12/20/20 Scripture Reading/Missions Focus

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 9:1–7 CSB

1 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. 4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. 5 For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

Missions Focus

Country: Yemen

Tradition tells us that Queen Sheba actually reigned in and traveled from Yemen to seek wisdom from Solomon

Population: 29.6 mil

Largest Religion: Islam (99.7%)

Evangelicals: .02% (Only 5,963 people)

If you do the math, this means that approx. 1 out of 5,000 people are Evangelicals in Yemen

For every 5,000 people you meet in Yemen, statistically only 1 of them will be a believer

Challenges for Prayer:

99.7% of the population is identified as unreached and Yemen is one of the world’s least largest evangelized countries, but has one of the youngest and fastest growing populations

Evangelism is against the law and those who share the gospel do so risking their own lives

Yet, through secret gatherings and social media outreach, the church continues to grow in Yemen and more people are repenting and turning to Christ in Yemen than ever before!