March - 15

BRUNEI Population 301,000 Peoples Malay 70.5%. Dominant in government and civil service. Many tribal people who converted to Islam have been absorbed into the Malay population. Chinese 16%, of which 80% are non-citizen residents. Gradual decline through emigration. Dominant in commerce. Tribal peoples 5.3%. Predominantly Iban. Also Kedayan, Kayan, Kenyah, Kiput, Murut, Tutung. Expatriate 8.2%. British 6,000; South Asian 4,200; Gurkha 1,000; Korean; Filipino. Largely involved in the oil industry. Literacy 85%. Official languages: Malay, English. All languages 17. Languages with Scriptures 9Bi 1NT. Cities Bandar Seri Begawan 66,000. Urbanization 59%. Economy Entirely dependent on oil, with estimated reserves for 25 years. One of the wealthiest nations in Asia. Income/person $14,120 (67% of USA). Politics Refused to join the Malaysian Federation in 1963. A Protectorate of Britain until full independence in 1983. The Sultan rules as an absolute monarch. There are only rudimentary democratic structures Religion Islam is the state religion. Constitutional guarantees for the free practice of other religions are being eroded and limitations on Christian activity are increasing. Muslim 71%. All Malays, some Iban, Murut and other tribal people. Chinese Religions 9%. Non-religious/other 6.5%. Chinese and non-Malay. Animist/other faiths 5.5%. Mainly tribal peoples. Some Hindus and Buddhists. Christian 8%. Nom 3%. Affil 5%. Growth 1.6%. Protestant 3.8%. Affil 2.8%. Growth 2.2%. Roman Catholic 3.9%. Affil 2%. Growth 0.7%. Foreign marginal 0.02%. Growth 5.2%. Indigenous Marginal 0.19%. Growth 1.1%. 1. No evangelism is permitted among Muslims, and no known believers have come from this community. However, there is a steady stream of conversions to Islam from among tribal and immigrant communities. Pray that through the pure lives of the Christians and the work of the Holy Spirit some may be saved. 2. The Chinese community feels insecure; most are still considered foreign, even if they were born in Brunei. Many still follow Chinese religions or are non-religious. About 15% are nominally Christian, but only a small proportion of these are committed to Christ. Pray that neither fear nor materialistic concerns may hold back Chinese from salvation in Christ. 3. Christians in the various fellowships have a vigorous outreach through meetings, camps and literature. In 1992, the importation of Christian literature and the public celebration of Christmas were banned and all contacts with Christians in other countries forbidden. Most of the Catholic priests and nuns in the country were expelled at the end of 1991. Pray for Christians in their present predicament and for these unconstitutional edicts to be withdrawn. 4. Tribal peoples have either been converted to Islam and absorbed into the mainstream of national life, or have remained isolated in jungle villages. Among the latter, many Iban, Kelabit, Murut and others have come to Christ through the witness of the Anglicans, Brunei Christian Fellowship and Bethel Chapel. Pray for the evangelization of each of these communities. 5. Brunei students usually complete university education in Malaysia, Britain, Australia or other lands. Pray that they may come into contact with a vibrant Christian witness, be won for Christ, and ultimately return home as witnesses to their Saviour.