Shihuh in Oman

The Shihuh are fishermen and herdsmen and are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman, pushed into the mountains by successive Muslim and Portuguese invasions. The land in which they live is rocky and arid, with very little vegetation. Their stone houses are called bayt al qufl, which means "cave house", since they are partly underground. Until about the early 1970s, the tribe was isolated from the outside world. They did not trust outsiders, and it was common for visitors at that time to have stones thrown at them by tribesmen. Nowadays, the Shihu are no longer hostile to outsiders, but neither are they particularly friendly.

Ministry Obstacles

Much of the region is not hospitable to Christian outreach.

Outreach Ideas

Much sustained prayer is needed to prepare hearts and to create desire to search for the peace found in Christ.

Scripture Focus

"That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."  Ephesians 5:26-27

Scripture Prayer

Pray for an emerging, spotless and pure church among this people group.

Prayer Focus

There are no known Christian believers among this people at this time. Pray for hearts to begin to hunger for the forgiveness of sin found only in trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Pray for sufficient rainfall to provide for livestock and to grow grain needed for food.