In Southeast Asia, facing the South China Sea, the nation of
Negara Brunei Darussalam – better known as Brunei, is wedged
between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. Brunei was a
British protectorate for almost one hundred years until
independence in 1984. Brunei became a Muslim nation in the 15th
Century after the conversion of Sultan Awang Alak Betatar
(Sultan Muhammad Shah). The same family has ruled Brunei for
over six centuries. Brunei is very rich in oil and the sultan is
one of the world’s richest men. The government collects no
taxes, but provides health care, pensions, education, and, for
those without the means, assistance in making the Hajj to Mecca.
Difficult for Christians Islamic Shari’a law in Brunei
supersedes civil law and it regulates all of life. The national
constitution states, “The religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be
the Muslim religion.” Life is difficult for Christians in
Brunei. Some have lost their jobs without any notice. Christians
seeking opportunities for higher educati