MYANMAR

Myanmar (Burma) is home not only to the majority ethnic Burmans but to many diverse ethnic and religious minority groups. Throughout history these minorities (Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, others) have resisted all efforts to unite control of the country.

In 2021 Myanmar’s transition towards democracy was cut short when the military seized power in a coup from the civilian government of San Suu Kyi. The coup was opposed by the public who courageously took to the streets in mass protests. The military responded with deadly force. It continues to this day.

ROLCC in Yangon, Myanmar, was established in April 2015. Pastor Thawng (pronounced “Tong”), the current pastor, grew up in a Christian family. Although he attended church meetings with his family from a young age, he did not personally believe in the Lord until later in life. While working as a middle school teacher, Pastor Thawng attended local Pentecostal camps and evangelistic events, where he truly accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. After receiving Christ, Pastor Thawng felt a growing call to serve God, eventually resigning from his teaching position to preach in towns and villages. He also attended seminary to further equip himself for ministry. Upon graduating in 2006, he began full-time service in the church. God later led him to further his studies in the Philippines, after which he joined the Assemblies of God church and taught at a seminary in Yangon. In 2019, Pastor Thawng became part of ROLCC.

Pastor Thawng firmly believes that sharing the gospel and acts of kindness should go hand in hand. To this end, the church began partnering with the Silver Lining Ministries, forming a gospel team to minister to families while serving those with cerebral palsy. The church is also expanding its outreach to young people and children, with the aim of reaching more ethnic groups and their families.

Myanmar is primarily a Buddhist country, with Buddhists comprising the majority of the population. It is estimated that over 90% of the Burmese population practices Buddhism, while Christianity accounts for approximately 6-8% of the total population. Because Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar, it has deep historical and cultural roots. Christianity, operating within this cultural and religious context, needs to overcome cultural differences to adapt to the local people's thoughts and values. Although Myanmar law guarantees religious freedom, some areas still experience restrictions and discrimination against non-Buddhists. This may hinder the spread of Christianity and missionary activities. Currently, the Myanmar branch is strategically expanding its reach into the local community through home visits, faith and education training for youth, monthly evangelistic outreach programs, youth summer camps, Christmas evangelistic outreach, and other initiatives.

Looking to the future, Pastor Thawng hopes to establish an intercultural missionary school that will train dedicated workers to spread the gospel and plant churches among Myanmar’s various ethnic groups. More skills courses will also be added to help local children find jobs. He hopes to spread the gospel through various projects.