In a section of Doha, in an expanding development that has come to be known as Church City, thousands of Christian migrant workers worship freely with the blessing of the Qatari authorities. Christianity in this Islamic state was once an underground religion, but today it thrives, thanks in part to people like the Rev. Bill Schwartz, an Anglican priest and an Episcopal Church missionary. In one part of Church City, Schwartz is overseeing the construction of an Anglican Centre. More than 10,000 Protestant Christians from 37 denominations already worship in the Anglican Centre and many more are waiting for space to become available. Until recently, Qatar was seen as a purely Islamic country, but as new leadership tapped vast natural gas resources, economic development exploded. The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, knows that such development brings migrant labour and different faith traditions, provided the land for Church City.

Praise: God for the growth of Church City and pray that its influence will continue to grow. (Heb.13:20-21)

More: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_128330_ENG_HTM.htm