Courage overcomes obstacles for Christians in Nepal. Prayers for Malaysia.

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Treacherous roads, long-distance travel, rainfall, intense heat from the sun, fear of catching Covid-19, suspicious eyes – these are the challenges Open Doors partners faced delivering aid to over 1,300 Christian families across Nepal suffering due to the pandemic. But what kept them going was the joy of serving their brothers and sisters. Many believers have lost jobs and do not own land for farming, and being a Christian often means being deliberately overlooked in the distribution of government aid. “I am so overwhelmed by the provision as it was difficult to survive with no work and no income and the future looking bleak,” says Neetu*. Read more about the courage of Open Doors partners and stories of how your support is helping believers. *Name changedPLEASE PRAY:

• Give thanks for the courage and selflessness of Open Doors partners in Nepal; pray for their continued strength and protection

• That where people see Christians receiving this help, they’d see love in action and want to know more

• That every physical, emotional and spiritual need of Christians in Nepal will be met.

CHRISTIANS UNFAVOURABLE IN MALAYSIA Despite officially being a secular state, Malaysia’s constitution defines ethnically Malay people as Muslims, and leaving Islam is illegal for them in almost every state. Christians comprise nine per cent of the 32.5 million population. The government has a policy of favouring Malay and indigenous people in terms of housing, schooling and tax benefits. However, in practice this only applies as long as they are Muslims. If they become Christians, their privileges are quickly withdrawn. Christians from Muslim backgrounds are most prone to persecution. They often hide their faith and gather in secret. If discovered, they could face rejection from their family, or be forced to divorce their partner. Occasionally they may be sent to a re-education camp, or simply ‘disappear’. Churches are monitored by the government, and it is illegal to share the gospel with Malay Muslims. Read more about what life is like for Christians in Malaysia. A prayer for Malaysia Heavenly Father, bring about increased favour from government officials towards Christians; may they see their value to society and ensure equal opportunities for them. Strengthen Christians at risk of persecution with the knowledge that You are for them and with them. Give church leaders a tangible sense of Your direction as they encounter government surveillance, and open up ways for Malay Muslims to hear the gospel. Amen. With many thanks for your prayers.