[Today's Prayer] ‘Political conflict intensifies’ Myanmar, Baptist Pastor shot dead

A Baptist pastor in Kachin state was killed during conflict in Myanmar.

According to the American Christian Post (CP), Pastor Nammye Hkun Jaw Li (47), a member of the Kachin Baptist Church (KBC) in Mogaung Township, Myanmar, was attacked by an unidentified person at the computer store he was running. He died on the 25th (local time), a week after being shot by three assailants.

(Omitted)

UCA News said, “The incident occurred at a time when residents of Kachin State were experiencing serious anxiety due to local conflict,” and “The bereaved family and local residents mourning his death demanded justice for him, but no group was mentioned. "

According to this, since the military took over power, numerous deaths and refugees have occurred in Kachin State, and religious tensions are intertwined in this region, which has a large Christian population. The military has currently arrested and imprisoned another Baptist leader, Hkalam Samson.

CP said, “The Myanmar military’s attitude toward Christian groups has been noticeably aggressive, with accusations of supporting rebel groups. “As a result of this conflict, the Kachin Independence Army strengthened its position against the Myanmar military, occupied strategic locations, and disrupted military operations,” he said.

According to this, rebels have recently been indiscriminately conducting airstrikes on civilian areas, causing damage to life and property.

(Omitted)

The majority of Myanmar's population is Buddhist, but the country has several ethnic and religious communities. About 20 to 30 percent of the Karen people are Christians, and in Chin State, where the majority of the population is Christian, the military finds a highly targetable environment for operations.

“The Tatmadaw has a history of persecuting minorities, including Rohingya Muslims and Christians,” said the International Christian Coalition (ICC), a U.S.-based persecution watchdog. “Their tactics include bombing civilian areas, torturous interrogations, “This includes attempts at forced conversion to Buddhism,” they said.

People are fleeing Myanmar due to long-term persecution and seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as India and Thailand. Some have resettled in places as far away as the United States and Australia. However, many people have been living in refugee camps close to the Myanmar border and have been exposed to uncertainty for decades.

Source: Christian Today

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Lord, amid the numerous deaths and refugees since the Myanmar military took over power, we hear news that recently a pastor in Kachin State, Myanmar, was murdered.

In this area, which has a large Christian population, religious tensions are intertwined, with the military arresting Christians and persecuting them, resulting in many casualties.

God of love, we lift up those who have become refugees due to political conflict and are seeking refuge, and especially the Christians in Myanmar who are in fear due to attacks against Christians.

May the conflict that has been going on for several years quickly cease and lead those out of suffering from conflict and persecution.

Jesus is the only refuge for those in fear of death. May You comfort their broken hearts and pour out Your peace.

Lord give us more faith to not give up even in dangerous situations, and may the Christians in Myanmar continue to pray for good works until the day of Christ.

May You receive the blood of martyrdom of the pastor who was murdered and lost his life, so that more Christians will rise up in that land and become a nation filled with the fruits of righteousness and the glory and praise of God.