Strategically located along ancient trading routes, Yemen is one of the oldest civilizations in the Middle East and is the ancient home of the Queen of Sheba who traded gifts with King Solomon. Yemen was a merger of two distinct republics in 1990; the northern republic practicing a form of Shiite Islam known as Zaydism and the southern republic predominantly Sunni Muslim. Islam is the official religion, and the legal system is based on Shariah Law.

Before Muslims overran the country in the seventh century and cut off nearly all outside influences, there was a significant Christian population. Today Yemen is one of the world's least evangelized countries and the few Christians living in Yemen are not allowed to witness and it is illegal to convert from Islam.

Due to the very small number of Christians (estimated at 0.05% of the population), their walk with Christ is difficult due to discouragement and isolation from other believers as well as facing significant societal pressure. Most Christians are foreigners working in the country and many are Ethiopians.

Because of the US-led war on terrorism, Yemen has been cracking down on supporters of al-Qaida in the country. However, there remains a significant element of militant Islam in the country. On December 30, 2002, a Baptist-run hospital was attacked and three foreign missionaries were killed. The attacker testified in court that he did it out of religious duty, "in revenge for those who converted Muslims from their religion and made them unbelievers." Local residents denied that the American missionaries were involved in trying to convert people to Christianity.

• Pray for safety for local Christians and Christian aid workers in Yemen.
• Pray for spiritual encouragement for Yemeni believers who too often are faced with living their Christian lives alone.