Burma (Myanmar)
Source of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia/
Organised corruption/Tribal antagonism
The transition to democracy has had no positive impact for the Christian minority, yet. Being Burmese is equated with being Buddhist and the state run schools are used to introduce young people to Buddhism. Violence against the Christians of the Kachin tribe is rampant - at least 10 Christians were reported to have been killed in 2012. Converts are pressured by family and the local community; they are treated as second class citizens, widely perceived as connected with the West.
Pray:
- For wisdom for church leaders as their churches are monitored
- For Christians caught in the crossfire between Muslims and Buddhists in Arakan state, to be instruments of God’s peace
- For pastors learning new work skills through Open Doors programs.