Day 20
Lebanon
Investigative Journalists have accused Hezbollah of exploiting a diplomatic loophole to freely funnel money from around the world into its coffers in Lebanon. The investigation found 500 cases of individuals “accused of crimes or embroiled in controversy” who currently or were previously designated as an “honorary consul,” a special designation that provides an individual with diplomatic perks and freedoms. The investigation indicated examples of Lebanese citizens receiving honorary consul status by other countries, as well as foreign nationals using their diplomatic privilege to aid Hezbollah. Pray that the terror group’s well-organized misuse of the system will be thoroughly exposed. Pray that the enemies of the people be exposed as wicked and the adversary be proven guilty (The Bible, Job 27:7).
Source:
Michel Aoun is the president of the Lebanese Republic and the head of state of Lebanon since 31 October 2016. The current prime minister is Najib Mikati, having taken office on 10 September 2021. Lebanon has suffered profound economic problems. The value of its currency has plummeted. Ramifications of the pandemic and its explosion in Beirut have added to the ongoing crisis. Unemployment and inflation have soared. Political turmoil continues. The emigration of Christian nationals is expected to heighten. Believers fleeing persecution in neighboring countries have commonly sought new beginnings in Lebanon, but the inability to find employment increasingly drives them to leave the MENA region. Christian organizations struggle to support destitute believers. In addition to Lebanon’s political and financial woes, another major challenge the country faces is the issue of refugees and the religious imbalance their presence represents.

Day 20
Brunei
Brunei has again been experiencing a sharp rise in cases of COVID-19. Though few people are needing to be hospitalized, community frustration has been expressed at the impact the virus continues to have in this tiny nation. As another year draws to a close during this pandemic, pray for Brunei to lift up her eyes to the loving Heavenly Father. Pray for hearts and minds to be soft and open. Though Christmas celebrations are usually banned in this country, the Holy Spirit can’t be banned from working and moving in people’s lives. Pray for dreams and visions of Jesus sharing His love and care (The Bible, 1 John 4:18).
Source: Brunei COVID-19 cases rise for 7th straight week (Xinhua)
Brunei has boasted a small but prosperous economy. Its wealthy standard of living surely contributes to the wild popularity of its sultan who provides free health care, housing, and education to his countrymen. The nation has begun exploring alternative sources of income as it foresees its oil reserves running out. Sharia (Islamic) law was fully implemented in 2019. The enormous international backlash against the death penalty by stoning for homosexual acts resulted in the Sultan reneging and claiming the death penalty will not be applied, but concerns about the fate of Christians in the country remained out of the spotlight. Propagating any other religion than Islam is illegal.
