Malaysia (MNN) — Gospel opportunities abound if you’re a missionary in Malaysia, but reaching certain people groups for Jesus carries a higher risk.

“Malaysia is a very interesting place as it relates to persecution because it is almost entirely based on ethnicity,” Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA explains.

“If you are Chinese, you can be a Christian [with] no trouble. If you’re ethnic Indian, you can go to church. But if you are an ethnic Malay person, you are required to be a Muslim. The government says you only have one option.”

Even the appearance of talking to Malays about Christ can get believers into serious trouble. Pastor Raymond Koh is a prime example.

“Pastor Raymond Koh was involved in ministry to the downtrodden. He was representing Jesus to the people in Malaysia,” Nettleton says.

A simple misunderstanding led to Pastor Koh’s abduction in 2017. He was thought to be sharing the Gospel with ethnic Malay people. Although that wasn’t the case, Pastor Koh remains missing today with no clues to his whereabouts.

Pray for favor as VOM USA supports front-line workers and persecuted Malay Christians.

“Voice of the Martyrs is involved in encouraging and equipping believers there,” Nettleton says.

“Being a voice for Malaysian Christians, for those who face persecution, is a key part of VOM’s ministry, as well as helping on the ground in hostile areas and restricted nations.”

 

Header image is a representative photo depicting the Malaysian flag. (Photo courtesy of Engin Akyurt/Pexels)