JORDAN OVERVIEW

Today I would like to present to you an overview of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. My destination is Al Mafraq. Most of this information is from Operation World which I would recommend as a valuable prayer guide for the world. A copy can be found in our church library.
Jordan is at the center of a very conflicted area of the world, with Israel on the West and Syria in the North, with Iraq to the East and Saudi Arabia to the East and South. Its population is about 7 million but this total is swelled by mass refugee populations from Syria and Iraq which burdens its economy and limited resources.
Jordan's main sources of income are tourism, phosphates and agricultural products. Jordan has no oil and very limited water resources. Jordan is politically moderate and an ally of the West providing somewhat of a buffer for Israel against more fundamentalist regimes.
Jordan is 97% Muslim (Sunni), about 2% Christian and of these about .025% are protestant. The constitution of Jordan prohibits religious discrimination and promotes free exercise of religious beliefs and worship. The Church has a visible public presence and relative freedom, but there is some pressure on evangelical churches. Many Christians have left the country. Since 1980 the Christian population has dropped from 6.5% to 2.2%. This emigration has brought a need for more leadership in the churches. The evangelical church has doubled from 1995 to 2010, most converts coming from nominal Christian churches but some are from Muslim backgrounds.

Al Mafraq is North of Amman

 Christian ministries such as an Arabic language school and medical work such as Annoor Sanatorium are always under pressure so continue to pray for these ministries in Jordan. As one leader commented, "every day we offer praise to God for another day of possible ministry in Jordan by the grace of God".

Millions in Jordan need to hear about Jesus Christ through medical initiatives such as Annoor, through cell phone downloads, via TV and radio programs, through internet websites, and written materials. Please pray for God's work in Jordan.

I leave on Monday morning and will be in touch as best I can over the next month. Here are some prayer requests: 
1) Good health and stamina (I am an old man now) 
2) Travel connections and safety on the roads 
3) Financial provision for the cost of the trip 
4) That I can be a fruitful helper to those I meet
5) That I will be a faithful witness as opportunity arises