World Watch List 2010:

#7. Yemen

Yemen still holds position 7, but the total number of points increased. Last June nine expatriate Christian health workers were kidnapped by armed men. After a few days, the bodies of three of them were found, mutilated in a horrible way. The fate of the remaining six aid workers remains unknown.

During the reporting period, there was an increase in seizure of Christian materials. The Yemeni Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but it also declares that Islam is the state religion and that Sharia is the source of all legislation.

The Yemeni government allows expatriates some freedom to live out their faith, but Yemeni citizens are not allowed to convert to Christianity (or other religions). Converts from an Islamic background may face the death penalty if their new faith is discovered.

Proselytizing of Muslims is prohibited. Converts from Islam encounter opposition from the authorities and also extremist groups, who threaten "apostates" with death if they do not revert to Islam.

About the Church (Persecution: Oppression)

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the government generally respects free practice of religion. Weekly services for Catholic, Protestant, and Ethiopian Christians were held in several cities without government interference. In other parts of the country, Christian church and Jewish synagogue services were held in private homes or facilities, such as schools, without harassment, and such facilities appeared adequate to accommodate the small numbers involved.
The Constitution declares that Islam is the state religion, and that Shari'a, Islamic law, is the source of all legislation.
The government forbids conversion from Islam and proselytizing of Muslims.
Family and government are sources of oppression and persecution.
Yearly, about 5-6 Christian converts are imprisoned for a duration varying from a few days up to half a year due to their Christian activities.
Kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen have occurred regularly, usually ending by meeting kidnapperâ€™s demands for some community assistance, funds, or release of clan members from custody.
Literature confiscations of foreign travelers have increased heavily in 2009.
Local believers and staff always run the risk to be put in prison, without trial. If they are arrested a lot of pressure will be put on them to convert back to Islam. If they reject this they are threatened with the capital punishment. The justice system in the country is corrupt.

Examples of Persecution:

Michael Kenea was murdered for his faith, in front of his home and family. No one was ever prosecuted for his death. AFS: ET - Michael's death produces much fruit (15 Oct 2008)
The seizure of nine Christian workers in the Northern Sa'ada province, and the reportedly brutal killing of three of them, has shown that the security situation in Sheba crossed an important boundary. The remaining 6 are not found yet. MES: YE--Continue to pray for 3 missing adults and 3 children (23 Sep 09)

Role of Open Doors:

In different ways, Open Doors is actively ministering in the country, in distributing Christian literature, in giving Biblical and Christian training to new believers and in supporting socio-economical plans and projects. All of the support and ministering is taking place in secrecy and is not openly labeled as coming from Open Doors or from a Christian organization.
Open Doors is working in secret ways in Yemen, in supporting the secret believers in Christian literature, training and social-economics.
Open Doors also takes part in advocacy, research and special projects.

Prayer Points:

That more Christians will enter Yemen and for the safety of the workers already there
For a continuing positive response to Christian radio and TV, and a revelation from God to those who search for truth on the internet
For those who were arrested and abused last year, and those who fear similar treatment this year.