Day of Prayer for Peace

Protests in Myanmar
Protests in Myanmar.

The nation of Myanmar, also referred to as Burma, has dominated the news in recent days, following a recent military coup. On February 1st, the military seized control just as a new session of parliament was set to open. Thousands of citizens have risen up in protest, but the military has reacted with extreme force, resulting in the deaths of many civilians. In the midst of the fierce oppression, and at the risk of their lives, the people of Myanmar are continuing in the outcry for a return to democracy.

While the country is predominantly Buddhist, there are large groups of Christians, particularly within the Chin and Karen tribal groups. For them, violence is not new; it has been a part of their lives under both elected and military governances. In some cases, Christians have found themselves in areas controlled by Chinese-backed rebel organizations that oppose the Gospel. Other times, the opposition has come from government officials or Buddhist groups. For more on the persecution facing Christians in Myanmar, go to our country report.

A Day of Prayer for Burma has been declared to take place on March 14th. The people of Myanmar, particularly those among the ethnic tribal groups, are calling on Christians around the world to join them in prayer for their nation during this time of upheaval. Their requests are included below....

Please pray with us that the dictators opposing democracy will either have a change of heart or be removed from their positions of power, and that all political prisoners will be released. May the people of Myanmar be granted the establishment of a democratic society that is truly representative of all people. Until then, intercede on behalf of those who are enduring attacks from the military, asking that these citizens will obtain the advocacy and assistance they need. May the message of forgiveness and reconciliation become a reality to all --- including the country's dictators, as well as members of the military and police forces.

  • 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

  • Baptist Pastor Killed by Unknown Assailants
    Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li
    Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li
    Photo: Radio Free Asia

    On March 18th, three armed men entered a computer shop run by Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li from his home in Magaung township. There, the men shot the pastor twice in the stomach and, when he did not immediately die, they also shot him in the head. At the time of publishing this report, the identities of the gunmen and the reason for the assassination are not completely evident. The pastor leaves behind a grieving wife and three children.

  • 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.