by Rev. Casey Southerland
PMU Field Director in Cincinnati, OH
the Missions Banner, March 2023: Online Edition

Do you know that Christians in Myanmar are praying for you?  It’s true.  They really do.  In late 2019, while in Myanmar, I was greeted by Christians who expressed their gratitude for the brothers and sisters in America praying for them and sharing that they give thanks to the Lord for us.  This has been repeated to me recently as well.

Many of our readers know that the country of Myanmar has been a country in military conflict since February 2021.  News sources have indicated that over 400,000 people have been displaced and distrust is growing among citizens who may be turned in to authorities if their loyalties become known.  For these and other reasons, the living situation in the country has grown increasingly difficult.

As I have shared before, when I asked a pastor in Myanmar how we could help, he replied with the quotation, “Pray.  It is not the only thing, but it is the best thing”.  By bringing our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as their country, to the throne of God, we can help to bear their burdens in a real and practical way.  The best way!

I was encouraged last month when visiting some of our churches in Florida, that many were aware of the conflict and their hearts are burdened for their Christian family there.  With the limitations of what is reported in the news, and what little we are able share, it is very difficult to have a clear understanding of the situation in the country and what trials our friends are facing.  But, what we have heard has reassured us of the faithfulness of Christians there and their desire to see salvation and the glory of God spread throughout their land even in war-torn times.

The exhortation in Hebrews 13:3 to “remember the prisoners…who are mistreated” is a fitting one for us in remembering our brothers and sisters in Myanmar.  While none of them are imprisoned they are enduring serious hardship and they are with us in the body of Christ.

Let us remember our brothers and sisters in prayer regularly.  Make it a point to regularly bear their burden before the throne of God daily.  Share the need for prayer with your church, Sunday School class, Bible study and family.  And search for news on Myanmar from time to time to bring yourself up to date.  Though we may wish we could do more, it is good for us to remember that we are doing the best thing simply by bringing their need to God in prayer.