“On that day the Lord will heal Brunei!”
The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them(Isaiah 19:22,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Southeast Asia
Population | 484,000
Area | 5,765㎢ A small inland region north of the island of Borneo in Malaysia, Southeast Asia.
Capital City | Bandar Seri Begawan (240,000 people)
People Groups | Total 24 groups (Malay 65.7%, Chinese 10.3%, indigenous 3.4%, Indian 2.3%)
People Groups Unreached | 8 (55.4% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Malay, English
Total Languages | 24
Bible Translations | Completed 12, New Testament 2, Partial 2
Religion | Christian 11.4% (independent church 5%, Catholic 5.4%), Muslim 69.1%, Ethnic religion 12.8%, Buddhist 4.2%, Non-religious 3.2%, Hindu 0.8%, other 0.3% Evangelical 5.2% 24,000 people
》 About Brunei
Brunei was formed as a Malay kingdom in the 6th or 7th century. In 1405, the ‘Brunei Islamic Kingdom’ was established. Later, in 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate, and in 1984, it gained full independence. The country is a monarchy, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has been the ruler since 1967. The Sultan holds absolute power in political, economic, and social areas. Government officials and the military are used to strengthen the rule based on Islamic values.
Brunei’s economy has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world. Citizens do not pay personal income taxes and receive free education and healthcare. English is widely taught, and the country has developed excellent infrastructure to attract foreign investment. Oil and natural gas production make up about 65% of the GDP and 95% of exports, with Japan being the main market. Brunei is also diversifying into industries like halal food production, information technology, and agriculture.
Brunei’s GDP per capita is approximately $60,100
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 19:19-25(NIV) 19. In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border. 20. It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 21. So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. 22. The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. 23. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. 25. The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.“ |
》 Prayer Points
1. Although Brunei’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, Islam is the state religion, and various laws prevent the growth of the church. Even with these challenges, about 12% of the population is Christian, which is something to be thankful for. Evangelism is punishable by fines or up to 5 years in prison, and it is illegal to use the Bible in Malay, the national language. There are only around 20 churches in the country, and since 2016, no new church building permits have been issued due to concerns about the spread of Christianity. Let us pray that the Christians in Brunei stand firm in their faith and grow stronger through prayer and God’s Word, even under persecution. Also, let us pray that God’s protection covers the few bold evangelists and missionaries, who, despite the dangers, continue to preach the gospel and lead new believers to baptism in secret. May those in Brunei find the Savior as they cry out to God in their struggles.
2. Brunei is an Islamic absolute monarchy, and its Sultan and leaders hold all the power and wealth. While the people seem satisfied with their material riches, their spiritual lives are barren. The country is governed by Sharia law, which restricts the spread of Christianity. Let us pray for the Kingdom of God to spread in Brunei, and that all the laws, institutions, and ideas opposing God in this country will be changed. May Brunei become a nation that worships the living God, and may the gospel reach all souls who have not yet heard it.
3. In April 2019, Brunei implemented strict Sharia law, receiving criticism for laws like stoning for homosexuality and adultery. The new criminal code, announced on the Ministry of Justice website, also included amputation of the right hand for first-time theft offenders and the left foot for repeat offenders. Even minors were not exempt from such punishment, which led to widespread condemnation from the international community. Due to this backlash, Brunei decided to delay the implementation of Sharia law. Let us pray for Brunei’s leaders, who believe that strict laws can control people, to realize the mercy and love of God shown on the cross. Only God’s compassion and love can truly lead and govern people, and let us declare this truth in Brunei.
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