Day 20
Lebanon
Hezbollah from Lebanon has attacked Israeli posts, and tensions are on the rise at the border, with renewed shelling and firing. As the Israel war against Hamas extends into a multi-front battle, Israel is facing trouble along its northern border with Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon have been involved in clashes along the border for the past few days, deepening unease over the possibility that the conflict will escalate. There has been trepidation among the people of Lebanon as they fear another war with Israel. Pray that the conflict will not escalate and the Lebanese will have a sigh of relief. Pray for them to receive the grace of God for new beginnings by their faith in Jesus Christ (The Bible, Job 8:7).
Source:
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/another-conflict-tensions-israel-lebanon-border-hezbollah-iran-13233322.html
Lebanon is a struggling Middle Eastern state. Over 80% of the population lives below the poverty line due to systematic corruption by successive governments. The 2020 massive explosion at Beirut port remains unsolved. Inflation rates increased to more than 150%. Thirty percent of Lebanese youth remain unemployed. Compounding matters is the presence of more than a million Syrian refugees. The Iran-supported Hezbollah controls the southern border with Israel. Lebanese citizens constantly face prolonged power cuts, food shortages, and a lack of medical supplies. The threat of war looms as Israel pounds Gaza. The Hezbollah response will decide whether Lebanon will be safe from an invasion by Israel.

Day 20
Brunei
While traditional or historic Christian communities are left in relative peace to worship God, it is challenging for people to convert to Christianity from Islam. Muslims who convert to Christianity faces the threat of harsh Sharia law. Pray for this underground community of Jesus’s followers to know His presence as they quietly stand on their hidden faith. Prayer can be a powerful tool to protect and guide new Christian Believers on their spiritual journey. Let us pray and ask God to connect them with other like-minded Christians in fellowship, so that they may grow and thrive in their faith. (The Bible, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Source: Brunei (Open Doors) and Christian workers in the region
Brunei is a tiny Sultanate in Southeast Asia. The monarchy is absolute in the country. Despite Muslims being only 60% of the population, Shariah Law is for everyone to follow. Evangelical Churches only have recognition as organizations. They cannot preach the Gospel message or commit to social work. Christians face institutional persecution. Brunei reinstated the death penalty in 2019. The conversion from Islam is unlawful. Christmas celebrations banned. Yet, many Bruneian Christians choose to be courageous and serve to expand the Kingdom of God in their country.
