Pray for: Myanmar

Myanmar’s military junta (1962-2011, 2021-) is a ruthless power. Their policies brought poverty to a land rich in resources. They squashed protests, put their opponents in prison, and implemented forced labour. A policy of cruel violence against certain minorities led to destroyed villages, rape, torture, displaced populations, and international condemnation. After an era of greater democratic governance, the military performed the third coup of Myanmar’s short history, on 1 February, 2021. Widespread protests were met with murderous violence. Now, coalitions of anti-regime militias, many of them comprised of ethnic minorities, have made significant progress in the fight against the junta’s armed forces. Some say the regime is not far from collapse. Pray for what seems impossible except through Christ: the solidarity, peace, and courage represented by the three colours of the nation’s new flag.

Buddhism has a strong hold on the Burmese majority, as well as over the Shan, the Rakhine, and the Mon peoples. Most children receive education in Buddhist monasteries. Burmese Buddhism mixes in occult beliefs, superstition, and fear of the spirits. The Church must learn to understand the Buddhist mindset, and must also minister in spiritual power, in order to see a breakthrough among the majority. Reportedly, thousands of Buddhist monks have quietly become believers and many study the gospel and listen to Christian radio. Pray for this quiet movement of Buddhists to Christ to keep spreading, growing, and deepening.