Burma: Church grows amidst strife

Indigenous evangelists have been carrying the torch of gospel proclamation in Burma (Myanmar) since the regime expelled all foreign church workers in 1966. Operation World notes, ‘Momentum in evangelism is building as an indigenous missions movement begins to flourish.’ Christians now account for about 9 percent of Burma´s population, which is otherwise 80 percent Buddhist, 7.2 percent Muslim and less than 0.5 percent Hindu. The gospel has advanced in Burma against a backdrop of civil war, religious opposition, and poverty, where most people survive on the equivalent of one U.S. dollar a day, A ministry assisted by Christian Aid Mission in Shan state is planning to build a house where refugee children from the fighting can live, as well as obtain schooling.

Source: Christian Aid Mission; Operation World

Bible Study: Matthew 5:10-12

PRAISE God this suffering church is growing.

PRAY for the indigenous missionaries who brave many obstacles to carry the Gospel to the nation.

Joy in Burma through God’s Word | 324 | Report 13

Most Christians in Myanmar (Burma) belong to ethnic minority groups. Despite improved conditions, many continue to suffer intense persecution for their ethnicity and faith. Sadly, soldiers continue to kidnap, rape and kill Kachin Christians. Many Christians are forced to flee their villages, losing all their meagre possessions, including their Bibles. Many have never owned a Bible. In Kachin State even many church leaders have no access to the written Word of God.

So when Burmese Christians receive a Bible of their own, they respond with great joy. Barnabas Fund has helped to distribute tens of thousands of Bibles in recent years. The following comment from a young man is typical of those who joyfully receive the Scriptures: “Although there were many difficulties in my life, since I received Jesus Christ, I can overcome the troubles with joy, because of His strength. Jesus is my shepherd. God has  delivered my life from death many times. I have never had a Bible of my own before… Thank you for making this free for me.”

Another recipient, a 24-year-old Christian woman, spoke of how precious her new Bible is for her, and shared her favourite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”  (Philippians 4:13).

Source: Barnabas Fund – Hope & Aid

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 119:70-76

PRAISE: God He has kept these people and is now giving the opportunity to study His Word. Pray that Myanmar believers will be strengthened with joy.

Joy in Burma through God’s Word | 324 | Report 13

Most Christians in Myanmar (Burma) belong to ethnic minority groups. Despite improved conditions, many continue to suffer intense persecution for their ethnicity and faith. Sadly, soldiers continue to kidnap, rape and kill Kachin Christians. Many Christians are forced to flee their villages, losing all their meagre possessions, including their Bibles. Many have never owned a Bible. In Kachin State even many church leaders have no access to the written Word of God.

So when Burmese Christians receive a Bible of their own, they respond with great joy. Barnabas Fund has helped to distribute tens of thousands of Bibles in recent years. The following comment from a young man is typical of those who joyfully receive the Scriptures: “Although there were many difficulties in my life, since I received Jesus Christ, I can overcome the troubles with joy, because of His strength. Jesus is my shepherd. God has  delivered my life from death many times. I have never had a Bible of my own before… Thank you for making this free for me.”

Another recipient, a 24-year-old Christian woman, spoke of how precious her new Bible is for her, and shared her favourite Bible verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”  (Philippians 4:13).

Source: Barnabas Fund – Hope & Aid

BIBLE STUDY: Psalm 119:70-76

PRAISE: God He has kept these people and is now giving the opportunity to study His Word. Pray that Myanmar believers will be strengthened with joy.

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