Malaysia
Though formally guaranteeing religious freedom, Malaysia has declared itself an Islamic state. Ethnic Malays are not legally allowed to convert from Islam to Christianity. Christian marriages of converts from Islam go unrecognized, and Christian parents have difficulty retaining custody of their children. “Many have expressed concern that the civil court system has gradually ceded jurisdictional control to Sharia courts, particularly in areas of family law involving disputes between Muslims and non-Muslims.” Churches for non-citizens are rare and house churches are strongly discouraged. There are few trained pastors.
Jemaah Islamiah is the most active Islamic terror group in Malaysia. They seek to establish an Islamic state throughout all of Southeast Asia.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Malaysia
House Church Attacked
In MALAYSIA in August a house church was attacked by Muslims, who were reportedly motivated by reports of people converting from Islam to Christianity. Ask God for boldness for the converts.
Pray that the congregation will continue sharing the truth about Jesus. “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said.”
Bibles Seized
Earlier this year, government authorities in MALAYSIA seized approximately 30,000 Malay Bibles that use the Arabic word for God. In March the government agreed to release the Bibles, on the condition that they be stamped with serial numbers and with the prohibition “For Christians Only” on the cover.
Pray that Gods’ Word will be distributed freely in Malaysia. “In You our fathers trusted; they trusted, and You delivered them.”
Former Persecutor Now Preaching
Praise God for a former persecutor who now preaches the Gospel in MALAYSIA! When he was a Muslim, he beat Christians and tried to get them arrested. He is now following Christ, even though his father disinherited and disowned him.
Thank God for transforming his life! “...even the darkness is not dark to You; the night is as bright as the day…”
Christian Fellowship Closed
A Christian religious club at a school in MALAYSIA was ordered to close this summer. Although Islamic clubs are allowed to operate unconditionally, non-Muslim clubs face increasing pressure. Several teachers were transferred because of their activity in Christian fellowships.
Pray that God will provide fellowship for students and teachers in Malaysia. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Church is Growing!
The Church is growing in MALAYSIA! Muslims are asking about Christianity. National believers are increasing in their boldness for evangelism.
Pray that this fire will grow despite the danger and persecution. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Malay Christian cannot change ID
A Malaysian court denied yet another convert's appeal to change her legal identity from Muslim to Christian. She must get permission from the Sharia court to renounce Islam, potentially bringing punishment for her "apostasy."
Pray that God will guard and guide her through every trial, and bring her safely to His heavenly country. "And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I bring you into the land."
Malaysia restricts Christian paper
Malaysian authorities denied that they planned to close a Christian paper that has come under fire from the Muslim government in the past. But after delaying renewal of its license, they finally ordered the publisher to stop printing the Malay-language edition until courts resolve legal challenges brought against it. A few days later officials reversed their decision, but the situation is still in flux and some restrictions still apply. The paper is appealing.
Malaysian Christian Wins Court Case
In a rare court victory, a Malaysian Islamic court decided that a man could receive a new ID card showing his Christian faith. However, this was only possible because there was no evidence that his Muslim father and Christian mother were legally married, and because he had been raised Christian.
Pray that all Malaysian believers will have freedom to publicly claim Jesus Christ. "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
Bibles Confiscated
In MALAYSIA, believers are suffering spiritual hunger for lack of access to the Truth. Over 15,000 Bibles have been confiscated in the last few months.
Pray that the government will relent and believers will once more be able to feast on the Word of God. “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.”
Protesters halt civil rights forum
Christians can be caught between Islamic and civil legal jurisdictions in Malaysia. But a public forum to discuss challenges ended early after protesters began shouting "Long live Islam" and "Allahu akbar!" The forum had promised not to question Sharia courts' jurisdiction over Muslims or the status of Islam enshrined in the Constitution.
Intercede for freedom to acknowledge the Savior. "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."