Singapore Factbook
Singapore is a mixture
of many different people groups and religions.
Evangelicals have seen rapid growth, and Singapore
has become a base for ministries
throughout Asia.
Singapore is comprised
of one larger and several smaller islands off the southern tip of the Malaysian
peninsula. Singapore is strategically
located
along shipping lanes and is home to one of the world's busiest ports.
Nearly 4.5 million people live in Singapore. The majority is of Chinese origin, but there are also a significant
number of Malays and Indians.
Singapore enjoys one of the
world's strongest economies. The economy
is focused on
exports, finance, and shipping. The
recent downturn in the global economy has had an effect on Singapore,
but it has remained relatively strong.
After nearly 150 years as a British
colony, Singapore joined Malaysia
in 1963. In 1965, Singapore
spilt with Malaysia
to form an independent democracy.
The government has remained relatively stable. Laws aimed at maintaining
order are strictly enforced. There is
freedom of religious worship, but the government places some limits
on evangelism.
The largest religious group is Buddhist
with more than 40% of the population. Islam accounts for another 15% - primarily
among the Malays.
The number of evangelicals in Singapore
has multiplied four times over the last 30 years and now represents approximately 8% of the
population. Ministries in the
universities have been particularly fruitful.
Praise the Lord for working in the hearts of many
people.
Singapore has become the
base for a number of Christian ministries working throughout Asia. The church in Singapore has also sent out several
hundred missionaries. Pray
for these ministries operating out of Singapore that they would be
used to reach many in this part of the world.
Pray for the numerous Bible schools in Singapore. The people trained here go out to minister in many other parts of
the world.
Pray that Christians in Singapore may wisely overcome laws
that restrict outreach to
people of other religions. Pray
particularly for ministry to the Buddhists and Muslims. Pray also for Christians that they many not
be corrupted
by the wealth available in Singapore.
Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison
Return