_____________________Monday, October 23, 2006__________________
Since Hari Raya is coming, shall we pray for Brunei this week? (",)
Brunei, though a small nation of 328,000 people, holds potential far beyond its size. On of the richest states in SEAsia, it is also one of the strictest Islamic nations in the region. The Chinese account for approximately 15% of the population, although this continues to decrease as Chinese decide to emigrate. Many of the Chinese still follow Buddhism mixed with traditional Chinese religions and unashamedly boast a significant number of temples, together with their tribal brothers and sisters in Christ, play a key role as salt and light, and as a witness to the truth of the Gospel in the midst of the overwhelming majority Malay Muslim population.
Literacy rate: 88%
Income per person: US $25, 160 p.a.
Official language: Malay, English
Other languages: -16 total
-8 with Biblical translatioins
- 1 with NT
Major Religions: -Muslims (64.4%)
-Christians (11.2%)
-Buddhists (9.1%)
-Chinese (5.3%)
*The state religion of Islam is increasingly eroding the practice of other religions
Spiritual Focal Points:
-Kampung Ayer-- sacred cluster of 28 ancient water villages
-Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque -- Nation's dominant Islamic centre
-Tomb of Sultan Bolkiah -- Mausoleum of former revered leader
-Royal Ceremonial Hall (Lapau) -- Site of traditional and religious events
Prayer points:
-Proselytizing is illegal, resulting in jail or deportation; pray for ways to share the good news
-many Brunei Christians have adopted a laissez faire mindset and experience a lack of boldness; pray for bold, dynamic witness
-All printing in Brunei is regulated by the government; resulting in a lack of Christian resources for the church; pray for proliferation of quality resources
-Materialism is prevalent throughout Brunei, where oil makes the country one of the richest in Asia. Pray that the people would see past materialism to the true wealth of the gospel.
have a fruitful week praying...because we know that our sovereign Father listens to prayer!