News / Thoughts

Myanmar: Drawing the future

Myanmar sits in South East Asia, between Bangladesh and India to the north and Thailand to the South (and East). Despite being home to over 100 different ethnic groups, in rural areas Christians are a minority and often face persecution for their faith.

Open Doors partners have been running camps for children and teenagers from Christian families, to help them learn more about what it means to follow Jesus. Children from Christian families are often bullied by other children for following a faith other than Buddhism. They can receive fewer opportunities and help from their teachers, and will often be overlooked for further education or special honours.

At a recent camp, the young people were asked to draw their hopes for the future. Before the sessions begin, the teenagers and children take off their shoes and leave them at the edge of the room. Despite the discrimination and attack that Christians in Myanmar frequently experience, many of the young people hope to be involved in Christian ministry in the future.

The teenager who drew this is a Christian from a Buddhist family. He says, “My hope is to pass Class 10. I also hope to become a teacher. My dream is to pass with flying colours. My father is Buddhist. All my relatives are unbelievers. After I see the results of my Class 10 exam, I will confess my faith to my father and then to my relatives. I will share the gospel with them and everyone in this place will know the good news. Everyone will know Jesus; they will know the truth.”

The teenager who drew this said, “My name is Joseph. I’m 15. My hope is to be involved in ministry with my whole family.”

The young woman who drew this said, “I hope to become a singer. I will sing gospel songs and many people will come to know Jesus.”

Another young woman, who drew this, said, “My hope is to go to Sunday school training. My dream is to share the gospel and to teach music.”

Another teenager drew this, saying, “My name is Nom Peh. I’m 17 years old. I hope to be schoolteacher. When I teach children, I will share the gospel.”

The young woman who drew this said, “I want to become a Sunday school teacher.”

More about Myanmar

Myanmar is number 24 on the Open Doors 2018 World Watch List. Through local partners and churches, Open Doors strengthens persecuted believers in Myanmar through literature distribution, discipleship programmes, pastoral and leadership training, livelihood support, family and marriage enrichment programmes, children and youth training and preparing the church to face persecution.

Pray now…

• For these teenagers and that their hopes for the future will come to pass.
• That their faith in Jesus will remain strong, and when persecution comes, they will know God’s love and protection.
• That their love of Jesus will bring many others to know and love God too.