Photo: Wikipedia / Nina R (cc)
As the nation of Myanmar continues to suffer political upheaval, the ruling party is being bombarded with ongoing opposition from rebel groups in various areas of the country. Today, while much of Rakhine State has been seized by the Arakan Army, the government's military junta still maintains control of some areas.
In the state capital of Sittwe, which remains under governmental control, new restrictions were recently imposed upon Christians. In September, police ordered the members of a church in Sittwe to remove a cross they had recently installed on the roof of their building. In addition, Christians in the city were forced to submit a list of church attendees and obtain authorization from the police prior to holding worship services, even though they had previously received official permits from the authorities.
The opposition against Christians is not only being perpetrated by official governing forces. In the town of Kyauktaw, the Arakan Army detained five local pastors this past June. As they see their religious freedoms gradually eroding, believers throughout the region are becoming increasingly concerned about their ability to worship freely. More information on the persecution of Christians in Myanmar is available at our country report.
Pray that our Christian brothers and sisters in Myanmar will be granted wisdom from on high as they face tighter restrictions on their worship activities amid the country's ongoing civil war. Despite the challenges they need to overcome, may these believers find ways to effectively minister God's love, hope and peace to others in their communities. Pray that as they faithfully reach out, even those who are opposed to the Gospel will eagerly respond with contrite hearts to the stirring of the Holy Spirit, leading them to repentance and eternal salvation through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
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