
Population:
54 million
Evangelical population:
4.8%
People groups:
148
Unreached people groups:
53

Myanmar
One of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has been embroiled in ethnic conflict for most of the years following its independence from Britain in 1948. It claims the unfortunate “honor” of having one of the world’s longest-running ongoing civil wars.
Bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, Thailand, the Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Sea, the country of Myanmar contains central lowlands surrounded by rocky highlands. It is the second largest producer of opium, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the world’s opium. Opium production is used primarily for manufacturing heroin. Myanmar is also one of the world’s largest producers of methamphetamines, which have replaced opium as the drug of choice. Intravenous drug use is widespread and has led to Myanmar’s high rate of HIV/AIDS. Alcoholism is also rampant.
Myanmar’s military dictatorship, which took power in 1962, was officially dissolved in 2010, but still wields enormous power. Christian-majority ethnic groups have been targeted for abuse. More than 3,000 Christian villages were destroyed within a 10-year span. But despite efforts to destroy Christianity, it continues to grow. After foreign missionaries were expelled from Myanmar in 1966, native believers began evangelizing their own people. Today, Myanmar is home to many flourishing churches among ethnic minority groups.
The Burmese majority comprises 57 percent of Myanmar’s population. The rest of the population is comprised of 148 ethnic groups. Around 78 percent of the population identifies as Buddhist. The Burmese majority is very resistant to the gospel, as Buddhism is enmeshed in their cultural identity. Theravada Buddhism is the most prevalent form of Buddhism in Myanmar, with many practicing a form of Buddhism that incorporates astrology and various occult beliefs and practices. A common saying in the country is “To be Burmese is to be Buddhist.” Those who become Christians are commonly persecuted or ostracized by their Buddhist families and communities.
Despite this opposition, the formation of churches among ethnic minority groups has created a great need for Bibles and gospel materials in local languages. Indigenous ministries also request assistance to train and support missionaries serving in poverty-stricken areas, dependable vehicles to reach remote areas where unreached people groups reside, and materials for simple church buildings.
Indigenous ministries hold feeding, medical/dental, children’s and holiday outreaches where they preach the gospel. These outreaches consistently yield new believers and churches. They also drill wells, which are a highly effective way to open doors for the gospel in Burmese villages. In the experience of one ministry leader, every well drilled has produced a church plant.
One indigenous ministry requests assistance for its residential rehabilitation program for addicts, which has transformed lives and led many families to Christ. Indigenous ministries are also sheltering, caring for, and discipling orphaned or abandoned children, the elderly, and refugees.
Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, Operation World

How to Pray for Myanmar
- Pray that witnesses for Christ would be soon established among every one of the people groups in Myanmar.
- Pray for protection and provision for indigenous missionaries who work in regions hostile to their faith; ask God to open doors for them and grant them wisdom.
- Pray that peace would reign in this country that has been so plagued by conflict.
More stories from Myanmar

Help Workers Pioneer the Gospel in Burma
A new mission field has opened up for native Christian workers in a town of staunch Buddhists. A contact there recently invited workers to share the gospel, and they found local people were receptive. Seven people put their faith in Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life and were baptized the next day.

Enable Workers to Share the Gospel in Burma
In an area where the people were known for their cruelty and opposition to the gospel, native Christian workers found cyclone damage and military conflict have opened hearts to hearing about Christ. Having planted churches in rural villages for nearly 30 years, workers are also eager to establish congregations in a city.

Provide Aid to the Needy in Burma
Some villagers displaced by military operations continue to be bombed after fleeing into jungles, and young people are arrested and either held in unknown locations or killed, while others are forcibly recruited to fight. Many of the displaced are starving. Native Christian workers are giving them hope for new life as they provide food, clothing and other aid, including education for children, along with the gospel.

Provide Aid to the Needy in Burma
Military conflicts have driven thousands of people from their homes, and native Christian workers are often the only ones in position to help them. Workers recently brought rice, oil and the gospel to 74 families in one area, 65 in another and 60 at a separate location; over the course of six months, they provided 1,476 people with food and the message of Christ’s salvation.

Help Bring Aid to the Needy in Burma
Leaders of native ministries request urgent prayer for aid and protection amid constant surges of people displaced by military conflict, and for workers risking their lives to help them. Recently fighting drove more than 40,000 people from 11 villages. “About 200 are under our care in our church compound,” a native ministry leader said.

Help Support Gospel Workers in Burma
In spite of ongoing military conflict, eight disciples recently graduated with bachelor’s degrees in theology from a native ministry’s seminary, including five in absentia, and eight others received diplomas for lesser studies. “It was a small celebration on our campus, yet a good reminder of God’s faithfulness through the years despite the many challenges confronting us,” the native ministry leader said.