What is God Doing in Kuwait?

Kuwait            

Population: 2.1 million

Capital:    Kuwait City

People Groups:  34

Main Religion: Islam 87%

All Christians:   8% 

     (mostly foreigners)

 

Links to Testimonies of Muslims in Kuwait who have become Christians: http://www.arabicbible.com/testimonies/sommer.htm

The Mel Gibson film, “The Passion of the Christ” is so popular here that they have been canceling the other films to show 'The Passion' in all the theatres at the cinema complex. I took a friend on the second night. The film was running in all three theatres. I would estimate that well over 50% of the people in the theatre were local Muslims including women completely veiled. You could see how this film had impacted everyone. On the second day, several of the local newspapers had the advertisement for the film on the frontpage. It appears that even Saudi Arabia is getting a chance to see the film, albeit through pirated DVD's. There are no movie theatres in Saudi Arabia anyway. God knows what He's doing. I was just reminded what the Apostle Paul writes: "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way (e.g. pirated DVDs) the true Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice". (Philippians 1:15-18). The release was very timely. The killing of Palestinian Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmad Yassin happened the morning after the film was released. The Arab response has been a whole new wave of hatred for the Jews, which was illustrated in a large public demonstration/march yesterday. At a time when the urge for Muslims to hate has been renewed, the Lord has brought 'The Passion' telling them - 'No, love your enemies! Forgive them!' The contrast is staggering. [Note Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat watched 'The Passion of the Christ' at a private screening in the West Bank city of Ramallah, and made a positive statement about it.] Just today a couple of local women asked me, "Do you have the New Testament in Arabic? Me and all my friends want to read it!" Another asked about where to get the Arabic Bible on the internet. This has never happened! The film is generating so much interest in Jesus and the Scriptures. Every Christian we are talking to seems to have a story of two just like this one. May it continue to increase. There have been several articles in the paper, all positive and surprisingly silent in terms of emphasizing the Islamic belief that Jesus did not die on the cross. People are talking about wanting to go and see it. Pray that many would watch this movie and that it would spark an interest and hunger to know more of Jesus and the Bible. Pray that hearts would be drawn by the love of Jesus. Pray that believers would make the most of this opportunity to talk with their friends, to be available for those who will be impacted by what they see.    Joel News International, March 2004