Yemen (MNN) — Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have put Yemen in the crosshairs of Western forces.
The European Union is launching a new one-year naval operation to safeguard commercial shipping. Meanwhile, the U.S. re-designates the Houthis as terrorists, imposing harsh sanctions designed to cut off funding and weapons.
Yemen seems locked in a never-ending war, yet hope remains for the Yemeni people. God is at work here.
Trey Hulsey, a consultant for Middle East ministries, says, “The Yemeni church is growing, and we can speak of a Yemeni Church confidently and tangibly now. That wasn’t the case, maybe even 10 or 15 years ago.”
The Gospel message and teachings of Jesus are revolutionary in a place like Yemen.
“Christ teaches us to love our enemies, not to hate them. In Yemeni culture, that is a completely new message. That’s one of the things that really sticks,” Hulsey says.
“Yemenis say, ‘My culture teaches revenge and an eye for an eye. And yet, these other people who claim to follow a Messiah are telling me different.’”
Yemen is one of the world’s most dangerous places to follow Jesus. Nearly all Yemenis are Muslim, and converting to Christianity from Islam is a crime punishable by death.
(Wikimedia Commons)
The best way to help is also the easiest. “Sometimes it sounds cliche, but ‘Pray’ is first and foremost, number one,” Hulsey says.
“It takes an incredible amount of wisdom to navigate the unbelievable complexity of work in Yemen.”
Pray also for the boldness, wisdom, and protection of underground churches. Consider giving to a ministry supporting Yemeni believers like The Voice of the Martyrs USA.
“There is an enormous need [in Yemen]: money, aid, food, medicine. I would encourage people to contact charities that they trust and ask if they’re doing something for Yemen. If not, can they direct you to someone that is,” Hulsey says.
Header image depicts Yemen on a global map, highlighted in red. (Wikipedia)
