Malaysia
House Church Attacked
October 29, 2011
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
May 18, 2011
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
January 27, 2011
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
October 15, 2010
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.”
Malaysian Churches Burned
March 14, 2010
In response to a court decision allowing Christians to use the name of God, Muslim arsonists burned four churches in MALAYSIA. Though none of the churches were entirely destroyed, all suffered grievous damage.
Pray that the believers will forgive their tormenters and persevere in the faith. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
In response to a court decision allowing Christians to use the name of God, Muslim arsonists burned four churches in MALAYSIA. Though none of the churches were entirely destroyed, all suffered grievous damage.
Pray that the believers will forgive their tormenters and persevere in the faith. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Bibles Confiscated
January 31, 2010
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.”
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.”
The Church is Growing!
December 22, 2009
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."
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."
May they Speak the Name of God?
September 2, 2009
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.
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.
Children protected from "automatic conversion"
June 27, 2009
The government of Malaysia has determined that children can no longer automatically be converted to Islam when one of their parents legally converts. Minority groups, including Christians, are rejoicing -- but prominent Muslim organizations claim that this decision betrays Islam.
Pray for legal protection of Malaysian Christians. "Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I shall tell you concerning all the statutes of the temple of the LORD and all its laws."
The government of Malaysia has determined that children can no longer automatically be converted to Islam when one of their parents legally converts. Minority groups, including Christians, are rejoicing -- but prominent Muslim organizations claim that this decision betrays Islam.
Pray for legal protection of Malaysian Christians. "Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I shall tell you concerning all the statutes of the temple of the LORD and all its laws."
Malaysian Christian Wins Court Case
May 21, 2009
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."
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."
God's Name Banned
May 7, 2009
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."
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."
Religious freedom does not apply
April 23, 2009
Malaysia's government declares the religious freedom clause of the constitution does not apply to Muslims who wish to convert.
Pray that Malaysians continue to encounter the risen Lord and put their whole faith and trust in Him. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation."
Malaysia's government declares the religious freedom clause of the constitution does not apply to Muslims who wish to convert.
Pray that Malaysians continue to encounter the risen Lord and put their whole faith and trust in Him. "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation."
Further challenges for Christian newspaper
March 11, 2009
Update: The Christian paper banned by Malaysian authorities (2/21) has been allowed to reopen. However, the word “Restricted” must appear on the cover to show it is for Christians only, and the paper still faces a court challenge.
Pray that in every way the word of life will continue to go forward in Malaysia, to draw men and women into the Kingdom of God. "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Update: The Christian paper banned by Malaysian authorities (2/21) has been allowed to reopen. However, the word “Restricted” must appear on the cover to show it is for Christians only, and the paper still faces a court challenge.
Pray that in every way the word of life will continue to go forward in Malaysia, to draw men and women into the Kingdom of God. "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Malaysia restricts Christian paper
February 21, 2009
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 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 converts stand for Christ
January 15, 2009
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.
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.
Newspaper challenged in Malaysia
October 25, 2008
The Malaysian government accuses a Christian paper of running articles insulting to Islam. The paper insists it is just offering an ethical interpretation of current issues. Nevertheless, officials could suspend publication.
Pray that believers can offer perspectives shaped by the Christ of the Cross. "Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me."
The Malaysian government accuses a Christian paper of running articles insulting to Islam. The paper insists it is just offering an ethical interpretation of current issues. Nevertheless, officials could suspend publication.
Pray that believers can offer perspectives shaped by the Christ of the Cross. "Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me."
Protesters halt civil rights forum
October 15, 2008
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."
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."
Malay Christian cannot change ID
October 9, 2008
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."
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."
