10 March 2026
On the very day the airstrikes began, I had just sat down to write my next praise and prayer. It was the last day of February, and I knew I’d promised to send one each month — deadline very much noted. At 11am I was at my desk, had typed my very first bullet point… and then the siren sounded, followed by the first missile strike. So, here I am — having unintentionally found the most dramatic excuse imaginable for missing yet another self-imposed deadline.
Safe Location:
I feel deeply fortunate and truly grateful that the area where I’m living (Saar) is generally considered low risk compared to other areas. It’s about 15 minutes away from the US naval base in Juffair, and the capital, Manama — where the main diplomatic and economic centres are, and around 25 minutes from the oil refinery in Ma’ameer and water plant in Tubli, all of which have been targets of attack. Another significant factor is that there are no high-rise buildings here, which tend to be located closer to major infrastructure and are more likely to be targeted. While debris from intercepted drones or missiles can fall anywhere — meaning no area is entirely without risk — at present, while the threat remains air-based, I feel as safe as possible under the circumstances.
Not Alone:
Additionally, I’m not on my own. A couple of colleagues who felt anxious remaining in their high-rise building in Manama have come to stay with me. I’m also hosting Muti, a Nepalese lady who worked in a restaurant in Juffair that was hit, leaving her without both work and a home, as her accommodation was above the restaurant. Anima, from Bangladesh, who struggled to find affordable accommodation whilst looking for work is still with me after almost a year now. It’s been lovely to see Anima and Muti get on so well together. Muti has little English, but they both speak Hindi, which truly feels like God’s kind provision in bringing them together at just the right time.
To Stay or to Leave:
We don’t really know where this situation is leading or how long it will continue — for now, it feels like a waiting season, taking each day as it comes. Following embassy guidance, we stayed indoors for the first few days. After about four or five days, work gradually resumed. The book kiosk reopened, and the shops in the mall began operating again, so there was a sense of careful normality returning. In theory, our company said we could
choose to remain in Bahrain or to leave. In practice, travel isn’t straightforward at the moment, as flights are unavailable unless routing via Saudi Arabia. But beyond logistics, it also feels, for me, right to stay — to be present among the people I’ve been called to live alongside and serve. Whether with local friends, trolley attendants, or the men at the labour camp, this is the community where I’m seeking to quietly live out my faith day by day. At the same time, others have chosen to leave, and that has been the right and wise decision for them in their own circumstances.
That said, I had been planning to return home for my first annual cancer check-up and had just booked my flight on Friday 27 February for travel on 21 March. The very next morning the first airstrike hit. At this stage,
my intention is still to return on 21st March for around four and a half weeks, but this will depend on whether flights resume. At present, Bahrain’s airspace remains closed. I think what feels most surreal in all of this is the
strange mixture of ordinary life and uncertainty. Simple routines continue — making meals, opening the kiosk, chatting with people in the mall — yet there’s an underlying awareness that things can change quickly. There are also moments of tiredness and concern – sleep is difficult as the sirens continue day and night, keeping us on constant alert. Tense demonstrations from the Shia population linked to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Bahrain’s longstanding historical ties with Iran have added to the strain on daily life.
Deep Gratitude:
I know many of you have been watching events unfold on your televisions, praying, and reaching out with messages of care. Thank you so much. Your prayers have made a difference — I’ve felt them — and I’ve experienced a deep sense of peace amidst so much uncertainty. Truly thankful for the hope and security we have in Christ.
Pray for:
+ Peace and protection over Bahrain and the wider Gulf region, and for wisdom among leaders to pursue restraint and lasting peace.
+ Families who are grieving, and for comfort and healing for those who have been injured or displaced.
+ Those who have lost homes or livelihoods, especially migrant workers and vulnerable communities facing sudden uncertainty.
+ Emotional resilience and rest for those living under constant alert, where sirens and tension make sleep and daily life difficult.
+ Practical provision and safe shelter for people seeking refuge, and grace for those offering hospitality and support.
+ Clarity and wisdom in decisions about whether to stay or travel, especially where plans depend on changing airspace and transport routes.
+ Safe travel arrangements for my upcoming return home for medical check-ups, if and when flights resume.
+ Continued opportunities to quietly serve, showing Christ’s love through everyday conversations and presence.
+ Unity across communities, where political and sectarian tensions could otherwise deepen division.
+ That people would be drawn to the compassion and gentleness of Christ, and name Him and praise Him as Lord and Saviour.