Kuwait's Destiny | Loving Muslims Through Prayer

Kuwait’s Destiny

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Kuwait is a very small nation compared to the other surrounded countries; Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The whole world heard about Kuwait after the Iraqi invasion of the country in 1990. Kuwait’s oil wealth has attracted people from many parts of the globe and now half of its 2.5 million people are non-nationals! About 85% of the population is Muslim (Sunni 70%, Shi’a 30%); the other 15% are Christian, Hindu and Parsi (Zorastrianism). The earliest inhabitants of Kuwait were originally from the Al Aniza Bedouin tribes who migrated from central Arabia to escape drought in the early 1700s. Attacks from the Wahhabi tribes in the interior caused them to seek protection from Great Britain. Kuwait eventually became a British protectorate in 1897 and gained its independence again in 1961.

A hundred years ago, Christians came to Kuwait and helped the Kuwaitis through medical services. Positive Christian contributions to Kuwaiti society continue today. In addition the Kuwaiti government not only allows Christianity to flourish, but also provides meeting facilities for Christian worship. On any given week, various congregations amounting to 40,000 people use the facilities to hold church services and other meetings. Christians have freedom to praise and worship, as long it is not outside of the church walls.

Many Christians in Kuwait believe that the Lord has called them to be a lighthouse showing the way to God to the surrounding nations. Some pastors say the Lord reminds them to be a Bethlehem – where salvation came to the world. One pastor in Kuwait writes, “We have seen that during the last nine years, the Lord started a deep process to fulfil the destiny of this country through gathering the pastors of the many congregations. The pastors are not just concerned with their local congregation, but instead are looking for the godly transformation and blessing of Kuwait.”

Prayer points:

* Many Kuwaitis are seeking the Lord, mainly through watching the satellite television. Local Christians need to be able to disciple, train and equip those who are discovering Christ. May they become imitators of God, as dearly loved children (Ephesians 5:1).

* May the Lord continue to build a mentality centred on the Kingdom of God which is not just focused uniquely on the activities of individual churches (Mt 6:33a).

* Pray for godly Christlike leadership of the major churches (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

* Pray that Kuwaiti believers will exhibit godly values through their business activities with non-believers. (Colossians 4:5).

* Additional committed godly Christian women are needed to minister to other Kuwaiti and non Kuwaiti women (Titus 2:3-5).

* Greater religious freedom by law is desired (Acts 28:30-31).

* May God reveal himself to the younger generations of Christians and non-Christians. Some have opportunities to meet other committed Christians through travel and extensive studies abroad (perhaps a bit like the man in Acts 8:26-40).

* Pray that the Government will give land with permission to build more churches.

* In 1951 many Christian bookshops were shut down. Pray for the opening of new bookshops with permission to sell Bibles.

About Kuwait (World Factbook)

Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The AL-SABAH family has ruled since returning to power in 1991, and reestablished an elected legislature that in recent years has become increasingly assertive.

Kuwait’s Economy

Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with self-reported crude oil reserves of about 96 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 95% of export revenues, and 80% of government income. Kuwait’s climate limits agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported.

Statistics about Kuwait

Population: 2,596,799 (includes 1,291,354 non-nationals) (July 2008 est.)

Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.53 years

Ethnic Groups: Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions: Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi’a 30%), other (includes Christian, Hindu, Parsi) 15%

Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Literacy: 93.3% - male:94.4%, female:91%

Kuwait City - Video

Photo story of Kuwait - very nice

Filed under: Arabian Peninsula, Middle East by TDI | Email this story

4 Responses to “Kuwait’s Destiny”

Victoria Crowley, on September 16th, 2007 at 4:19 Said:

Religion is a powerful prison.
john, on September 17th, 2007 at 3:01 Said:

The request that the churches have a broader perspective of the church than their own group is one that could apply esp. to “the West”. Praise the Lord for the coming together of the pastors and Christians in Kuwait - by this will all those who view them know that they are His disciples. God bless you!
Kandace Knutson, on September 18th, 2007 at 2:22 Said:

Dear Victoria,

I agree with you that religion is a powerful prison.
Christianity is not a religion. There is nothing one can do to earn God’s favor. Praise His Name, the work is done by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are privileged to live in relationship with Him and with each other as a part of His Bride. Let’s dress His Bride with people from all cultures.
prayforkuwait.com BLOG, on October 12th, 2007 at 1:43 Said:

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WHY SHOULD WE PRAY FOR KUWAIT?
Day 05 - for September 17, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428
A hundred years ago, Christians came to Kuwait and helped the people through medical services. Positive Christian contributions to Kuwaiti society continue t…