CIRCULATION CODE 3. OPEN. May be circulated to general mailing lists, outside organizations, and quoted from freely in reports citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.

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Christians in Saudi Arabia have requested our prayers for two incidents.

First, Hamoud Bin Saleh, a Saudi national, was arrested on 13th January after writing in his blog about his decision to follow Jesus. Hamoud also criticised the judicial system in his country. The authorities have blocked access to his blog. This is the third time that Hamoud has been detained, having been held for nine months in 2004 and for one month in 2008. The content of his latest writing is such that some Christians have serious concerns about how the authorities may treat Hamoud, including fears that they might decide to execute him for apostasy (i.e. leaving Islam). Others feel that the high profile nature of this case may make it difficult for the Saudi authorities to act so harshly.

Second, Yemane, an Eritrean Christian who has worked in Riyadh for 25 years, was forced to move to another city last week after receiving three death threats within a few days. The threats, some of which were made by members of the religious police, were issued verbally and in the form of written notes. Yemane has pastored an informal fellowship for ten years and has recently handed over leadership to others. He was among a group of 17 foreign pastors held by the Saudi authorities in May 2005 before diplomatic pressure led to their release. The member of the religious police thought to have been behind Yemane's arrest in 2005 is one of those leading the current threats.

Christians in Saudi Arabia request our prayers that:

a. Hamoud and Yemane will both know the peace and presence of Jesus throughout these ordeals

b. The authorities will act mercifully towards Hamoud, including releasing him

c. Those who have read Hamoud's blog would make a similar decision to follow Jesus

d. The authorities will act against those who are threatening Yemane

e. Yemane and those supporting him would know the Lord's wisdom as they consider how to react to these threats

f. The house fellowship and its leaders will know the Spirit's guidance in all aspects of their corporate life

g. Christians across Saudi Arabia will be able to meet with like-minded people for fellowship, worship, teaching and prayer