The Gospel reaches the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The radio broadcasts of Call of Hope reach Muslims even in areas where other means for evangelism are very limited. This is the case in Saudi Arabia, for example. The country is in the firm grip of Wahhabism, a strict Sunni interpretation of Islam. The Christian minority in the country consists mainly of Asian guest workers. However, they are strictly forbidden to talk to Muslims about their faith. There are very few believers from Muslim background. Even though in religious terms in recent years the country has become somewhat more moderate, apostasy is still a capital offence in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the church of Jesus Christ is growing also there – partly thanks to the radio programmes of Call of Hope! We received the following message from Montaser*:

“I am ayoung man from Saudi Arabia. Outwardly, I led a happy life. I had everything one could wish for in life. But on the inside, I felt empty: I lacked peace of mind, serenity and confidence. I also suffered from severe depression.

One day, late in the evening, I was listening to the radio in my car on my way home. While stopped at a petrol station, I came across a radio programme that played beautiful songs. As I listened to these songs, I suddenly felt joy touch my heart. The songs were followed by a speech. I noticed how calm and balanced the speaker sounded. Suddenly, I realised that he was talking about Jesus Christ. It was a Christian broadcast. The speaker went on to talk about honesty at work and how to treat people properly. He spoke about love for God and for other people.

As I drove home, I continued to think about this man’s words. He had spoken about faith in Christ. What I had heard differed completely from what I was used to hearing from our Islamic preachers. He had not just issued threats about hell and the terrible fate that awaited all unbelievers. No, he had spoken in a gentle and kind way.

After this experience, I wanted to learn more about the Christian faith. At first, that was easier said than done. I did not dare to contact the radio station directly. In Saudi Arabia, we do not have the freedom to practise the religion of our choice. The religious police rule the streets. Anyone who disobeys their warnings is beaten. If my attempts to make contact had been discovered, I might have been arrested or even killed. I would have been treated as an apostate, an infidel and a corrupter of the faithful in the land of Muslims.

I searched the internet for websites with information about Jesus. Most of the sites that came up when I entered keywords such as “Jesus” or “Gospel” were blocked. Finally, however, I found the Facebook page of your radio programme. I listened to many episodes of your programme and read your devotionals. Your words have opened my eyes and have brought peace to my heart. I have found faith in Jesus. From now on, I want to dedicate my life to Him. I now want to walk the path of light, love and goodness – the path of the Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour.

Please pray for me.

Your brother, Montaser”

Call to action:

Dear friends, the radio broadcasts of Call of Hope reach Muslims all across the Arabic-speaking world, indigenous Berbers in Morocco, the Sharia states in northern Nigeria, as well as Muslims in Ghana, Nepal and Indonesia. Many Muslims have already found faith in Jesus through these broadcasts. This work is made possible by your faithful prayers and gifts.