Brunei Malay, Kedayan in United States

People Name:	Brunei Malay, Kedayan
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	800
World Population:	594,000
Primary Language:	Brunei
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Malay
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Brunei Malay is the name used to refer to several very closely related and assimilated groups of indigenous people in Brunei. The largest are the Malay and the Kedayan. Several smaller groups, including the Low Malay Creole, Kiput, Kayan, and Southern Bisaya are also a part of the Brunei Malay population. Although they are ethnically related to the Malay and also share the same Islamic religion, there are many cultural and linguistic differences that make the Brunei Malay distinct from the larger Malay populations in nearby Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, the Brunei Malay people are usually very wealthy, especially when compared with other people groups in Southeast Asia.

Where Are they Located?

There is very little known about this small group of Muslims from Southeast Asia. Most likely they can be found on college campuses.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are fewer than 1,000 Brunei Malay people in the US. They are not that likely to move to other parts of the world given their strong economy and good job market at home. Most of the Brunei Malay people in the US are probably businessmen or students.

What Are Their Beliefs?

All Brunei Malay are classified as Muslims at birth; they are exclusively Sunnis Muslims. The Brunei Malay people adhere to traditional Islamic practices and beliefs. It is estimated that Brunei has more mosques per square kilometer than any other country in the world.

Many of the Brunei Malay groups characterize their entire people group as being Muslim. This classification, however, is more of a cultural distinction than a characterization of individual beliefs. Individual beliefs will often be influenced by tribal religions of their ancestors.

What Are Their Needs?

The Brunei Malay people need to have the chance to hear the word of God and respond to it. They can do this in the US, though restrictions in Brunei make it unlikely.

Prayer Points

There are many strong believers in the US who can share Christ with the Muslim Brunei Malay people, but it will take perseverance and love. Pray for the Lord to raise up such people.
Pray that if the Brunei Malay people in US reject the gospel, it will be because of Christ, not because the gospel is presented in a culturally inappropriate way.
Pray for a disciple-making movement to begin among the Brunei Malay in the US that will spread to Brunei.