There is a sharp division between Yemenis from the northern tribes and the southern ones. Those from the north descended from the Mesopotamians, who entered their land 1,000 years before Christ. The north and the south were separate nations in the 70s and 80s. They merged for a couple of years, but now they are fighting once again. Iran backs one side using Shia Islam as their banner, while the other supports a Sunni Muslim head of state. The growing of the narcotic qat has become the mainstay. This drug trade is a curse on Yemenis for several reasons. It uses up valuable water that they need to grow food. Much of their food is imported.

Ministry Obstacles: Though they vary in terms of tribal loyalty and even the form of Islam, they are all devoted to the Islamic religious system. Therefore, few have put their trust in Jesus Christ. Any kind of overt Christian witness is dangerous in this war zone. However, people are often spiritually open when they are vulnerable.

Scripture Focus: "You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you."
- Nehemiah 9:6

Prayer Focus: May the hearing of God’s word lead to this people group understanding who God is and the fact that He gave them life. Pray for the Lord to use the instability to help Yemenis understand their need for a righteous Savior. Pray for the Lord to make a way for the gospel to go forth into every Yemeni village.