Pray for Myanmar (Burma)!

You may have seen in the news of the growing protests against the oppressive military regime that has ruled Myanmar since 1962. Not since a popular 8/8/88 uprising led by university students was crushed with thousands of deaths has the country seen such widespread protests. This time, the Buddhist monks have taken the lead.

I was in Myanmar on August 15 when the government made an unannounced 100% fuel price increase that, in turn, triggered increases in every other area of life (like transportation and food costs). Even before the price increase, as I traveled a bit outside of the capital city, visiting several groups of Christian believers, I commented to my traveling partner that things seemed more tense than I had ever witnessed in 5 years of travel in Myanmar. The believers, especially, were scared to be seen with people like me (i.e. Caucasians) because they feared government officials who are known for their relentless interrogations.

Nobody knows what will happen as the current situation continues. As believers, we must get on our knees and pray that God will be glorified, whatever transpires. Change always creates challenges and opportunities for the spread of the Gospel message.

We must pray that God will grant both wisdom and boldness to national Christians and missionaries alike. This type of prayer goes beyond praying for an end to oppression and a rise of democracy! Throughout history, God has done some of his most amazing work in the midst of severe storms of disaster, oppression, and persecution. God has also done amazing work through liberation, freedom, and democracy coming to nations. The point is that, as believers, we seek whatever will cause the beauty and worth of our Savior Jesus Christ to shine most brightly in the darkness!