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Brunei, Southeast Asia
Leader: P.M. Hossanal Bolkiah
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 11-12%
Persecution Ranking: 24th
Christians in Brunei are experiencing increased measures to inhibit their religious freedom. In May 2005, a report on the Brunei government's website warned Muslims about "propagandists" who befriended the jobless and homeless as a "mask of kindness" behind which these "hostile elements carry out their propagation, handing out documents, books, cassettes and other religious-oriented material." Although the constitution permits religious freedom, the government's avowed intention is to introduce Shari'a (Islamic law) and to create a pure Islamic state. Limitations on Christian activity are widespread, evangelism is not permitted, Bibles and other Christian literature are not allowed into the country, the use of private homes as places of worship is forbidden, and the celebration of Christmas is banned.
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Prayer points:
= Pray for unity, courage, and wisdom.
= Pray that God will provide the Church with mature teachers and leaders.
= Pray that Christians in Brunei will not be intimidated by authorities but will continue to be bold in their faith.
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Dear LORD, we lift the Christians of Brunei to You today. We ask that You would grant them the ability to worship You freely in a nation which claims religious tolerance. We pray that You would give them courage in the face of adversity, that they might stand together and proclaim that You are Lord. Help them today to know Your presence and to have divine wisdom as moves are made to further integrate Islam in the country. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
Leader: P.M. Hossanal Bolkiah
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 11-12%
Persecution Ranking: 24th
Christians in Brunei are experiencing increased measures to inhibit their religious freedom. In May 2005, a report on the Brunei government's website warned Muslims about "propagandists" who befriended the jobless and homeless as a "mask of kindness" behind which these "hostile elements carry out their propagation, handing out documents, books, cassettes and other religious-oriented material." Although the constitution permits religious freedom, the government's avowed intention is to introduce Shari'a (Islamic law) and to create a pure Islamic state. Limitations on Christian activity are widespread, evangelism is not permitted, Bibles and other Christian literature are not allowed into the country, the use of private homes as places of worship is forbidden, and the celebration of Christmas is banned.
<+><
Prayer points:
= Pray for unity, courage, and wisdom.
= Pray that God will provide the Church with mature teachers and leaders.
= Pray that Christians in Brunei will not be intimidated by authorities but will continue to be bold in their faith.
<+><
Dear LORD, we lift the Christians of Brunei to You today. We ask that You would grant them the ability to worship You freely in a nation which claims religious tolerance. We pray that You would give them courage in the face of adversity, that they might stand together and proclaim that You are Lord. Help them today to know Your presence and to have divine wisdom as moves are made to further integrate Islam in the country. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
----------------------------------------
Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
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