Burning of Churches and Killings continue in Myanmar
Not long after the Thantlang Baptist Church was burned down by the junta forces, another church called the Believers Church in Thantlang, Chin State was burned and ravaged, yet again on June 23.
Along with the Believers Church, several houses were burned, however we cannot confirm the number of houses yet.
Myanmar’s junta forces have already burned 12 Christian Churches in Thantlang town, Chin State since 2021.
In Sagaing Division, junta forces continue to commit atrocities towards the Christians
According to local Christian Tun Tun*, a Roman Catholic church which was used as a refugee camp in Sagaing Division was raided by the junta forces. This event created fear and unrest in the hearts of the people.
Furthermore, from the Roman Catholic church, junta forces fired bombs and it destroyed Thadou-Kuki Baptist Church which was located in the area. The church building and windows and doors were severely damaged, along with the benches and other property. Finally, they took all the offering money.
This event has led to fresh displacement of many Christians to the nearest places or neighbouring countries where they are not always welcomed. The local villages are outnumbered by the refugees and there will be a struggle for resources.
TunTun* who is also a local partner said, “When will this war end? We live as refugees in a foreign land, resources are scarce, and we never wanted to move, but for our safety and for our family, we must run. The living conditions are not easy, some risk their lives to find employment and get at least some food.” Moreover, Tun Tun shares, “On June 23rd, the junta forces burned four houses at Janglenphai village, Sagaing Division.
They arrested four innocent young men, they tied their hands on their back, they harassed them, beat them, and shot and killed three of them. They left the dead bodies on the school campus. With the three-person killed, a total of eleven from KuKi Chin Christians were killed.”
Tun Tun is one of the many Chin Christians displaced by the civil war, he is frustrated and traumatized, longing for your prayers. Tun Tun requests, “Please pray for the safety of the believers in Sagaing Region and Chin State. There are many pagodas (temple) and shrines but not a single bullet hit those Buddhist buildings and structures in our areas, whereas the Christian’s buildings and churches were destroyed. On the way from Tamu to Kalay Myo, Sagaing Division there are several Burmese villages, but not a single house was burned, there are many Burmese but not a single killed. However, they ravage the Kuki Chin Christian villages, and they kill us like animals. Please pray for us and with us that God will intervene, and the war will end. Please pray that we can all go back home.”
As Restrictions to gather tightens, churches grow
In the midst nationwide unrest and war, the believers in central Myanmar are finding ways to gather for worship and fellowship on Sundays in their homes. The military coup and the local authorities pose strong restrictions on gathering, in fear that the people may gather for protests. However, believers yearn for fellowship, to pray together and listen to God’s word.
Local partner Paing who is leading the believers in worship shares, “There are three churches in the nearby areas, two of the churches were restricted to gather, the other was bit remote so they could still gather. The believers from the other two churches gather in their house as house church. New believers started joining and we are increasing.”
Piang also shared that on June 12, the military and local authorities came during a church service. They took pictures, then called the pastor and elders. The authorities told the pastor that church services or crowds of people are no longer allowed, further threatening that this was the final warning and no telling what would happen next if the church was found worshipping again.Despite the challenges, the believers continue worshipping the Lord and many are seeking the Lord. Please pray for strength for the believers and that their faith will grow and trust in the Lord to be increased.
Please Pray
- Pray for the freshly displaced believers as they need shelter and food. Pray that help will be able to reach them.
- Pray for the safety of our partners as surveillance is increasing.
- Please pray for strength for the believers and that their faith will grow and trust in the Lord to be increased.
