Arab, Tihami in Yemen

Arab, Tihami in Yemen

pronounced: ti-HAH-mee

The Tihama is the narrow western coastal region of Yemen on the Red Sea. In addition to poverty, literacy is one of the problems in the Tihama. One out of every two people is illiterate. In some villages there is little more schooling than memorization of the Qur'an. One prevalent tradition in all of Yemen is qat, a mildly narcotic leaf that is chewed for hours at a time. Qat holds a strong grip on Yemeni culture. The predominate culture in the Tihama centers around Islam, but sometimes tradition or cultural customs supersede Islamic law. Hospitality and generosity are high values among these people, as well as the utmost priority of preserving honor in the family and community.

Ministry Obstacles

The Tihami Arabs live in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Both countries are very hostile to Christian witness.

Outreach Ideas

Pray for a growing interest in Jesus among all the peoples of Yemen. Pray they will begin searching for forgiveness for their sin and for power to live this life. Only Jesus provides both.

Scripture Focus

I don’t know whether He (Jesus) is a sinner, the man replied. But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see! John 9:25

Scripture Prayer

Pray that the Lord removes the spiritual blindness of today’s people group and they begin to see God’s truth revealed in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Focus

There may be a few followers of Jesus today in this large people group, that is, secret believers. They need our prayers for safety and wisdom as to how they live out their faith. They are key people in eventually reaching all of their own tribe. Pray that the Tihama would be free of El Qaida operatives. Pray that those disillusioned by all the problems in their country would search until they find the Truth that can set them free.