Provision for Believers After Loss of Jobs and Homes


Photo: Flickr / worak

Persecution is increasing in Myanmar as more people turn to Jesus Christ. As a result, Buddhists who've converted to Christianity are finding it difficult keeping their jobs, while facing the very real possibility of being driven from their homes. (See the Myanmar Country Report for previous reports, as well as insightful video broadcasts.)

Two families currently working with VOM's Burma fish farm project are grateful for God's provision after having personally lost their jobs and homes since coming to faith in Christ last July. One family is living in a hut used for secret worship services, while the other is living in a hut where fish feed is stored.

Amid the increasing pressure, the fish farm just completed its second harvest cycle. And thankfully, despite setbacks from flooding and government opposition, the farm has generated an income. This income will be invested in church planting, with a portion of it being re-invested to make the farm more productive.

Praise God for these faithful believers in Myanmar. Pray that He will continue to grant them grace and strength amid their challenging circumstances (Colossians 1:11). May His provision continue in abundance, serving as a witness of His goodness and mercy.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners with a seminary in Myanmar which is committed to teaching foundational Biblical truths and practical ministry opportunities to ensuring that students are well-equipped and prepared for Christian ministry.

    Project Funds: Relief and Development, Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    57,970,293 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Burman (68), Shan (9), Karen (7), Rakhine (4), Chinese (3), Indian (2), Mon (2), Other (5)

    Religion (%)
    Buddhism (87.9), Christianity (6.2), Islam (4.3), other (1.6)

    Leader
    Prime Minister Min Aund Hlaing (2021)

    Government type
    Military regime

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of English common law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Myanmar

    Pray that the newly elected civilian government will respect the religious freedoms of all its citizens – including the followers of Jesus. Ask God to prove Himself victorious over the longstanding abuses in Burma, and to demonstrate His transforming power by bringing many more to salvation. May He bless and multiply the evangelistic efforts of the seminary students and graduates, granting them divine appointments with people who are silently yearning for the truth of the Gospel.

Myanmar News

  • Alleged War Crimes Against Christians
    Senior General Min Aung Hlaing
    Min Aung Hlaing
    Photo: Wikipedia / Mil.ru (cc)
     

    Five Christians, who have been victims of persecution as a result of Myanmar's military dictatorship, recently filed a war crimes complaint in a Philippines court. Although these believers were originally from Chin state, they have emigrated to Australia, Britain, Canada and India. The alleged victims argue that a 2009 Philippine law obligates the country to prosecute war crimes committed elsewhere under the principle of universal jurisdiction.

  • Terrorism Charges Filed Against Detained Church Leader
    Dr. Samson speaking publicly.
    Rev. Dr. Samson
    Photo: VOMC Contacts

    On December 5th, a prominent Christian leader of the Kachin Baptist Convention, Dr. Hkalam Samson, was arbitrarily arrested at the airport as he was boarding a flight to Bangkok for medical treatment. (For details on Dr. Samson's arrest, go to this page.) In the weeks that followed, his concerned family members were forbidden visitation. They were also not allowed to provide the 65-year-old Christian man any food or medication, raising more concerns about his ongoing health needs.

  • Pre-Registration Required to Attend Services
    A church surrounded by bushes and trees
    Judson Baptist Church
    Photo: Graham Norton

    Military authorities in Chin State, Myanmar, announced on February 13th that Christians residing within areas governed under martial law will be forced to register with township administrators seven days in advance of attending any church services. No information about the form of punishment that will be administered to those failing to comply had been provided at that time.