The Gaza-Israel war is almost in Lebanon now. The Iran-backed Hezbollah launched several attacks on Israel over the last few weeks. The economically struggling Lebanon, where people are struggling to buy food and medicines due to skyrocketing inflation, this development is quite devastating. While Iran arms the Hezbollah with their surplus weapon systems, they are no match for Israel’s state-of-the-art counterparts. Should war erupt between Hezbollah and Israel, the innocent citizens of Lebanon will find themselves in the crossfire.

Pray for God’s supernatural intervention to disrupt the supply chains of Hezbollah indefinitely to prevent any capabilities to mount a sustained war against Israel (The Bible, Job 27:19). 

Pray for the diffusion of tensions in the border regions of Lebanon and Israel. Pray for God’s mercy and protection of the Lebanese people from any acts of aggression (The Bible, Psalm 91).

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.

The political climate in Brunei appears to be stable, primarily due to the entrenched autocratic rule of the Sultan. The government exercises control over the media, and there is no viable opposition to challenge the status quo. However, this stability comes at a cost to the citizens of Brunei. Human rights abuses are expected, with strict Sharia law enforced throughout the country. Individuals face persecution, and the death penalty, and women’s rights are severely limited.

Pray for religious freedom even though they are closed for the Gospel message. Let the Great Commission that Jesus commanded His disciples be fulfilled in Brunei in Jesus’ Name (The Holy Bible, Matthew 28:19).

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.