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
High Price for Obedience
In Malaysia, following Christ can be costly. The nation claims to offer its inhabitants religious freedom, but defines ethnic Malays as Muslims. Muslims are forbidden from converting out of Islam, and non-Muslims are forbidden from sharing their faith with Muslims. The reverse, however, is permitted: Muslims may proselytize non-Muslims, and non-Muslims are allowed to convert to Islam.
Christians Accused
Muslim leaders in MALAYSIA recently accused Malaysian Christians of trying to “Christianize” the country. Converting Muslims to Christianity is against the law.
Pray that believers in Malaysia will persevere in their witness to the gospel. “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in the way.”
LEARN MORE: High Price for Obedience
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.”
May they Speak the Name of God?
A court in MALAYSIA is to rule on whether the word "Allah" (the only word their language has for a supreme deity) can be used in non-Muslim literature. A negative ruling would shut down a successful Christian newspaper. It would also decrease the freedom of the Christian population--they already suffer by having their conversions, marriages, and children unrecognized by the state. It will also create a great linguistic challenge to evangelism.
Malaysian converts stand for Christ
When two Malaysian Muslim boys became Christian and tried to have their ID cards changed, they were called into the police station for interrogation. Because they were minors, they were released, but remain legally "Muslim," which creates many challenges. However, they are stepping out in faith and sharing Christ. More than once they have escaped further interrogation after those they witnessed to complained to Islamic leaders.
God's Name Banned
One Malaysian state banned a song for using "Allah," the common word for God in their language, to describe Jesus Christ. The government has banned non-Muslims using this word on other occasions as well. The lawyers' association was ordered not even to discuss the ban.
Pray that believers will not be intimidated, but will hold fast to Christ. "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."
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."