Burma

In June 2011 the Burmese army broke a 17-year cease-fire with the Kachin Independence Organisation. The military offensive was aimed at Kachin State, which is approximately 90% Christians.

In the months since that event, soldiers have killed, raped, and tortured civilians. They have also set houses and churches on fire, and pillaged entire villages.

On October 16, troops fired at Christians as they seized a church in Namsan Yang village. A few dozen worshippers had gathered for a Sunday morning service – mostly women and elderly people – when soldiers arrived and began shooting. This was just the beginning of the assault as the unit continued through the village, taking control of another church and handcuffing a pastor. They then torched the village and destroyed both churches.

“Churches have been told that Christians must request permission, at least 15 days in advance, to conduct a range of simple activities, including reading the Bible, conducting a Bible study, holding Sunday school, prayer and fasting,” reports Barnabas Fund. “Churches in [Myanmar] are already required to obtain permission for any events other than Sunday services, but these new regulations impinge even on the daily, private actions of individual Christians.”

A pastor who was forced to flee from his home said, “The soldiers took our belongings. They took 18 motorbikes, one rice mill, and all the buffalo, pigs, chickens, everything. They are living in our houses.”

PRAY FOR:
The Lord to arise and do battle for our Christian Brothers and Sisters in Myanmar. Pray for Him to encourage them to be strong and courageous. (The Bible, Psalm 10:12; Joshua 1:7)

The salvation of members of the Myanmar military. Pray for the Lord to convict their hearts and turn them from their barbaric behavior. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-4; John 16:8)

The Lord to restore peace in this nation. Pray for religious freedom in Myanmar. (The Bible, Psalm 146:5-9)
the Gospel to be preached throughout this country and for multitudes to put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 10:14,15)