In early February 2021, the military junta of Myanmar staged a coup to contravene the results of the Parliamentary elections as it was not in their favor. Martial law was declared, communication lines were cut, opposition leaders jailed, and hundreds of demonstrators killed. The world was quick to condemn the reversal of democracy in the nation.

We have continually interceded for our leaders, members, and church in Myanmar but get very little information as communication is limited and monitored. Nevertheless, our pastor was able to send a letter to us a few weeks ago. This was the first time we have heard from Pastor John in a year:

“Mingalaba! Warm greetings! Shalom! First of all, we are doing well and stand firm in our faith by His Grace through your prayer. We trust that you are holding the ropes for us from your end. Myanmar is still crossing her darkest days without seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. In these darkest hours, many times, we sob. We feel dismayed. We are afraid and disappointed. However, we choose to preach the word, make disciples, pray for the sick, and encourage one another. The joy of the Lord is our strength!”

Pastor John continued to describe their current realities: daily gun battles, deaths, thousands of houses burned in villages, relatives and friends still in hiding, explosions, check points. The value of the local currency is now just a third of its value before the coup. That would be equivalent to the Philippine peso dropping to USD 1 = PHP 150! In response, the church started the Food Basket Project, where they distribute rice and cooking oil to 120 families every month.

The best news is that Every Nation Myanmar is back meeting onsite. Around 80 of our church members are willing to brave the dangers of just getting to church on Sundays, coupled with COVID protocols that are still enforced. Most church activities and programs are now being run through small groups, where many Burmese are coming to Christ and getting baptized. Even this is clouded with risk, as new attendees could actually be police informants. Every church service and small group meeting is a step of faith. 

Our pastors and leaders in Myanmar are true heroes of the faith. They constantly put their lives on the line for the sake of the people God entrusted to them. They are our brothers and sisters. Let us do our part by regularly holding them up in prayer.

Prayer Points

1. Pray for the safety of our pastors, leaders, church members, and their families. Ask God for protection. May our church and the people be surrounded especially when they gather together. Pray for discernment against spies and informants. 
2. Believe God for provision for our church members as they experience hyperinflation. Intercede for open doors for the gospel and favor in the community as they continue to bless families through their Food Basket Project.
3. Pray for the families of our full-time workers, especially their children. May they be filled with grace as they pursue their schooling despite circumstances. They are believing for scholarships so they can pursue studies outside Myanmar.
4. Intercede for the Burmese people to open their hearts to God and the gospel during this time of crisis in their nation.

Every Nation is a global family of churches and campus ministries, of which Victory is a founding member.

We are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This is the reason we value world missions as a church and persistently pray for the nations every month.