A vast desert covers Saudi Arabia. This barren physical landscape is a metaphor for the spiritual condition of a people with little access to Christ’s living water. The Saudi government works to silence the Gospel in the country, which is 93 percent Muslim, but God’s Spirit finds creative ways to cross borders.

In 2005, King Abdullah began sending thousands of college students to distinguished universities around the world. The program was so popular that nearly every extended Saudi family has participated.

The program has been educational in many ways. For the first time in their lives, thousands of Saudi students have the chance to hear the Gospel, ask questions about religion, and explore the Bible on their own.

Fifteen years later, King Abdullah’s students are back home and bearing spiritual fruit. Ahmed is one example.

While studying in the U.S., Ahmed was “adopted” by a Christian family that invited him into their home and spent time with him. Ahmed soon became a big brother to the family’s children.

Ahmed also listened as the family prayed, watched as they had family devotions after dinner, and asked questions about their faith. As he studied the Bible with them, he began to believe in Jesus.

Now back in Saudi Arabia, he is fulfilling the promise of Jesus: “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Ahmed has become an oasis for those around him, sharing the water of hope as the Spirit leads.

Pray that more Saudi students will meet Christians in the U.S. who can help them come to know Christ.

• Pray that God will draw the hearts of Saudis to himself through dreams and visions.
• Pray that God will grow the underground church in Saudi Arabia by growing disciples and converting the lost.