It has been two years since the military coup in Myanmar. Churches are still being destroyed and Christians are still being targeted, but they stand firm in their faith and God’s work continues.
Daisy Htun*, a local partner at Open Doors, shares how God has equipped her to walk alongside Christians in Myanmar on a journey through a war with no end in sight.
What is the current situation in Myanmar?
Following the military coup, the situation in Myanmar remains in turmoil. Christians are like candles on earth that are still burning but will be extinguished. Together, these fading candles can ignite each other to burn again at full flame.
Individuals who do not care about other people’s lives have turned war into a handgun. Even in relatively safe areas where there is no fighting, Christians need permission to gather. We are seeing tightening restrictions and increasing violence.
Why are Christians hated and persecuted?
At the beginning of the coup, pro-democracy groups took up arms and went to war with the military forces. Many members of pro-democracy groups are Christians and therefore endure a lot of hatred.
Ethnic groups such as Chin, Karen, Kayah and Kachin are mostly considered enemies of the state. Since most Christians belong to these tribes, the suspicion of the army is directed at all Christians.
The belief here in Myanmar is that a person who does not support the army is against it. Those Christians who have not supported either group have become targets of hatred on both sides.
What is life like for Christians in Myanmar?
The traditionally Christian state of Kachin has been fighting military rule for more than 50 years. People have had to flee many villages and are now living in internal refugee camps.
Drug use is a common problem in Myanmar as it has been part of the war strategy. Youths belonging to the enemy group have been offered drugs to render them addicted and incapacitated.
We now clearly understand that persecution is not only a direct act of violence, but also has indirect forms carried out through civil war, drugs, rules and restrictions. There are people in Myanmar who want to eradicate Christianity from the country through civil war.
We also face digital surveillance and monitoring. Christian converts from Buddhism to followers of Jesus are very eager to share the Word of God on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
In doing so, they receive hostile comments and extremely negative reactions from the community. All this happened before the coup.
When the coup broke out, internet and telephone connections were cut off in many Christian-populated areas to prevent the spread of news. Now people know that sharing any anti-government publication would be a serious risk.
How has monitoring of banking and communications systems increased?
The entire digital world is currently being monitored. We need to be very careful in communicating and delivering remittances to areas that need them. We need more people by our side. There is a lot of work, but few workers.
Myanmar is located between two giants, India and China. China is known for its advanced technology and its sphere of influence also includes Myanmar.
In the post-coup era, we’ve seen the rise of digital surveillance.
What does the Myanmar Christian hope and pray for?
Christians hope that one day they can be light and salt in their communities in Myanmar. As a light that shines brightly and reveals the truth to people. As the light that breaks down all spiritual strongholds so that Jesus can reign both on earth and in the hearts of men.
I meet Christians who, even in the midst of difficulties, burn with enthusiasm to share the gospel and the love of Jesus with their neighbors.
Why pray for persecuted Christians in Myanmar?
Sometimes we feel hopeless and ask the Lord what is the purpose of the hardships He allows. We seek to understand and look forward to what God is doing through Myanmar Christians in our country.
We as Christians should pray together to understand what the Lord wants to teach us through these difficult times and terrible events.
Pray that persecuted Christians will be able to forgive the guilty and one day reach out to their persecutors with a gesture of peace. Also pray for protection against the spirit of fear.
Pray that children and young people will learn about God’s Word so that they will not be influenced by the events around them.
Also pray for pastors and church leaders. Pastors themselves in many war-torn areas have no food or hope.
Pray for awakening in these difficult times.
*Name changed for security reasons.
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