South East Asia

Malaysia is a multi-racial country with followers of major world religions. Freedom of religion is allowed but Christians are forbidden by the state from witnessing to Muslims.  Many social problems and human rights issues are faced by the people.

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands with 722 languages spoken.  The most populous Muslim nation in the world with 15% of its population follows Christ. Persecution against the church is a reality.

Singapore is a multi-religious society. The booming economy has transformed the people to become more materialistic with excessive competitiveness. Christians are also not spared from prioritizing between spiritual riches with worldly riches and personal achievement.

Thailand has 100 different people groups with 80,000 villages. Sex trafficking, drugs and organized crime are rampant. Majority are Buddhists who mix folk animism and occultism. Only 0.5% is evangelical Christians (0.5%).

Brunei has 65% of its population Muslims and 11% is Christianity. It is illegal to proselytize and Muslims are forbidden to convert from Islam. Constitutionally, freedom of religion is allowed but Christianity is not recognized or affirmed.

Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia but one third of the population lives in poverty. Christianity (90%) though most is Romans Catholic.

Myanmar is a nation mainly influenced by Buddhism with more than 100 ethnic groups under the control of the military junta.  The nation suffers from repressive laws, high HIV infection and illegal drugs usage.  Freedom of religion is restricted and the church is being harassed.

Cambodia has 85% Buddhists and 2% Evangelical Christians. It still depends heavily on foreign funds with half of the population below 21 years old and uneducated. The trauma of the past Khmer Rouge regime has created opportunity for the gospel to be preached.  

East Timor gained her independence in 2002 with 85% Catholics and 2% evangelical Christians. The previous Indonesian reign has caused many death, famine, disease and plunder. Many are left homeless and Christian resources with committed Christian workers are a great need.

Vietnam, though a communist country, has many of its people traditionally follow Buddhism and ancestral worship. The growing living standards also lead to increased social problems. Freedom of religion is guaranteed but religious groups must register with the government. However, many churches are denied registration which led to persecution.

Laos is a communist country which heavily depends on foreign aid. More than half of its population is Buddhist. Although Christianity is a government-approved religion, local churches are still being persecuted.