Christians expelled from Jordan; Open Doors is concerned

Jordan (MNN) — Jordan has permitted Christian activity in the recent past. Reports, however, suggest that’s changing. In 2007, Jordan denied residence permits to at least 27 expatriate Christian families and individuals, most of which were working with local churches or studying at a seminary. Jordanian authorities claim illegal proselytism. Open Doors’ Al Janssen isn’t surprised. “Muslim authorities will always use that. Are they going out on the street and evangelizing? I find that hard to believe. But what if someone asks you in the privacy of a conversation, ‘I want to know more about what you believe as Christians.’ Is that proselytizing?” Some believe it is. Janssen is concerned for two reasons. “Does this mean that Jordan is going to become more of a radical Islamic country? The other thing that would concern me is that other Islamic countries might be encouraged by this example of Jordan and decide they might start cracking down on Christians are well.”

• Pray that the Jordanian government will end its antagonism toward Christians.
• Pray also that believers will be given residency permits and visas so the work in Jordan can continue.
• Pray that God will allow non-Jordanian Arab believers into the country so they can get much-needed theological training.