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.

Since Dr. Samson had been charged under the regime's counterterrorism law, the hearings relating to his case were held in secret at a special court located within the Myitkyina prison. The charges against him arose from instances when the church leader met with former leaders of the country, including a prayer meeting that took place in January 2022 with members of the National Unity Government (NUG) – a group of elected lawmakers and members of parliament who were ousted when the military overthrew the government in 2021. The ruling junta has since declared the NUG to be a terrorist organization.

Human Rights Watch refers to Dr. Samson's arrest, among others, as "a heavy-handed attempt to chill all dissent among ethnic minority leaders." For more reports addressing the persecution of Christians in Myanmar, go to our country report.

Please prayerfully uphold Dr. Samson during this time of incarceration, asking the Lord to strengthen him both physically and emotionally. Pray that the charges against him will soon be dropped so he can be freed and reunited with his family. While awaiting due vindication, may they experience a renewed sense of God's "ever-present help in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Also pray that the Lord's work will powerfully continue through the ministry of the Holy Spirit among the Kachin people of Myanmar.

  • 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.