For many years the country of Myanmar has been fraught with conflict, violence and war – escalating significantly in the aftermath of a military coup in 2021. Uncertainty, instability and violent disruptions in daily life are a matter of fact for the 149 ethnic people groups who live in Myanmar. The few Christians among this mostly Buddhist nation suffer even more extreme hardships than their fellow countrymen and are in desperate need of our prayers.
Christianity Under Pressure
Evangelical Christians in Myanmar make up about 5% of the total population. Although this percentage is low, it is still the second largest religion in the country, with around 78% of the population considering themselves Buddhists. Buddhism is an integral part of Burmese culture and converting to a different religion, such as Christianity, is considered akin to treason.
Believers who convert to Christianity risk estrangement from their families, forced military conscription and, in rural areas, losing their agricultural land and subsequently their livelihoods. Existing churches face violent attacks – many put their lives on the line to serve in ministry or missions. Any Christian activities conducted outside the church compound is considered illegal and could lead to arrest.
Yet, God is at work – notwithstanding the cost to those who serve Him faithfully. “Even in various trials and hardships, I want to remain steadfast in prayer and trust. I pray that my heart will be purified and that I will be guided to walk in the right path,” says Pastor Htet*. “We also continue to encourage one another and remain faithful in the ministry work we are doing,” adds Pastor Mahn, who oversees this church-planting Stream.
God’s Plan
In a mighty and astonishing move, God recently enabled 49 Christian leaders to gather in Myanmar. In partnership with Harvesters, they worked on a strategy to evangelise, disciple and plant churches – despite the risk of great personal loss.
The goal these leaders aim to achieve is awe-inspiring and brave beyond measure – they know what they might have to sacrifice, but they also trust the One who was willing to sacrifice all for them. By using the training and resources provided by Harvesters, each of them plans to plant 10 churches in 10 different villages.
To execute their plan, the leaders will have to evangelise to existing friends, to family members and to colleagues. In the process, these relationships might break down entirely. They face the very real possibility of being shunned from their communities. Despite this, the leaders are committed to the Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations, whatever the cost – because they are not ashamed of the name of Jesus. “What I received from this training is a burden and vision to continue building strong discipleship,” says Pastor Mahn.
The Way Forward
At the very heart of the bravery and commitment of these leaders is complete surrender. “Salvation is not something I can achieve by my own strength. I understand that I depend fully on God’s grace,” says Pastor Than. The leaders understand that they, as well as believers across the world, are called for obedience. God’s wish for us is to remain faithful and to apply His Word – in the small things, as well as the big things. Any cost – or growth – is entrusted to the Spirit.
Than tells us that, before meeting Harvesters, he wasn’t sure how to evangelise, plant a church or disciple but now understands these things “more clearly.” In the words of Pastor Mahn: “There are still many who do not know what they should do in serving God. I have a strong desire to help people genuinely know and love God, and to see lives transformed through ministry and discipleship. This experience has helped strengthen and guide me.” These leaders are now ready to execute the Great Commission and make disciples whatever it takes.
Join the leaders of Myanmar in trusting the Spirit for growth in the areas they serve so fearlessly. Please pray with them.
- Pray for stability and peace in the conflict-ridden nation of Myanmar.
- Pray for all who have been displaced, who are hungry and who live in daily fear of violence.
- Pray for the Church in Myanmar. May believers find comfort and strength in the quiet knowledge that they serve an all-powerful God.
- Pray for the protection and faithfulness of the leaders in Myanmar who have taken up the burden to evangelise, make disciples and plant churches.
- Join Pastor Mahn in his prayer: “Please continue praying that God would raise up more workers, more ministry opportunities, and more support for the mission here in Myanmar.”
* All names changed for security reasons.
