Arab, Saudi - Najdi in Netherlands

People Name:	Arab, Saudi - Najdi
Country:	Netherlands
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	600
World Population:	18,835,500
Primary Language:	Arabic, Najdi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Arabian
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Saudi civilization began to germinate with the advent of Islam in 622AD. In a short period of time Bedouin nomads in what is now Saudi Arabia conquered the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and swaths of the Middle East under the banner of Islam. Islamic armies were unstoppable at that time. The Saudis went from being nomads to developing a great culture with world-renowned mathematicians and architects.

Today a couple hundred Saudi nationals live in the Netherlands. Most of these are students who attend universities in Maastricht and Groningen. Many are studying medicine. The embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located at The Hague, so there are Saudis in that city as well.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Saudis in the Netherlands are students. There are also Saudis who work at their embassy. As "ambassadors" for Saudi culture, they would highly recommend an art gallery called the Greenbox Museum in Amsterdam that features the work of Saudi artists.

Be they medical students or employees of the embassy, Saudi nationals are very busy with their daily tasks, so it might be difficult to reach out to them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Saudis are among the most devout Sunni Muslims in the world. Islam began in what is now Saudi Arabia. All Muslims are expected to go on a pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at some time during their lives. Saudis try to follow a form of Islam that is based on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed found in the Koran and the Hadith.

What Are Their Needs?

Friendship evangelism would be an excellent approach, but it would have to be done discreetly. Saudi nationals are very active in spreading Islam around the world, but if any of them turn away from Islam, they can pay for it with their lives.

College students are often lonely and seeking friendship with those who will provide them with a home away from home. Believers who love Saudi culture and cuisine could show hospitality to students and embassy workers as "ambassadors for Christ." Such people would need to start with areas where Islam and Christianity agree, such as the greatness of God, and the importance of Isa, Arabic for Jesus.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up people who will faithfully share the ways of Jesus with Saudis in the Netherlands in a discreet, loving manner.
Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit that will give Saudis a willingness to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, depending on Him alone for salvation.
Pray for a disciple making movement among Saudis in the Netherlands that will spread to Saudi Arabia.