Brunei  

Contact with Christians in other countries, the import of Bibles and the public celebration of Christmas are all banned in this Islamic nation. The monarchy is seen as the defender of the faith and Islamic law has been fully implemented since 2011. There is a program of Islamization for natives. Muslim-background believers can face hostility from family and community. The government recognizes only three Catholic and three Anglican churches; unregistered churches are considered ‘illegal sects’ and are monitored by government officials.

PRAY:

• The level of fear among persecuted Christians is very high. Pray for courage to stand firm in the faith

• Christian bookshops are not allowed. Pray that believers and seekers will gain access to God’s Word

• The Sultan has announced that from 2013, Islamic religious studies will become a compulsory subject in schools. Pray that children will have the opportunity to hear the gospel.