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Persecution News - Yemen

Update: Negotiations begin for release of Christian hostages
(January 14, 2010)

Update: Day of prayer and fasting called for kidnapped foreigners
(October 28, 2009)

Christian relief workers abducted and killed
(June 24, 2009)

Yemen Profile

Total Area:
527,970 sq. km

Population:
23,013,376 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnicity:
Predominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Language:
Arabic

Religion:
Muslim including Shaf'i (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu

Government Type:
Republic

Capital:
Sanaa

Population Below Poverty Line:
35% (2003)

Country Reports

Update: Negotiations begin for release of Christian hostages

January 14, 2010

Johannes, Sabine and children,
Anthony S.

Authorities in Yemen have reportedly started negotiations for the release of six Christian hostages -- a family of five from Germany and a British engineer -- who were kidnapped along with three other women in June (click here for more information). The bodies of the women, Rita Stumpp (26), Anita Gruenwald (24) and Eom Young-sun (33), were found shortly after the kidnapping. Until recently, however, the state of Johannes (37), his wife Sabine (37) and their children, Lydia (5), Anna (3) and Simon (1), as well as Anthony was unknown. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of $2 million USD as well as immunity, free passage and a guarantee that they will not be handed over to neighbouring Saudi Arabia. (Sources: Middle East Concern, AFP)

Pray that the efforts to negotiate the release of these Christians will be successful. Pray for protection and health for the kidnapped believers. Pray that their kidnappers will come to know Jesus Christ through their witness. For more information and prayer requests, please click here.

For more information on the plight of Christians in Yemen, please click here.