God of all comfort, we pray for our dear brothers and sisters who are currently being persecuted in Oman because of their faith in You. Comfort them in all their afflictions. May they abundantly share in Your comfort as they share in Your sufferings (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). O Father of mercies, have mercy upon them and cause them to rejoice in their sufferings and fill up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of the church in Oman. And we pray specifically for the families who are persecuting believers, that You would convict them of their sins, that they would repent, and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15). Bring them into Your kingdom. Give them dreams and visions of Yourself. Do not let them go until they surrender their lives to You. Make the word of God fully known to them, O Lord. They have done great evil, but You are a God of forgiveness. Forgive them and reconcile them to Yourself through Christ your Son. Amen. 

Worship with us!: Son of Suffering by Matt Redman. May the persecuted Omanis know the comfort of the Son of Suffering!

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:

Arhab, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 120

Al-Basatin, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 118

Shalashil, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 114

An-Naamah, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 113

Hayl an-Nijayd, Ibri district, Adh-Dhahirah region. Population: 111