Maldives

A notable history of severe illness and death marks Maldivian Christians, foreign missionaries to the island nation and translators working to produce a Bible in the native language, explained by front-line workers as a significant form of spiritual warfare for those committed to making Christ known in the Maldives. Samuel is one such Maldivian Christian, with a passion to reach his family and friends with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has suffered severe health problems in recent months that resulted in the need for intensive hospital care.

A man and his family have come to Christ through strategic evangelism efforts of Christians in the Maldives. To avoid drawing persecution from Muslim fundamentalist groups in this restricted nation, Christian workers must be intentional about how and with whom they share the message of the gospel, using creative approaches to discipleship. Hamko and his family are among those who have come to faith in Christ through one such effort.

Front-line workers in the Maldives often encounter significant challenges in sharing the gospel and discipling new believers without drawing persecution from fundamentalist groups, so they pray for “people of peace” who are open to engaging with them to give others the possibility of experiencing the gospel. Mary, one such potentially influential person of peace, shared that she and her husband have suffered traumatic losses as they have tried to start a family, and front-line workers were able to pray with her in this respect.