Myanmar (MNN) — Civil war rages in Myanmar. After a February 2021 coup, the military began brutally attacking civilians.
Resistance groups claim they are drawing closer to victory. But limited information coming out of the country doesn’t paint a clear picture.
Ed Weaver with Spoken Worldwide says, “They’re killing people and burning down villages. COVID-19 was going on at about the same time. You’ve got multiple things that have almost brought Myanmar to a standstill in terms of any engagement with the outside world.”
Out of the news cycle
Why has the crisis in Myanmar dropped out of the headlines? Weaver points to uncertainty. For instance, Ukrainians have hope that they will completely drive out Russian forces. Western governments have remained heavily involved, providing weapons and sanctions.
In Myanmar, things look different. Weaver says, “I think what’s happened is people don’t know the solution to Myanmar. And when no one knows a solution, there’s no activity toward a solution. Everybody kind of throws up their hands.”
Local Christians
But God has not forgotten Myanmar. Weaver says, “Would I be bold enough to pray that God will do a miracle? That somehow there will be freedom for the people of Myanmar, a relief from the oppression they’re under? God heard the cries of the children of Israel in Egypt.”
It starts with the love of the local churches. Ask God to strengthen them. Weaver says, “They’ve turned their hearts toward God, and they love their people. They’re willing to do anything for them. It’s amazing the suffering that they take on themselves.”
“They pray and serve, taking incredible risks just to take care of their fellow countrymen.”
About 90 percent of people in Myanmar practice Buddhism. But local Christians serve all without distinction. Weaver says, “They’re trying to provide clothing, shelter, and food for families whose homes have been burned. And it’s just beautiful to watch them work.”
The header photo shows people protesting the coup in Washington D.C. in March 2021. (Photo courtesy of Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash)
