The percentage of Saudi Arabian citizens who are Christians is officially zero. [33] [34] For this reason, Saudi Arabia is known as 'the hell for apostates', with many ex-Muslims seeking to leave or flee the country before their nonbelief is discovered, and living pseudonymous second lives on the Internet. In 2008, Time’s reporter Richard Owen wrote that the religious police searched the homes of Christians residents often. In fact, it is so strictly prohibited to the extent that Christians cannot walk around wearing a cross, and if spotted, they will face harassment and possible charges because it is considered a punishable offense by the local authorities.The infamous religious police who are often locally referred to as ‘Hay’ah’ or ‘Mutaween’ is the morality police which reinforces the Islamic Shari’a law’s religious behavior code. Nonetheless, some Christians did attend lectures about Islam, but what was astonishing was that the lecturers would then make it a point to insult and degrade Christianity driving many Christians towards the door.On one occasion, we were driving on the road towards Madinah. Moreover, we rejoice over each life saved. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Christians may be arrested, imprisoned, tortured and deported for their faith.” All Saudi nationals must be Muslims and those who are attempting to acquire the Saudi nationality must convert to Islam first. Churches are officially banned in Saudi Arabia and a limited number of Christians, mostly westerners, are permitted to worship in private as long as no Christian symbols are openly visible. The Greek Orthodox have some numerical strength. But, in the decade that I have lived there, I have come across several religious minorities including those who belong to the fellow Abrahamic religion, Christianity. This is extremely problematic because the marginalized group is compelled to suppress its own religious identity while simultaneously adopting another.Celebrations such and Easter and Christmas are banned and any form of celebration is strictly prohibited preventing them to establish or sustain any relationship with their religion. According to a study earlier this year, 4.4 per cent of Saudi Arabia's population identifies as Christian – up from less than 0.1. per cent (50 people) just over 100 years ago in 1910. One read “road for Muslims” pointing towards one of the fork roads, and another saying “road for non-Muslims.” Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the city of Madinah, however they banned from entering the holy city of Mekkah, home of the Ka’aba. There are, however, some 1.4 million Christians living in the country. Students are conditioned to believe that a follower of any other religion (or no religion) aside from Islam is considered “najis”(impure). Church buildings are forbidden and so Christians meet in house churches, which are frequently raided. Christians may be arrested, imprisoned, tortured and deported for … Pray for Jeswine and every secret believer in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, that God will continue to give them the strength to stand for Him, come what may.For just $100 per month you can bring the gospel to 10,000 homes. The new generation might be oblivious as to how Saudi Arabia was less than 10 years ago. As I mentioned, the authorities consider everyone Muslim and violence exercised on the bases of religion is not recognized. Figures show that in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Christianity was practically non existent just over a hundred years ago. That their faith will stay strong, no matter what.”As a Christian media organization, we thank God for the privilege that so many people are watching behind closed doors. Other nationalities such as Americans, Europeans and Asians of the same faith were excused when it comes to abiding by the strict Islamic law, mostly because most of the Americans and Europeans who lived in the country were diplomats protected by their embassies and international affiliations which pardoned them from abiding by the social laws. We know the challenges each convert faces and intercede for their safety. In Saudi Arabia, it is strictly prohibited to publicly eat or drink during the holy month forcing Christians to quite literally fast, and avoid all restaurants during the day. There are a few Muslim-born Christians, and conversion from Islam is punishable by death.