The Provost of Ibadan-based Christian Theological Seminary, Dr Tayo Bamgbose has disclosed that the whole of Arabian Peninsula is now opened up for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He said authorities of the countries in the Peninsula are now ready to welcome churches to their countries.
The Arabian Peninsula is located in Western Asia, otherwise known as the Middle East. It is bordered to the north by Jordan and Iraq, to the west by the Red Sea, to the east by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and to the south by the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
It is the ancestral homeland of the Arab peoples. The peninsula consists of 7 countries: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Islam’s first and second holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, are located on the Arabian Peninsula.
Bamgbose in the interview with Church Times said he got to know of the opening during a chat with a top Saudi Arabian official.
He said, “I got a call from one of the officials in Saudi Arabia who told me those countries are no longer averse to the gospel.”
He said priority will however be given to existing churches, not new churches.
On how interested churches can take advantage of the opening, Bamgbose said, “We are going to give a letter of introduction to churches in Nigeria that are interested in starting a mission work in those countries. They will take the letter to the minister of interior in Saudi Arabia who will direct them on what to do to”
He said however that he will not be responsible for how the churches get their visa. “Our responsibility is to give them a letter of introduction and ascertain that they are a recognised church here in Nigeria and that they are interested in doing missions in the peninsula. They will have to sort out their visa and also do their travels.”
Read how the first church in Saudi Arabia started:https://churchtimesnigeria.net/saudi-arabia-church/
Most of the countries in the Peninsula are known to be intolerant of the Christian Faith. Many of the churches in these countries meet in informal places. and conversion from Islam is not allowed. Many of the churches in those countries are populated by immigrants.
Bamgbose said the opening is a great opportunity for mission-minded churches to spread the good news of the kingdom in a more relaxed atmosphere
Interested churches can send email to iconibadan@gmail.com or performance001@gmail.com Tel: +2348073870863