For most of its history since gaining independence from Britain in 1946, Jordan was ruled by King Hussein (1953-99), who maintained good relationships with the major world powers as well as signing a formal peace treaty with Israel . Following Hussein's death, his son King Abdallah II ascended to the throne. An influx of Palestinian refugees from Israel has added a major burden to the country in its political and economic stability.

The state religion of Jordan is Islam. The government appoints and financially supports all Islamic clergy. Christians and Jews are officially recognized and allowed to worship. However, encouraging Muslims to convert to Christianity is prohibited. Those who do convert to Christianity report social and government discrimination. In the eyes of the law, they continue to be Muslims and their children are considered Muslims.

In the case of conversion from Christianity to Islam, it is assumed that all minor children are then Muslims. Adult children of a convert to Islam are not allowed their inheritance without converting themselves. One situation which outlines some of the difficulties facing Christians in Jordan is the plight of Siham Qandah. When her husband died in 1994, documents were forged to say he had converted to Islam. As a result, her children, by law, had to have a Muslim guardian in order to collect the orphans' pension. Qandah asked her estranged brother to be the guardian, but he eventually demanded custody of the children to prevent them from being raised as Christians. His demands were accepted in various court appeals, but Qandah continued to fight, with the support of one of the royal family. After an extended legal battle, Qandah was finally awarded custody of her children in April 2005. The final appeal by her brother in law failed, and the case was closed in June 2005.  Praise the Lord, Qandah is able to continue raising her children as Christians with the peace of mind that she will not be challenged again.

• Pray for Christians like Siham Qandah, who face the challenges of living within the constraints of Islamic law.
• Pray for opportunities for Christians to share the love of Christ with others around them.