For decades, the Burmese government has prioritised military spending over health spending, leaving Burma in a very weak position to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. The Burmese military (the Tatmadaw) has a long history of violent attacks on religious and ethnic minorities. Victims of Burmese military attacks – many of whom are Kachin or Chin Christians, and Rohingya Muslims – have been forced to flee their homes and have lost everything. Adding to their suffering, Burma’s government places restrictions on the aid they receive, and assistance from international donors is insufficient.

• Give thanks for local NGOs in Burma that are working hard to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in camps in poor conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Give thanks for the temporary ceasefire in place across most of Burma, and pray that it would be extended to cover Rakhine and Chin States.
• Pray that the temporary ceasefire would lead to genuine peace in all of Burma’s states and an end to violent attacks on religious minorities.
• Pray for peace and stability throughout the general election in November, that the election itself would be free and fair, and that the results would be accepted without violence.
• Pray for protection, provision and strength for Chin and Kachin Christians forced to flee because of military attacks and now living in IDP camps.
• Pray that Burma’s government and military would be convicted to act in the interest of justice, freedom and genuine peace for all of Burma’s citizens, whatever their ethnicity or religion.

Heavenly Father, we give thanks that you hold the future of nations in your hands, and sit above every earthly government. We pray for Burma, that you would be at work during this time of crisis to bring genuine peace, true democracy and real justice for all of Burma’s citizens. We pray for an end to the violence and military attacks that have marked the country for decades, and that you would make a way for a just, free and equal society to emerge for all of Burma’s citizens. Amen.

‘He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.’ Job 5:15-16

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