In the early hours of Monday, February 1st, the Myanmar (Burma) military staged a coup and seized power after detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders. Both of our country directors – Pastors Pan* and Thang* – and other pastors were concerned that this would happen, as the military-backed party had been claiming the election would be fraudulent even before it was held on November 8th, 2020. After the election, they continued making these allegations without evidence of widespread fraud. Now the military has arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and has declared a state of emergency for a year, seizing control of the country.
Pastor Pan and many other pastors have begun holding small prayer fellowships three days a week, where they pray together and share information which is then spread to their wider communities. Many pastors and Christians are becoming leaders in the peaceful resistance to this brutal military dictatorship. As Pastor Pan has said, this is not about fighting for one leader – Aung San Suu Kyi – it is for the sake of saving the lives of Muslims, Christians, and many ethnic minorities who are at great risk, and also for the sake of their children’s future.
Below, you will find updated messages from our two directors in the country, Pastors Pan and Thang, about the ongoing coup.
We are able to continue sending funds, and now more than ever, your support is needed. Give here.
You can send a word of encouragement that will be translated and passed on to believers throughout the country. We especially would love encouragement for young people, as they will bear the long-term brunt of this coup. [email protected]
Several notes –
1. Some messages have been shortened or people and place names redacted, so as not to share identifying details.
2. Messages begin with the most recent date and move backwards.
3. Messages from Pan are marked with a “P” and messages from Thang with a “T”. Pan lives in a more rural part of the country, and therefore has slightly more open communication, as major cities will bear the early brunt of military crackdowns. Pastor Thang, on the other hand, lives in a major city. So, we have received many more messages from Pan within the first two weeks of the coup.
4. We are sharing the messages we are receiving from our leaders as we receive them. In such a time of uncertainty, not all of the information they are gathering will turn out to be accurate. However, so far most of what they have found out from local sources have been confirmed by international news organizations within days. They also share their opinions on how the world should respond, and they may change those opinions based on how the coup continues to unfold. We feel it is important to share as much as we can directly from the citizens of Myanmar in this moment, with no filter on their words (as long as it is safe to do so). Not all of their messages will include explanations of what they are referring to. To follow the whole situation more closely in the news, we recommend Frontier Myanmar as well as NPR and BBC Asia.
5. As this continues, our commitment to coming alongside the men and women we support in Myanmar will continue. It will certainly look different, but as always, our focus is to come alongside believers reaching their own people for Christ in the most effective ways possible.
*Names changed for safety
Friday night (Myanmar Time), July 29, 2022:
P – #BREAKING NEWS:
The price of rice has skyrocketed to more than 90,000 Kyats for a bag of rice, while the price in some townships is reaching up to 100,000 Kyats for a bag of rice in Yangon – the largest city of Myanmar.
“It is a visible sign that the country is being plunged into a total collapse, and everything is out of control at the moment,” a local businessman in Yangon city tells Chindwin news….
BREAKING NEWS
Junta executes Ko Jimmy, Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and other two
Monday morning (Myanmar Time), July 25, 2022:
P – Myanmar military junta announced on Monday it has executed democracy activist Ko Jimmy, 53, and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, and other two during the weekend. They were sentenced to death in January by a military tribunal under Myanmar’s overbroad counter-terrorism Law for masterminding and involving in anti-regime armed struggle and activities. Before the hangings they were allowed to meet with their families on Friday. So sad about this. Thank you for your prayers. I have no words to describe how bad the Junta regime is.
Sunday night (Myanmar Time), July 24, 2022:
P – UPDATE:
This is to inform you that we are well and kept safe by His grace. We had a wonderful service this morning at the Lord’s house and our children were also able to join their Sunday School class. We heard many guns shooting last night but we have had a wonderful time this morning at our church.
The situation of our country is more worsened politically and economically. Now we are facing shortages of medicines and shortage of gas supply. In Yangon, the main public transportation has been stopped day before yesterday due the shortages of gas. Many big companies have left our country and more and more people became jobless. Tensions between the Junta regime and the PDF are higher and higher. More and more villages were burned and many people are displacing their homes and villages. Our state is the worst state among the 14 divisions and states. The PDF are also stronger and they are able to control some areas in the state.
But the good news is that the ASEAN convoy is promised to meet with Aung San Suh Kyi by the Junta leader when he makes his third trip to Myanmar and this will be ahead of the UN assembly meeting which will be held in September. Also, we the people of Myanmar welcome the ICJ decision on the Junta regime. It is our prayer that the justice will be done. In the ground in our mission filed, many people are struggling and facing shortage of food ever before. Two of our partners have an urgent request for the need of the daily need for their people. Please join them in prayer for this need that the Lord will provide. Their estimate projects are as follows;
Partner 1: 41 families x Ks. 75,000 = Ks. 3,075,000
Partner 2: 45 families x Ks. 78,500 = Ks. 3,532,500
Total – Ks. 6,607,500 @$3,287
Monday night (Myanmar Time), July 18, 2022:
P – What a wonderful Lord, we have and serve! As I handover the money to the lawyer, he and his team are trying their best and the pastor and his family members were released just now about at 5:30 pm and they are now at home. But the Lawyer asked the pastor family to move to the safer place for their security for sometime, as soon as possible. We will continue to help them as they plan to move for a safer place by tomorrow. I praise the Lord for answering our prayers. What the pastor told me on the phone was he agreed and signed not to connect with the PDF. Right now, whatever they say is a law and the people must confessed to what they accused. We can’t even stand for our rights and defend even the laws.
What he continue told me was: ‘I saw three dead bodies and there were 2 men and one lady who were tortured very badly throughout the night. We didn’t see them in persons but I heard their cry.’
Sunday Morning (Myanmar Time), July 17, 2022:
P – It is very sad to learn that a pastor and his family members who serves as a senior pastor at one of the greatest Baptist church in my city have been arrested this morning which alarms the pastors and the Christian workers, according to the local news.
We know each other.
The reason I know now is that the military simply accused them that they have a connection with the PDF. They asked now a huge of money so that they will be released.
We are now working with one lawyer who is close to military and we will have to pay for her also.
Till now, nobody was allowed to meet them physically. It’s becoming a common problem in our city.Because of what’s happening, pastors and Christian workers are worried. There is no way right now the pdf can protect us from such things except helping the people who want to go for safer place before the people are at the hands of the military.
Thursday Night (Myanmar Time), July 15, 2022:
P – Just now around 6:30 to 7:15, the fighting was so closed to us. But the Lord has kept us safe and we are Ok. Please continue to pray for us.
Thursday Night (Myanmar Time), July 7, 2022:
T – Thank you so much for all help and support. It has been always a blessing and encouraging for us to receive all the support and prayers. Our partners are very much thankful for the support and help, indeed I pass your greetings to and prayer with message to them. They are very much thankful for your special concern and message too.
I will also be sending the acknowledgement tomorrow. Yesterday is the due date for my assignment, I am really busy because most of the books reading assignments I could not get through ebooks. Everything is new for me. I am also blessed and motivated as I read some of the reading assignments.
By God’s grace we are keeping safe, even though everything become so expensive and high cost, God is good to us through HB especially to you all for your special concern and prayers.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
We also start our Bible seminary this month. I go there two day Monday and today, Thursday.
On behalf of our family and friends I send our love and greeting to you all.
With many thank
Your sincerely
Thang*
Wednesday Morning (Myanmar Time), July 6, 2022:
P – The school is running very well and the children are also improving a lot.
Tuesday Morning (Myanmar Time), June 28, 2022:
T – Thank you very much for all the prayer and support. Which I have collected.
I will be able to give to our missionaries, and send your prayers and greeting to them.
So far we are doing good in [location] but in other places many are still suffering and schools are closed. We have no idea about the future but believe and trust that our God knows what is the best for us. Even though we felt very uncertainty and hard due to the present crisis.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
With many thanks
Your sincerely
Thang*
Sunday Morning (Myanmar Time), June 19, 2022:
P – We are now preparing to go to the Church for which we are grateful.
Tuesday Night (Myanmar Time), June 7, 2022:
P – KG – Grade VIII have returned and started already their home school classes. Praise the Lord! We have got good teachers who love the Lord and have a great concern for our children also.
T – Thank you so much for your prayers.
By God’s grace we are doing good. At present in our city everything become so calm, but in other places schools are still close and many are suffering. Yes, at the end with long prayer we decided and send them. Thank you for all the prayer. Please kindly keep praying for us.
Tuesday Night (Myanmar Time), June 7, 2022:
P – The situation is here is somehow better these days. The children didn’t return to the school but have returned to the home tuition/home school. Our city is one the most dangerous places to admit them to the school. Thank you all for your prayers.
Thank you so much for all your sincerely concern and prayers. It has been always a blessing and encouraging for us.
Thank you very much for your prayers, in spite of the present situation at the end we hardly decided to send them to school after long long prayers. As you also have been praying for us. To be honest, their is no option if we are not sending them back to school unless, we send to private school. We may hire someone for teaching but it will not be recognised by the present leader and the other party. So it hard for us. Still today many parents are not admits their children, because if there is anything happens or change, the other party will not accept or recognise the students who are in the school at present. But our prayer is that if there is anything happens or change, they will graciously understand, our difficulty and situation, indeed will allow to continue our schooling. Because we have no choice.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer for their safety and study.
With many thanks
Monday Night (Myanmar Time), May 30, 2022:
P – 27 children and they all will start their classes by tomorrow, Jun 1st. So, a total need per month for KG – Grade IV will be 1,350,000 MMK.
I also have found teachers for Grade V – VIII (middle school) and they will also start their classes on June 7th and their tuition fees will be 65,000 per child. We have 15 middle school students and a total amount per month will be Ks. 975,000 MMK.
For grades IX – X (High school), so far, we couldn’t find any teachers who can teach all round subjects.
Please pray that the Lord will provides.
Friday Morning (Myanmar Time), May 20, 2022:
T – Thank you so much for all the prayer and help. Even though life has been difficult and uncertain, by God’s grace through all your prayers and support we are doing good and keepings safe.
It has been always our prayer and hope for change very soon but it seem very slow indeed we are very much thankful for the support of your leader as they met, which is one of the strong encourage for our people and expectations for help.Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
We all send our love and greeting to you all with thank.
Your sincerely
Thang and family
Thursday Morning (Myanmar Time), May 12, 2022:
T – Thank you very much for all the prayer. By God’s grace we are doing good and keepings safe, but in many places still people are struggling and finding hard. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
Saturday Morning (Myanmar Time), May 7, 2022:
T – Yes, we are in great need of prayers for our freedom and change.
The public schools will be open very soon and still many students are not going to school under their leadership, but we are praying and hoping to send our children because it will be three years if we don’t send.
So kindly keep remember us in prayer for the right decision, we are always hoping change, but it seem very slow.
With many thank
Your sincerely
Thang
Friday Morning (Myanmar Time), May 6, 2022:
T – Thank you so much for your special concern and prayers. By God’s grace through all your prayers we are doing good. But we have the electric power cut off more than before, four hours come and about 10 hours cut off.
Still houses has been burn and people flee from their safety.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer
With many thanks
Thang
Sunday Morning (Myanmar Time), May 1, 2022:
P – The following partners have mentioned the needs and have requested funds to help the poor people in their mission fields. They said that many of the people are out of works because of the fighting. Many people are badly affected and greatly struggling for their daily food. There is no one to help as they are crying for their daily food. (We want to help 32, 35, and 27 families respectively)
Are there any funds available to help these poor families? Pray that the Lord will provide.
We praise God that we had a good rest last night and now we are heading to church.
In His Love,
Bro. Pan
P – About 95,000 MMK is estimated for each family. That means 8,930,000 MMK is required for 94 families. This will be about $4,916 and this will last one month for each family.
This will include the basic food such as rice, cooking oil and beans etc.,
T – Thank you so much for your special concern and prayers. By God’s grace I am able to travel and get my ordination in spite of the present situation. indeed, life has been uncertain and fearful, God is good to hear and answer our prayer. Today I just got back home safe.
Thank you very much for your special and support.
With many thank
Your sincerely
Thang and family
Saturday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 29, 2022:
P – Last night at 8:00 to 9 o’clock, there was a heavy fighting took placed again in our area. A 60 mm hits one of the houses and one man died immediately and 2 of his family members (including a 5-month-old baby) injured seriously. This house is just about 70 meters far from our home.
We praise God for His protection. We area still safe.
Friday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 29, 2022:
T – Thank you for your prayers. Yes, they know so far nothing happened, my brother use to stay in the village but the rest of the family are till away. Many people stay and many people also flee.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
P – We are safe and doing well. We have come back home already.
Wednesday Monday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 20, 2022:
T – Thank you for all the prayer and greatly concern with all the support.
I have one good new to share. By God’s grace I will ordained on the 24th April. If it is God willing I will be traveling on the 21st April to [location] and come back on the 30th April. I would definitely be thankful if you could kindly remember in prayer. As you know it is not safe to travel nowadays.
T – Thank you for your prayers. Yes, they know so far nothing happened, my brother use to stay in the village but the rest of the family are till away. Many people stay and many people also flee.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
Tuesday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 19, 2022:
Greetings to you all in the risen name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you so much for your special concern and prayers because God is answering our prayers. Even though my family are not returning yet they are doing good and safe. But they are still afraid to return. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer.
Your sincerely
Thang and family
Monday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 18, 2022:
P – We stayed safe and had a good rest throughout the night.
Sunday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 17, 2022:
P – I am so glad to inform you that 2 days continuously no fighting nearby our home and we had a good rest. We are now preparing for Easter service at our Church.
Friday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 15, 2022:
P – We moved to other place not so far from our home. Because we are so closed to military base which always attacked by the pdf.
It is about 12 km from our home and we think it a safer place because the location is far from the army based.
P – Total civilians killed since the coup till yesterday was 1756. according to the DVB news. What a sad it was. We also heard a little sound of gunfire last night but it is far from our home as well as where we located now. We had a good rest last night also.Friday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 15, 2022:
P – Last night fighting hits a house just about 20 yards from our home. The mother was seriously injured and now she is in the hospital. She is my church member.
We plan to replace (relocate) in a safer place.
Thursday Night (Myanmar Time), April 14, 2022:
P – The situation worsened here. We feel that we are in a battle ground.
According to the news, very sad that 4 pdf have killed so far in today’s fight. Just only in [our location]. The battle place is just five minute walk from our home. The main office is just nearby us and the military camp there since the coup. The PDF attack them since yesterday. No need to force the civilians to be involved in the pdf, many, many young men and women have been involving in the pdf by their decision. But the problem is, they don’t have enough weapons. Some of our children want to be involved (in the PDF) including my eldest son. I didn’t allow them. T – Thank you so much for all the prayer.Even though our families are not forced to leave, but if they don’t leave and if they are found by them (the army), they will be arrested or even killed. Therefore they leave.
Yes, some of them they all leave. It is hard.
Wednesday Night (Myanmar Time), April 13, 2022:
T – Urgent prayer requests. Today in my village near [Pan’s village] fighting is going on from 10am to 2pm two people died and all the villagers leave for safety, even two of my brothers, two sister and my mother do leave, leaving everything behind.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer for safety of their lives and their home, if not they usually burn the whole village if there is fighting.
T – Thank you so much for your special concern and prayers.
Yes, I am able to speak with them (my family). They are now in another village which is about 20 miles.
Please kindly keep remember us in prayer with many thanks.
T – So far it is okay, I am able to speak with my brother they are safe but not returned yet.
In [our city] we have heard more often fire especially in evening.
It seem no body is going out for the the water festival.
Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer.
P – A heavy fighting took placed at P**** village just 14 km from [our location] about 2 hours long and at least 4 civilians were killed and many of them fled for their safety. This village is Bro. Thang’s native village. In the afternoon around 4:40 fighting again in my place. It is now 7:00 pm but we didn’t even have our dinner. We are still in a room with all of our children and asking God for His protection. Thank you for your continued prayers.
In Christ
P – Since the military burned houses and seized their properties, many people have no choice except this to fight against the Junta. That is why the pdf is stronger and stronger.
We are sad to learn that 5 civilians and 10 pdf have been killed in today’s fighting.
Tuesday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 12, 2022:
P – We are hearing a very heavy bomb explosions 4 times continuously since 3:30 am here.
(3 hours later)
We didn’t hear again after 5:30. That was the last I heard.
Monday Night (Myanmar Time), April 11, 2022:
P – We are doing good and safe. Since this morning, there has been no news about fighting over city till now. Thank you all for your prayers which keeps us safe.
Sunday Night (Myanmar Time), April 10, 2022:
P – We were about to start our evening prayer meeting but the fighting was so serious and so close to us. We just gathered together in one place and watched for the situation right now.
Saturday Night (Myanmar Time), April 9, 2022:
P – Today, the downtown is silent and no more gunfire in the afternoon. But its’ surrounding villages were badly attacked with heavy weapons. According to the news, at least 5 civilians were killed and many others injured. We are so worried and listening what’s gonna happen tonight. Your prayers and our shield and our safety. Thank you so much for all of your prayers.
Saturday Morning (Myanmar Time), April 9, 2022:
P – Fighting started again early this morning.
It seems it will continue longer than before according to the news.
There are both bombings and gunfire, but mostly gunfire. Pray for safety – it is the most important thing for us.
(1 hour later)
P – Looks like the situation is good and we heard less sounds of gunfire.
Friday Night (Myanmar Time), April 8, 2022:
P – The PDF are winning but the problem is what the military do to the innocent people when there is fighting. Even yesterday, one tricycle driver was shot dead.
P – I tried my best not wanting to show my wife fear in my face.
P – Heavy fighting continues. We are in the house. The children are fearful
P – It seems the situation has calmed down now. We heard no more sounds a little while ago.
Thursday Night (Myanmar Time), April 8, 2022:
P – My wife and I went into the city and came back home about 5:00pm. On the way back to our home in the downtown town, we didn’t notice any thing and we were inside the battle field and there was heavy fighting. We didn’t know where to move and and we stood on the road. After a few seconds, one of the PDFs has shown me by his hands to turn right back. I immediately turned my car and drove back very quickly. The Lord has saved us and we reached home safely. Now the fighting continues inside the downtown with heavy weapons. Please continue to pray for our safety.
Friday night (Myanmar time), March 18, 2022: T – Today I am able to send some of the missionaries partners and will also do the other on Monday. They are also sending their thanks for the support. Your sincerely Thang* Thursday night (Myanmar time), March 17, 2022: T – Thank you so much for your help. I just received the support and help and get back home now. I will be able to send tomorrow to our missionaries partners because they are also in difficult, it will be greatly a blessing and help for them too as we are. On behalf of our missionaries partners I would like to thank to you, to HB as well as to the donors. With many thanks Your sincerely Thang Wednesday night (Myanmar time), March 16, 2022: T – Thank you so much for your message and all the support. It has been greatly a blessing and relief for us since we have been suffering from Covid19 and the present situation. Lives have been greatly difficult and hard due to the raising of the price of everything. our God is good for us all the time through HB and other donors as well as supporters. We all send our love and thanks. Your sincerely Thang* Wednesday night (Myanmar time), March 9th, 2022: T – Yes, due to gas or petrol everything become expensive Tuesday night (Myanmar time), March 8th, 2022: T – Thank you very much for all the concern and prayer. By God’s grace we are doing good, but we only have 4 or 5 hours electric power in a day. And everything become so high in price due to the crisis. One litre of petrol was cost MMK 2200 now, before it was 550 MMK. Because of petrol everything become so expensive. Tuesday night (Myanmar time), March 1st, 2022: T – Warmest greetings to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ. I hope and trust that you are doing good, by God’s grace we are also doing good but our electric power is cut off more than 10 hour in a day. Regarding our women support, one of the woman called Daw Lah Myint died yesterday with heart attack. She has been faithful Christian becoming alone in her family. The funeral will be held tomorrow. Please kindly remember her husband, and 3 children. With many thanks Your sincerely Thang P – We are ok. Bro. Thang* contacted me. Thank you for the concern. I think this is because of my internet access problem, my signal doestn’t work properly. Sunday night (Myanmar time), February 27th, 2022: P – The military kept over 80 children (under aged 5) as hostages at Zimapin township, Sagaing division. Please pray for these innocent children for their safety and soon release. We began to hear bombs and gun-firing tonight again in our city. P – According to the news, these children are kept as hostage or as their shield. That means they will not release these children until they think, they are safe from the PDF. Thursday night (Myanmar time), February 24th, 2022: T – Thank you for all your prayers. By God’s grace we are all recover. Indeed, we are free to go around but not in public, yes if there is no other things we stay at home. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer. Wednesday night (Myanmar time), February 23rd, 2022: T – Thank you so much for your message and concern. Yes, by God’s grace we are now doing good, we all have been sick, it seem that we are suffering from Omicron because of the symptoms, even many people do suffer the same things, feel cold, itching throat, and fever. But not serious like Covid19. Thank you for your prayers and help. We all send our love and greeting Your sincerely Thang Thursday night (Myanmar time), February 10th, 2022: T – Thank you so much for all your help and hardworking not only for our children and missionaries but for my study which I have been praying for long time ago. Yes, if there is any possibility I am hoping to start. If there is no more options. Yes, I think I have done everything that they require. Please kindly thank to Linworth church especially to Pastor Brent of course to you for all your prayers and concern. As well as to HB, Dan, Andrew, Dr. Tim and Dr. Van too. It seem that Omicron is spreading and affecting many people now. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer. T – Thank you so much for your special concern and prayers. I just received an email from […] assistant. I will ask her tomorrow. Indeed, many people have been sick not like Covid19, I have been not well since yesterday, itching throat, I felt myself that I have fever but thank God that there is no fever. So far I know many people do suffer the same things. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer. T – Thank you so much indeed without all your concern it would be so difficult for me. Thank you also for your prayers I am doing better now but my wife is getting tired not feeling good. Even two of our children too. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer. Tuesday night (Myanmar time), February 1st, 2022: T – Thank you so much for all the blessings and great concern. It has been always a blessing for us to know that HB have been not only praying but also for the support and help. On behalf of our missionaries partners we would love to thanks for all help and support. We are in need of prayer for changes and safety. With many thanks T – Thank you for your quick response. We do still have power cut off everyday, and very weak internet connection. Yes, if there is no problems for you it is okay with me at 8pm [for the call]. Thursday night (Myanmar time), January 27th, 2022:
P – Because of the Covid 19 virus, the whole city will be lockdown again. I learned that there has not yet been a tester for Omicron virus. Just they know is Covid 19. The infection is more quicker than the past virus that is why it is believed to be the Omicron virus and it is so serious also who are affected with it.
T – Thank you for your special concern and prayers. By God’s grace we are doing good. Yes, it has been a blessing for us to finish [the book], through all your help. I hope to do printing very soon. Because now [the church] has the [final] proof. Regarding internet, so far I am able to use without VPN. But we have to be very much careful of what we write and say, I think that you remember when I say the present leader that mean everything. I am careful in using word. It is okay for me to have zoom at any time, apart from the [date], because I am going one of my relative wedding and will be part of the service to pray for the new couple. Thank you for all your prayer, please kindly keep remember us in prayer. Thursday morning (Myanmar time), January 27th, 2022: P – I think, only few people are vaccinated because the cost is very high. The cost for the vaccine is 200,000 for 2 times. I don’t know here about the plan of the vaccine being done by the Junta in [my location]. I learned that there are many healthcare programs in Yangon and Mandalay who can give vaccine for 100,000 mmk 2 times. P – Right now, I am using at home as before. I have not heard anything else yet about the solution. I use broadband and mobile data. I have been using this method since the coup because there is no any security. If the internet is accessible without vpn, I hope I also can but as you said, the social media will be completely blocked. That would be great to have a code for the safety of our conversation. And also, I will delete the message for myself. Wednesday night (Myanmar time), January 26th, 2022: P – The Covid-19 virus is spreading very quickly again in [Pan’s* city & nearby city]. Pray for our safety. Tuesday night (Myanmar time), January 25th, 2022: P – Many of the VPN users were arrested in Yangon and Mandalay according to the local news. Monday night (Myanmar time), January 24th, 2022: P – Without that VPN our internet will not work. It is because of the Junta since the coup, we came to use the VPN. Since they can’t control the cyber because of the vpn, they are now releasing new rule, so that they can control it. Now also the junta is preparing to celebrate republic day like North Korea. What a said it is. If the international community delays to save the people of Myanmar, we will be in a great problem. No, without the vpn I could not use signal or other social media. Not even email is accessible without vpn. I have not heard any news coming up with this vpn case. The law is already enforced it. According to news, especially in Yangon and Mandalay, some people were arrested and some of them paid a fine for a hundred thousand mmk. I have no any idea of using the internet right now. I will update you if there is any develop news concerning thus case. The only way we can be connected is by a phone if the internet is not available. We are still planning (the pastors conference). The cost must be much higher than I proposed. Things of prices have been rising everyday because the supply is cut of for Chin state due to the recent fighting. For example, one bag of rice cost was about 60000 mmk but it is about 95000 mmk in [nearby village] where we will get the supply. It has been about 10 days the carriers of goods are cutoff. T – Thank you for your prayers and concern. Yes, I am (using VPN for my internet connection). Next month onward it will be difficult using VPN because the present leader prohibited under electronic law which they make it more difficult. If we use we can be in jail for 3 year and 5 million fine for using. We can access the internet without VPN. But if we use without we must be careful in what we write and say. Saturday night (Myanmar time), January 22nd, 2022: P – Yes, it is very good news for us. (referring to major oil and energy firms pulling out of Myanmar over “human rights abuse”) Now, the ICJ will hold for the second time the Junta’s genocide case in the coming month. We hope to hear more good news from that also. Friday night (Myanmar time), January 21st, 2022: P – More than 20 times 120 mm have been fired this morning from Kalaymyo to where the pdf are based. Things calmed down this afternoon till now. T – Thank you for your prayers. Yes, we are expecting change as well as it will get worse. Thank you very much for all your prayers and concern. It has been always a blessing and joy for us especially for me to be part of HB. We all are so much blessed not only physically but spiritual too. Friday morning (Myanmar time), January 21st, 2022: P – According to the AAPP, as of today since the coup, the Junta have killed 1,488 people and 11,651 people have been detained. What a sad it is. Thursday night (Myanmar time), January 20th 2022: T – Thank you so much for your prayers, we are in need of prayer for our people on behalf of, who take the responsibility. Thank you for the funds, it has been greatly a blessing for our people who are in great need of help and care. We are able to help our friends in [location 1], [location 2] and Shan State not much here as we do there because they are the one who are in need of food. Indeed, they are also thank to you and HB for the support always in their needs. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer, we are expecting change within 3/4 months but it seems very slow, we are also afraid that before it is changing many more people will die and suffer. We all send our love and greeting with many thanks. Tuesday night (Myanmar time), January 20th 2022: P – Thank you for all the prayers. Today, the junta using 120 mm to fight against the pdf. From the army based in [location], they are firing the expected place where the pdf are located. The sound is too loud and the whole city is scaring. Bigger weapons are used by the junta. Our lives uncertain. On the other hands, new Covid 19 cases are increasing again in our place. Monday night (Myanmar time), January 17th 2022: T – Thank you very for your prayers. Yes, we are in need of prayers for our people, for their safety and our freedom. It seems that things are getting worse even in [Pan’s* location] and chin state. But also in many part of our country. With many thank Yours sincerely Thang*
Sunday night (Myanmar time), January 16th 2022
P – We feel like we are in a battle field. Pray for us
2 of my church members have been hurt in the fighting in [our location] but by God’s grace, they are not so seriously injured. I got an information just now early this morning. I have not heard any other confirmed news yet.
The women whom we visited together are doing well and the fighting place is far from their place.
Friday morning (Myanmar time), January 14th 2022
P – Thank you for your continued prayers. Since yesterday, more fighting took place in [location] even right now and the fighting place is not far from us. We heard heavy gun fires continuously.
The fire is closer to us.
Yes, we all are awake and hearing the sounds.
Now, we are getting back to our bed as it seems the situation comes down. Thursday morning (Myanmar time), January 13th 2022: T – Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. Yes, it has been a very hard time for many of our people. By God’s grace we are safe. We are also warn not to go out until and unless we have a very important to do, because there can be gun fire and bomb blast in any places. Thank you for your prayers. Your sincerely Thang* Friday night (Myanmar time) January 7, 2022:P – Yes, we heard no sounds of bombs and gunfire these three days in [our location] but the surrounding villages are suffering a lot because of fighting.
Our partners are also well and we have regular contact with each other.
All of them are still in their homes and towns.
P – “Update on Current War Development in Chin State
Clashes between the military junta forces and a combined forces of Chinland Defense Forces and Chin National Army (CNA) are happening now.
So far, CNA and CDF have killed five of the junta soldiers at the clash near Hniarlawn village, an outskirt of Hakha city, according to the spokesperson of Chin National Army (CNA).
Residents in Lungpi ward, and Hniarlawn have left their villages running into the jungle for hiding.
The military junta forces are burning Christian Church and four residential properties, looting the properties and taking rice at Rialto village. Also, the soldiers reportedly kill the animal such as pigs, goats, and hens in Rialti village, Falam Township.
At Hniarlawn, four civilians are arrested, including a minor aged 13.
People are trying to live normal life but it is not possible since the violence grows higher everyday.” Monday night (Myanmar time), October 11th: P – “More and more troops are scattering in Chin state. The families of the military have been taken out of the army based in [my city] by the military air force to their headquaters. It seems the big fighting is prepared by the military. So, your continued prayers would be greatly appreciated. They are targeting both civilians and the rebels when fighting take place.” Saturday night (Myanmar time), October 9th: P – “News: More than 3000 troops arrived to [my city] with full equipment. These troops are targeting Chin state. About 35 full truck load have gone to Chin state and the others still remained in [my city]. Yesterday when they went up to Chin state, at one village, they took whatever they want such as Chicken, pigs, cooking oils, pots etc.” Thursday night (Myanmar time), October 7th: P – “3 big explosions and many gun shooting in our town just now but a little far from us. Please continue to pray.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), October 5th: P – “I praise the Lord and am glad to inform you that Bro. Myint* also came back home from hospital with good health. I had a talk with him and he is good.” Tuesday morning (Myanmar time), October 5th: P – “I came to learn that the Western Union is available again in [my city].” Monday night (Myanmar time), October 4th: T – “Regarding the internet. I believe they will not cut off because business and marketing has to do with mobile banking. People who keep their money in the bank could not withdraw, the only they can use their money is mobile banking, and using their card in the shop to buy what they needs. This is the reason that they will not cut off the internet. If they do, there will be a great change. So, as I say many people use and buy internet data packages which cost less. With many thanks. Your sincerely Thang*” Monday morning (Myanmar time), October 4th: T – “It has been difficult using internet in many parts of the country. Broadband internet especially with myttel seems impossible. At present we are starting again our online class, most of our students use internet data, they just bought with package which seem not expensive or reasonable. Apart from that I have no ideas. By God’s grace we are doing good. We start our online class today again till November 2021. We send our love and thank Your sincerely Thang*” Sunday Morning (Myanmar time), October 3rd: P – “I praise the Lord that Bro. Cin* was also discharged yesterday. They requested us to pray for their medical expenses too.” Saturday night (Myanmar time), October 2nd: T – “Thank you for your special concern and prayers. By God’s grace we are doing good. But today unexpectedly one of our church member has been with the Lord. He has been weak not serious, able to walk and eat, he just passed away while he was in the toilet. Most many places in Myanmar internet has been cut off. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer. For safety and health with many thank. Your sincerely Thang*” P – “Due to the crisis and hardships that we faced here, our partners asked for food to provide to the people in each of their ministries. That makes sense to me as we all know about the situation. Please join us in payer for their needs that the Lord will provide. Also, please pray for me and my wife that the Lord will provide our medical bills to clear soon as the due date to repay is approaching. The money was borrowed from some of my friends. Chime* who came back home from hospital yesterday continues doing well by the grace of God.” Friday night (Myanmar time), October 1st: P – “I am so glad to inform you that she [Chime*] has come back home.” Thursday night (Myanmar time), September 30th: P – “Prayer request: One of our children – Chime* felt shortness of breath this morning and we immediately took her to the hospital. The Doctor tested such as Xray, ultrasound and her heart. But everything was Ok and the doctor sent her back home and she was ok throughout the day. But just now, she was happened again and now she is hospitalized. Please pray for her complete healing.” Thursday morning (Myanmar time), September 30th: P – “Cin*’s wife was discharged yesterday but Bro. Cin* & Bro. Myint* are still in the hospital. Bro. Cin and Bro. Myint are also improving.” Wednesday night (Myanmar time), September 29th: T – “Thank you very much for your prayers. By God’s grace we are doing good, but everything is so expensive due to economic crisis, one usd = 2000 mmk. Petrol one litre 1250 mmk ($0.67) before the junta one litre 560 mmk ($0.30). Which is more than double.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), September 28th: P – “Report from Lydia*: I am Lydia and I want to say thank you so much for providing food time to time. I really appreciated the donors and their love toward us. Almost all of our church members were sick but we all were recovered by the grace of God. No one is able to go for work and all are suffering. Since the beginning of August, we faced lots of problem because of the flood. Most the people here looking job but the flood made us harder to get the job. Also because of the civil war, our lives are in danger and the situation here is worse than worse. So, because of all those things, the need is more than what I say. Sometimes, some of our church members have food to cook and we shared whatever we have and till today, the Lord has allowed us to live. I praise the Lord for His provision hands. When we heard about the food supply from Pastor Pan*, we all were so happy because most of our people are out of food. Pastor Aung* brought the food items to us and we immediately distributed to our people to 70 families. Everybody said, Praise the Lord … Amen … because of the food supply. I never saw such thankfulness among my people though they received help in the past. It shows me that the need for food is real. You made is this possible. Thank you for your concern and help in times of need. Praise the Lord for the faithful donors and their sacrificial giving. We pray for the donors and their families that the Lord will bless them in the days to come. As we distributed food to our people, we also shared the Gospel. I also can boldly share the good news and at least 4 people boldly said, Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. The believers were also rededicated their lives to Jesus because everybody said that the Lord has answered our prayer. One man said that, because of the difficulties that he faced, he challenged the Lord, if the Lord provides food for his family, he will trust Him with all his hearts. He immediately received the answers of his prayers after three days of his prayer. This man and his family were out of food and they have no income that is why they were greatly discouraged and they were in a hopeless condition. Through the answers of his prayers, he immediately confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Thank you again and again for your love and help toward us. I do appreciate for your partnership. Sincerely yours, Lydia” Monday night (Myanmar time), September 27th: P – “I am so sad to inform you that Bro. Aung*’s wife has gone to be with the Lord. She was sick with Covid 19 for a week long.” Friday night (Myanmar time), September 24th: P – “I am glad to inform you that I have received the funds today safely and it was 6,206,200 MMK ($3317). We have the good exchange rate. I have immediately wired the funds to Lydia and I was informed they (Lydia and the local pastor) that they have received the funds. They are planning to distribute the food by tomorrow. I will send you some reports when I hear back from them. Thank you again for our kind burden and concern.” Thursday morning (Myanmar time), September 23rd: P – “Praise the Lord [for funds sent for Lydia’s needs mentioned in the update on September 22nd].” Wednesday night (Myanmar time), September 22nd: P – “Yes, fighting is happening in villages and small towns in [our] district everyday. But they are a bit far from us. The military used heavy weapons and all the villagers fled to jungle for safety. What we heard yesterday was there were some people who tried to help those who are in the jungle were beaten and arrested by the military. In Thantlang, Chin State, which has more than 1,800 households, three families (28 people) remain guarded. Twenty people are from an orphanage and there are two families with Covid. Similar news [of violence] in Kayah Sate and Magwe division. Lydia* appealed for help as they faced lots of problems in her place. Here is her letter asking for food for her people and I also included some pictures of the present flood. ‘I am Lydia from the Irrawaddy riverside. In our place, many people were sick with Covid 19 and more than 10 people have died already. Almost all of our church members were sick but we all were recovered by the grace of God. No one is able to go for work and all are suffering. Since the beginning of August, we faced lots of problem because of the flood. Most of the people are looking job but the flood made us harder to get the job. Also because of the civil war, our lives are in danger and the situation here is worse than worse. So, because of all those things, the need is more than what I say. Sometimes, some of our church members have no food to cook and we shared whatever we have and till today, the Lord has allowed us to live. I praise the Lord for His provision hands. I still remember that your have provided us help this time in last year. So, I want to ask this time also for your help before my people die. We are 47 families. In Christ, Lydia’” It would mainly for food. She didn’t limit the the families to 47 but according to the funds available she wants help more and more families. 1 bag of rice, 5 kg beans, 2 kg cooking oil and 3 kg Patato and 3 kg Onion. These can feed a family for nearly one month and the cost is about 95,000 MMK (about $50). There are about 100 families [in total in the village]. We don’t have any problem in sending funds inside the country.” Wednesday morning (Myanmar time), September 22nd: P – “We didn’t hear any gunshot last night and I should say that the situation calmed down in [town].”T – “Thank you very much for giving your time to help not only financially but also through prayers.
Since last week and this I have class at [my seminary] where I have been teaching. But our internet connection is very very poor, within 50 Min I think we can use around 30 Minutes due to the internet connection. Also, yesterday we are helding a memorial service for my brother in law after one month and half. With few people mostly from relatives.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), September 21st: T – “Thank you very much for your kindness and all the help and support, not only us but others people who are really also having difficulty. Our partners are also asking to me to thanks to you on behalf of them. Now day we are also very much careful whenever we give help because this present [Junta] leader are not happy with, they want that many people will suffer and lost life, so that they can be the only helper and protectors. That’s why if they know the people who have help others they do arrest and make cause problems.eg. in [our area] where the fighting are going on, they can only carry one bag of rice, it is so much difficult for the people, according to their words the present leader want them to die with hungry. So, this is one prayer too that God will help us to get freedom as soon as possible if not we will be again under their control which we have suffer for many years in the past. Thank you very much again for all the prayer and support. Your sincerely Thang” Monday night (Myanmar time), September 20th: T – “Thank you very much for your special concern and prayers. Prayer is the most important part for us as we are fully depends on God. Without God help and His mercy we would not be survive. Indeed we are also very much thankful to you and HB for all the support not only financially but with all the concern and burden of heart. On behalf of our missionaries I would like to thanks for all the prayer and support. With many thanks Your sincerely Thang” P – “[Myint* and Cin* and his wife] are still in the hospital.” Sunday morning (Myanmar time), September 19th: P – “Yes, I believe that [the Chin people] will make a difference as being majority of Christian. The military cut the finger of a pastor who was killed last night and stolen his marriage ring.” Saturday night (Myanmar time) September 18th: P – “The people of Myanmar are shocked with the recent news which was happened today around 5:00 pm in Than Tlang, Chin Sate. Because of the heavy weapons used by the military, 19 houses were burned in the downtown and one pastor who was trying to cease the fire was shot death. The number of deaths and damages are not yet confirmed. It is very far from us. [Chin state is targeted by military at this time.] I believe this is because the Chin people stands together and became stronger. Also two great leaders if the NUG located in Chin State. Your prayer is our strength. The world should pay attention and take strong action. Now [attacks] happening in Hakha, the capital city of Chin state. I believe [why the military targets Chin state] is because the Chin people stands together and became stronger. Also two great leaders of the NUG located in Chin State.” Friday night (Myanmar time), September 17th: P – “We have not heard any gunshots tonight. Most of the times, [fighting] is in at night. I received the funds [you sent] safely.” Friday afternoon (Myanmar time), September 17th: P – “A fighting took place in our city today for half and hour but we remained stay safe by God’s grace.” Thursday morning (Myanmar time), September 16th P – “More and more people are killed every day from both sides. Overnight, there are gun shootings and explosions in [my town] but we are still safe by His grace. Thank you for your concern and prayers. The internet system (which is called Mytel communication company) was totally down as its receivers were destroyed all over the country because it is said that it’s owned by the Junta leaders. I am sad that the fiber internet access that I have installed with your help was this Mytel internet. Now it is totally down. Also, they add surveillance systems to all communications companies. Now I am using the mobile data for my internet which is too expensive. Now I came to learn another internet access service. If we buy this, they will charge for six months plus the broadband with a discount each month. So, the total cost for this internet system is Ks. 490,000 (about $270) which can be used for six months with unlimited. I think [military defections to join civilians] will also happen in [my town]. I was informed just now that our partners Myint* and Cin* (with his wife) are being sick with Covid 19 and they are in the hospital. Please pray for their soon recovery.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), September 14th: P – “We are good and we are not hearing any gun shootings tonight. Thank you for the concern.” Sunday night (Myanmar time), September 12th: T – “Indeed we are greatly encourage by your prayer and concern. We do have news every, many people leave their home for safety and still many people are also suffering. Our are also expecting great new tomorrow from the world. Today our vice President at [Seminary] has been with the Lord, he do suffer from Covid19, and also has Cancer. Within the last three months we lost five of our church member at [seminary] because of Covid19. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer for our elected leader and health as well as for our safety. With many thank Your sincerely Thang” Sunday morning (Myanmar time), September 12th: P – “We are Ok.” Saturday night (Myanmar time), September 11th: P – “We heard a very loud three explosions right now.” Friday night (Myanmar time), September 10th: T – “Thank you very much for all your prayers and concern. Indeed we are worry and fear that something can happen at any time. At this time if there something happens even our neighbors can’t do anything, the only thing that we do is prayer. Our partners in [area] leave their home almost one month by now, and are so far safe but they still has to be ready for safety. Even one of our partners in [other area], do leave and went to his brother for safety going to be two months. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer for their safety and health. We are also very much a ware and care when we speak with one another via phone because our phone are listen. With many thank for all the prayer and support. Thank you so much for all the prayer and concern for our daily lives and meals. It is and will be difficult more and more until we get freedom. Many people are getting and storing food, and that make more expensive compared to the past two/three months. We will be very much thankful if you could send, because of that we can buy food and curry to keep. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer. With many thank Your sincerely Thang” P – “Around at 2:00 pm today, the army based which was about 1 km from us was attacked and it took about ten minute. Between [2 cities], the fighting took place and more than 40 people including children were killed. How sadness it is. The military uses excessive jet fighters and combat helicopters to attack one of the villages in Chin State. In [city] also, we saw helicopters flying many times today. Yes, they do air attacks now. The fighting place is opposite of bro. Htun* who has a motorbike shop. I am in contacted with him and they are ok. There will be more. More than 30 houses in [other city] area are burned by the military. As long as the Lord allows, I will not let them [children living in the children’s home] leave because this war is all over the country. This is our decision. If I am to let them leave right now, I cannot guarentee them to arrive each of the homes safely because the problem is everywhere. I know that it [making hard decisions] is my calling. I trust the Lord will take care of us as we ask for His help. Our fiber internet line has been down. Our mobile data still works but very slow.” Thursday night (Myanmar time), September 9th: T – “We have heard many news about bomb blast in downtown, it seem we will be hearing this continue, please kindly keep remember us in prayer. With many thank, Your sincerely, Thang” Wednesday night (Myanmar time), September 8th: T – “Indeed we are also warned to get ready if something happens, but for us there is no way to go because of the children. We have been praying for this; if not we will have lost our future. We also pray for our safety and freedom with any big cause or problem. Please keep remembering us in prayer. I will write more in detail. With many thanks, Yours sincerely, Thang* P – “We are safe and there is no more bad news in [our town] but everyone is with fear and are not going outside. All our partners are also safe as we keep in touched each other. Thank you all for your concern and prayers which keeps us safe till today.” Wednesday morning (Myanmar time), September 8th: P – “People are running here and there and prepared to store food at their home since everyone knows that the situation will get worse. We will soon be short for food. I can talk with other leaders especially [in this region] who face the same as well as who have the same children ministry. As fathers of many children, we are worried but we believe that God is in on our side. I talked with other leaders in other states also. We had a messenger group with more than 100+ pastors and missionaries joined. We encouraged each other to pray. That’s all we can do right now. If you are to send funds, the sooner you can send would be better as we believe that the situation will get worse day by day.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), September 7th: T – “Thank you very much for your special concern and prayers. Yes, they declared [Civil war D-Day] which we are expecting. So far I have no idea what will happen next; it will take time. Because of Covid19 and the junta our life has been difficult – no work many people are finding hard and will be more difficult if it take longer than what we expect; at present we are asked to stay at home. I believe internet will be cut off very soon. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer for our freedom and safety as well as health. Indeed today many people are out getting ready for their food to keep for the coming days. We are also bough some rice and dry curry. I will write again. With many thanks, Yours sincerely, Thang*” P – “Yes, it was declared [Civil war D-Day]. There was fighting also in [our city] but near by us. It is expected internet cutoffs. I don’t think we can be connected if the internet is cut off. Our prayer is to win.” Monday night (Myanmar time), September 6th: T – “Thank you so much for all your prayers and hard work, it has been always a blessing for us to be part of HB. Through all your prayers and support we are able to help many of our people in their great need. Covid19 is still one of the greatest fear, but it seem a little bit decreasing. Many people are still in bed because of Covid19. By God’s grace we are doing good, in spite of the crisis, this month will be a month that we are expecting great change in a better way. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer. Indeed we are concerned and worry about the internet may cut off again very soon. Yes, it has been our prayers to God to be changed as soon as possible if not many more people will suffer and die. In 14th Sep, UN meeting will be an especially big day for us regarding our country. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer for the change. It means we want back our normal life without fear. We send our love and greeting to you. With every blessing, Yours sincerely, Thang*” Friday afternoon (Myanmar time), September 3rd: T – “Dear friends, Greetings to you all in the precious name of Jesus Christ. It has been greatly a blessing for us to help many people, who are in great desperate needs in Chin State, and Kayah State, as well as in Shan State. Not only that through the people who are suffering and in needs of oxygen we are also to help, we have finished the four and refilling them again for other people. We are also able to help pastors who have been ill and sick with Covid19. Indeed they are very much thankful for our help. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer – especially for our country as in the upcoming, within this month our people are expecting great change. As well as for our safety and health. We are getting ready to buy food for at least two months. On behalf of our partners and people I just send our love and greeting to you all with every blessing. Yours sincerely, Thang*” Friday morning (Myanmar time), September 3rd: P – “Thank you for your continued prayers. The states that have had the internet cut are Kayah, Kachin, south Chin state and Pago division. The military is more organized for fighting but it doesn’t mean that they are stronger because many military left their duties and joined the people’s force these days. The people’s force is stronger because they are supported by the people of Myanmar.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), September 2nd: P – “My wife and I continue doing well by the grace of God. We still need more strength as we still feel weak. The military has cut-off internet connections again in at least 4 states now. Today in our city also, the phones and internet connections were cut-off for about 3 hours but now it resumed again. The military and the PDF are fighting every day in everywhere. Continue to pray for our strength and safety. All the children are well and they are doing good.” Monday morning (Myanmar time), August 23rd: P – “Thank you much for your great concern and prayers. Yes, only prayer lifted us up again. Praise the Lord.” Sunday night (Myanmar time), August 22nd: T – “Thank you very much for all your prayers and support. By God’s grace we are doing very well, but still many people are suffering and die. Indeed we are able to help people who are in needs. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer, at present many people are hoping and worry about the coming days which is ahead this month and next month, we all pray and expect to have a better life and hope. We are encouraged and advice to buy food at least for two months and radio, to get news time to time. If everything is closed down and stop. With many thank Yours sincerely, Thang” P – “We continue doing well by the grace of God. Please continue to pray for our full recovery. Thank you for all the prayers you have made on our behalf. My own children as well as our orphan children also doing well by the grace of God. God is good all the time! Continue to pray also for our safety as more and more armies are moving into the city and scattering in the area. Almost everyday, fighting took place. Again and again, thank you for your concern and prayer toward us. Have a Blessed Sunday!” Thursday morning (Myanmar time), August 19th: P – “I am glad to inform you that all my blood tests were good by the grace of God. Now what I have to do is breathing exercise, lung exercise etc., Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray to clear for the medical expenses as it is so high. Here is our medical expenses: Me – Ks. 2865509 ($1,741) My wife – Ks. 2450000 ($1,488.55) Total – Ks. 5315500 ($3,229.54) Thank you so much, for your concern and prayers.” Wednesday morning (Myanmar time), August 18th: P – “According to the NUG online meeting yesterday, the NUG is ready to announce shortly the D day (which means the civil war to begin). [Our town] is one of the main places where the Junta is camped. Everyday, more and more army arrived in [town] and every night there are gun shooting. Concerning our partners in Myanmar, everyone is doing well and keep their ministry moving forward. Praise the Lord! I should say that people in the villages have life normal again but it happens only in where there is no military. I believe it [fighting] will come to the villages [when civil war starts]. In [our region] it’s [Covid rate] slowing right now since a week ago. The death rate calmed down to about 5-10 people from about 50-60 people last month.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), August 17th: T – “Thank you very much for your special concern and prayers with all the support. We are still in need of your prayer. One of the faculty at [our seminary] has been went to the Lord, he is just 33 years of age. By God’s grace we are doing good now with all the children, in spite of all the sickness and my brother in law who went to the Lord because of Covid 19. I just bought 40 liter oxygen through all your help to help those who are really suffering and in need. We send our love and greeting to you all with many thanks. Yours sincerely Thang*” Tuesday morning (Myanmar time), August 17th: P – “Thank you for your continued prayers and concerns. Yes, I am improving a lot but very slow because of my blood sugar. I am still using the Oxygen cylinder. My wife has been recovered and we need to pay for her medical expenses which is Ks. 2450000 ($1489). Please pray that the Lord will meet this need. Also continue to pray for my soon recovery and the need for my medical expenses. Please pray for this need that the Lord will provide to pay for the medical expenses of my wife. Thank you all for your prayers.” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), August 10th: T – “Thank you very much for all your prayers and greatly concern. It has been always a blessing and encouraging for us to be part of HB. Knowing that you are always with us in providing our great needs in a great time of crisis. Which is a blessing for us.” With many thank Your sincerely T.” Tuesday afternoon (Myanmar time), August 10th: T – “Hi, Greetings to you all in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for all your help and support especially in prayer throughout this difficult time. I am also sick and busy with the dead of my brother in law. He was, or is, one of our missionaries supported. This morning one of our coworker teacher at the Bible college, has went to the Lord this morning. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer for our safety and health, because of the change of our leaders many lives have been taken away from us, all the doctors and nurses are no longer working with them, and hospital and private clinics are closed. If we are suffering from Covid19 third wave, we just have to stay and treat ourselves at home because there is no choice. Till today many people are suffering, almost every house. Kindly keep remember us in prayer With many thanks, Yours sincerely, Thang” Sunday night (Myanmar time), August 8th: P – “Because of your prayers and concern, my wife is doing well now but still needs to gain strength. I am also improving a lot but I started a new course of medicine today and it will take another 5 days. Please continue to pray for God’s complete healing upon us. Please also continue to pray for us as we will need more money as our treatment expenses are too high. We still believe that God will provide us.” Saturday morning (Myanmar time), August 7th: T – “Dear friends, It is so hard and unbelievable that my brother is went to be with the Lord. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer for the comfort. Yours sincerely, Thang” Tuesday morning (Myanmar time), August 3rd: T – “Thank you very much for all your prayers and concern with the support. It has been greatly encouraging and great hope for us in this time of difficulty that we all face. We are very much deep in thanks. Please kindly keep remember us in prayer especially for who suffer badly from Covid19 third wave even my brother in law is still using oxygen. With many thank Your sincerely Thang” Saturday morning (Myanmar time), July 31st: T – “Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for your special concern and love. By God’s grace through all your prayers and concern I am doing good. But at present my brother in law is suffering very bad for his oxygen level it is about 50-60. If you could help us to get oxygen, one oxygen concentrator. Because we have very difficult and hard time to get oxygen. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer – still many people are suffering from oxygen. We send our love and greeting with many thanks, Yours sincerely, Thang” Thursday night (Myanmar time), July 29th: P – “I’m glad to inform you that the new concentrator arrived just home safely and will be used immediately by one pastor. Thank you for everything you have done for us. Thank you for your prayers for me and my wife. We are making slow process, but we are in His hands of moving forward to the recovery dates.” Monday night (Myanmar time), July 26th: T – Sorry for not replying your message. I am really weak and could not check my messages. I could not sit long just laying on my bed. By God’s grace no more fever but tired and weak. Please kindly keep remember me for my strength. Almost every house suffer. Thank you very much for your special concern and prayers. Regarding oxygen, there are two options. One is to buy refilling one and another is with the electronic one without refilling, but that cost more than the refilling one. Because the present [military] leaders are hoping and expecting that many people will go to their hospital. But since no one trust anymore, no one goes there – instead, staying at home and doing by ourselves for safety. That causes them to control oxygen refilling centers and they no longer allow the public to refill and that causes many lives to be taken. If there is anything possible, it will be a great help and hope for many of our people. With many thanks, Yours sincerely, Thang Sunday afternoon (Myanmar time), July 25th: P – I have not heard back from Thang* since I contacted last night. Thank you to all the donors, cheerful givers, who are saving lives today and bringing glory and honor to our God in this dark and hopeless nation, Myanmar. Today, we have picked up new one Concentrator and I will let you know as I pick up another new one. The children are getting well and noboby in the bed becuase of this sickness and my wife and I also improves a lot because of your prayers. Thursday morning (Myanmar time), July 22nd: P – Thank you for all the funds. I am so glad to inform you that I have picked up the funds. I will cooperate to make an order with our [Young Adult] Group and let you know as the Oxygen Concentrators arrive. Thank you so much, these will help especially pastors, missionaries as many of the pastors are not in a position to afford. May the Lord bless you and all the donors. Amen! Tuesday morning (Myanmar time), July 20th: P – “The shortage of oxygen is so real. The more we get oxygen, the more we can saves lives. But the oxygen cost is skyrocket and of course we can purchase slowly by slowly. 20L Concentrator – ks. 17,00,000 ($1035). It will take three days. 40L cylinder – ks. 520,000 mmk ($316). The concentrator is best to have because it needs no refill.” Monday morning (Myanmar time), July 19th: P – “My youth pastor went to glory two days back (Covid). Pray for his family.” Friday night (Myanmar time), July 16th:T – “Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer for our health. I, myself, and my wife are still weak. It seems every house suffers from flu and Covid.
With many thanks, Yours sincerely, Thang” Wednesday night (Myanmar time), July 14th: T – “Thank you very much for your special concern and love. Yes, it is heart breaking for our people, due to the crisis and Covid which takes many of our love ones into glory and many people are also suffering. Since February till today more than 76 pastors died because of lack of oxygen. Indeed most of our children also suffer from seasonal flu. Myself, my wife and my daughter also got sick this morning. By God’s grace we are able to go to fever clinic and get some medicine and now we all are getting better. Please kindly keep remembering us in prayer for our health and safety. With many thanks, Yours sincerely Thang” Tuesday night (Myanmar time), July 13th: T – “Thank you very much for your concern and love with all the prayer. By God’s grace we are doing good, but we have heard that many people died every day and many people are also suffering because of lack of oxygen. We are like a sheep without shepherd. Please kindly remember us in prayer for our safety from the crisis and Covid19 third wave. With many thanks, Your sincerely, Thang” Friday night (Myanmar time), July 9th: P – “All the cylinders have arrived today. The 10 bottles of 10 cylinders have been handed over to my church’s volunteer group and I have kept 2 bottles of 15L cylinders for my wife at home. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. My wife responds to oxygen well.” Friday morning (Myanmar time), July 9th: T – “We are in great need of your prayer as before. Covid third wave kill many of our pastors more than 50 as well as many people died and many people suffer badly, nothing to do just stay at home with oxygen many people also died because of lack of oxygen. Even in my village almost everyday people died. Because of the raining season many people are also get flu even our children has been sick one after another. Thank to our God that they are getting better and doing good. This Covid third wave is very short people suffer just 3 or 4 days only. Thank you very much for your prayers. Yours sincerely, Thang” P – “My wife and I have tested positive. My wife request oxgygen since his oxygen level is 88%.” Wednesday night (Myanmar time), July 7th: P – “My wife and I got sick and loss taste and smell. Please pray. Concerning the oxygen, it is hard to get around the country. It takes longer than I think. Now I am glad to inform you that last night ten bottles of 40 L cylinders and the concentrator have arrived. I will update you when the 10L cylinders arrived. My church volunteer group picked up the cylinders and brought them to the patients immediately. The need for oxygen is great especially for the city where we live. We are expecting the 10L also will arrive soon. Definitely, they are of a great help to our people here. Thank you for your generosity.”Tuesday night (Myanmar time), July 6th:
T – “I am able to make a phone call to our missionaries partners and my former students who do church planting in Mindat and Loikaw who also leave their home for safety because of the crisis. I ask to them what is their most need at present they all say to me that the most needs is rice, food not other things. Since they just leave their home without any thing.
I am very much please and thankful to our God for the help of HB that we are going to give something of what they are really in need. I will be sending some help to buy food or rice today.
Yes, we are bit by Covid19 third wave which even kill around 30 pastors and many people are suffering at present. Please kindly remember us in prayer.
With many thank
Yours sincerely,
Thang”
Friday night (Myanmar time), March 5th: P – “Electricity has been shut off in much of the country. Of course, we don’t have electricity at our home yet.” T – “Yes, the electricity is shut off. We do also have air fighters fly over Mandalay. We still need your prayer for safety of the people and freedom for those who have been arrested without any cause. Thank you for your concern and prayers.” Wednesday night (Myanmar time), March 3rd: T – “Please keep remembering us in prayer. Even today 52 people gave their lives, so sad and so much crying. Indeed many are injured. Today is black Wednesday. Thanks for your prayers.” P – “Very sad day again. We lost 52 people today. Yangon – 6, Dawei – 4, Myeik – 5, Bago – 2, Mandalay – 10, Mawlamyine – 2, Pakkoku – 1, Nay PyiTaw – 1, Htan Talan – 1, Taung Twin Gyi – 1, Myingyan – 2, Monywa – 6, Salin – 1. #BLACKWEDNESDAY Things have not improved. The situation is worsened. Just now also the one who was shot yesterday passed away. Right now, the military is hurting people in the main road. Entering in the house, beating without asking anything and arresting them.”
Tuesday night (Myanmar time), March 2nd: T – “Thank you very much for your messages from believers in US, which are so encouraging for our partners, and for me too knowing that you all have been praying earnestly for our people and their safety, as well as for freedom. I strongly believe and trust that the Lord will answer our cry and prayer and give His mercy.”
P – “Today in my town, the military fired on the peaceful protesters and more than 15 were wounded and 5 of them were hurt very badly and they are in comas. We are safe by His grace and thank you for your continued prayers.”
Monday night (Myanmar time), March 1st:P – Some of the news said that General Min Aung Hlaing and another three main Junta leaders flew to China on Saturday night. The Bangkok post also confirmed this news.”
Monday morning (Myanmar time), March 1st:
P – “As of Feb. 28, the military regime has arrested 1132 people.”
Sunday night (Myanmar time), February 28th:
P – “Very sad news; 23 people were killed and many injured.”
Wednesday night (Myanmar time), February 24th:
P – “Lydia* has come back and they are ok right now.”
T – “I do hear from our partners; they are all having the same problems even among their church members because no work due to the protest. We need your prayers for all our partners in different parts of Myanmar.
There is nothing we can do, just cry to God to save our people from the difficulty that we all face and will face in the coming days. Please keep remembering us in your prayer for our freedom.
Right now there is not open persecution, but you can’t speak out about what is right or wrong – about injustice. We are under pressure all the time. It is like eternal hell – suffering all the pain all the time, but no end through death. Suffering is constant. There was a break from this pressure for several years, but now, under the coup, the pressure is back. At night time we have to stay awake. We need to stay awake to watch. We need to be very attentive in the night and sound the alarm if anything happens. Constantly we are watching our words and actions. It is suffocating.
All the protestors are in the street and then they clean everything up. They are very respectful. The young generation is very powerful and humble and wise. I am very impressed with them, and motivated by them. I am praying for these protestors to not be harmed and be able to have peaceful rest.
We need all your prayer to stay firm in our faith and to be wise and to be humble and to forgive all the time and understand all the time. But we are not losers. We overcome everything in Christ. But we always must obey the Lord.”
Monday night (Myanmar time), February 22nd:
P – “More and more people are coming out for demonstration in my town. No one is harmed here and it is peaceful here today. But banks are still closed and only a few ATM machines are functioning.
Sunday morning (Myanmar time), February 21st:
T – “Thank you for all the prayer, till today many people are arrested and injured. We are still alarmed and fearful. Please keep on remembering us in your prayer. Within a few more days I think many people will suffer – due to the protest all offices and banks are closed with no service and no work. We have no idea how long will it be. Till today we are taking care of our quarter/ward under the leadership of the people who live here and we take responsibility. Please keep on remembering us in your prayers with many thanks.”
Saturday night (Myanmar time), February 20th:
P – “Today, the military shot dead 2 people and 21 people were seriously injured.
It happened near to Lydia’s* place [in Mandalay] and she and her family fled to another village for safety. She said that most of the community left to the other side of the river.
Just now the RFA news confirmed that 35 people injured and 7 people died.”
Wednesday night (Myanmar time), February 17th:
P – “More and more government workers are participating in the CDM including the International and Domestic airline aviation. Attentions are higher and higher and more and more people have come out to the street though the police and army were so stuck to their duties. Aung San Suu Kyi was accused with three cases which all the World leaders have strongly condemned. Banks are still closed except the Junta owned bank. The Junta owned bank called Myawady Bank was open today and all customers who came to the bank went just to withdraw their money from the bank. They closed the bank at 12:00 noon because they are afraid that they will lose all their customers.
The Chinese troops are mixing with the Myanmar Military. The Junta leaders said that the Chinese troops came to help our cyber system. It shows that there are Chinese troops on the ground already.
The Junta leaders said that they will take one year and conduct a new election. No one believes that and that’s why people are strongly standing against them because we have experienced their acts in the past 30+ years. What the people of Myanmar are saying is if we lose this time, we will never get back a civilian government or democracy. Definitely, the Military will continue on their path to win and rule over us. If they lose their power they will immediately have to face the ICC which they already have a case against them. They are very much afraid of that. On the other hand, they don’t care for international condemnations on their activities unless the the UN troops or the US Army take action on them. I want to call upon the UN troops or the US Army to come and save the people of Myanmar before many lives are lost.
Very disturbing news: ‘Counterfeit banknotes from Chinese bank have arrived in Myanmar. According to a report from the Central Bank of China, 5,000/10,000 tonnes of counterfeit goods were produced in China because the military council did not have the money to pay the salaries of its employees.’
The Myanmar Military announced that China is not helping them. But just before 3 hours, there was a great problem between the Military and the protesters at the main train station in Mandalay. There were more than 60 gun shots happening, confirmed by the RFA. No detailed news has come out yet but the situation seems so worse. The people there confirmed that there were many Chinese speaking gunmen among them.
Five popular artists who participated in the CDM have been arrested by the Military just before 1 hour which was confirmed by the MRTV news. Now 427 people were arrested according to the news. They released their names as well.
You may not hear me again until 9:00 am tomorrow. I still have another 10 minute before they block the internet.”
Tuesday morning (Myanmar time), February 16th
P – “The internet was blocked 12 am to 9 am this morning again. Internet will be cut out from 1AM to 9AM everyday.
Cyber security law has been enforced (Announced on MRTV 8PM News). It’ll be stated in the newspaper tomorrow. Note: They’re amending the existing E Transaction Law to look like their Proposed Cyber Law Draft since amendment does not need public reviews.
It is said that there are more than 50,000 Chinese troops and there are another hundred thousands Chinese troops on the border line to guard the Junta leaders. Many people believed this would happen soon. We couldn’t sleep in the night and we are full of fear.”
T – “We believe Chinese troops are here in my city. We are in great danger. If something went wrong, they will not have compassion and concern upon the people since they are not from here. So, we the people are encouraging one another to be careful and sensitive as well as wise. Please keep on remembering us in your prayer. With many thanks.”
Monday evening (Myanmar time), February 15th:
P – “Many Chinese troops have come to Myanmar last night by planes to help the Junta leaders. Very sad. Today, we have seen many Chinese army on duty in Yangon and Naypyidaw.”
Monday morning (Myanmar time), February 15th:
T – “The most important need is prayers and safety because all government, university students, teachers, nurses and doctors, engineers, and company workers are involved in CDM [Civil Disobedience Movement] and protest. These people’s lives are uncertain and they are also urged to move from where they live. Please pray for all these people and their safety. Thank you for your great concerns and prayers because the prayers of the righteous are fervent and powerful. It has been always a blessing and encouragement for us that we know that HB, as well as the church, are with us spiritually and mentally.”
P – “We have been back online after 8 hours ban.
Two MAI (Myanmar Airways International) flights made six round trips from Yangon to Kunming last night…There is no flight list for these planes at Mingaladon Airport or Kunming Airport. What makes it even more suspicious is that when these planes take off and land, the radar is turned off and the airport is connected to an air traffic control tower. Radar disappears near Yangon Airport and near Kunming Airport. However, the radar path can sometimes be seen as evidence. This is what happens during the time when the internet is blocked. Many people believe that the Junta leaders’ families have fled to China. Min Aung Hlaing’s family had fled already to Russia and Thailand on Feb. 2.
The Chinese Xinhua confirmed that the US drone entered into the Myanmar air space [still a rumour]. That gives a great warning to the Junta Leaders. These Junta leaders are not afraid of the UN council since China and Russia are on their side with veto power. But they are always afraid of US. Whenever the US decides to do things, the US really does. Also, as we know the US is always concerned for human rights for the whole world and freedom of the people. It will be a great help.”
Sunday night (Myanmar time), February 14th:
T – “We are in a great need of your prayer. As I have said, we are always alarmed, especially in night time. Please kindly remember us in your prayer for our lives and our people.
My family and I just went one day to the protests. According to the news, our internet will be cut off at 1:00 am very soon. We are urged to be awake the whole night because army released thousands of criminal prisoners to cause problems in every township. We have seen an increase in danger because they arrest people at night. Thank you for everything and your prayer with the great concern.”
P – “Update Feb. 14: Internet will be shut down from 1 am to 9 am (electricity also) tomorrow at the same time.
There are lots of light tanks, many police cars and water cannon trucks on Yangon’s main roads this evening, and over 20,000 prisoners were released during these days and they had been threatening for two straight nights in Yangon and Mandalay. We are feeling upset and unsafe.
I believe the military can shut down internet still, but because of the international pressure they still allow access.”
Sunday morning (Myanmar time), February 14th:
P – “It’s Feb. 14, 00:12 already and we are still able to access our internet.
Thank God our internet connection doesn’t fail till now [5 am].”
Saturday night (Myanmar time), February 13th:
T – “Thank you very much for your prayers and concern. We really need your prayer for safety. At present, everybody is afraid of people who have been released from prison causing problems everywhere. Even in our street we all are taking security turns for the whole night. Please pray for our people.”
P – “The protesters are continuing and the situation is worsened. The Military used their arms and shot the peaceful protesters and more and more democratic elected leaders are arrested day by day.
It is worse in my town now also since the military couldn’t stop the peaceful demonstrators and they are using what they have. There was a man who was hired to fire on the [redacted for safety] town. He said that he was given Ks. 500,000 [$350]. He also admitted that he was given two injections at his neck and after the injections he could only think how to destroy the [redacted] town. He was found and arrested by the peaceful demonstrators and he is under the control of our people. Our people don’t want to submit him to the hands of the police because they know that he will be released if he was submitted to hands of the police. He was one of the men who was released on Feb 12 from the jail and he also said that there are many people like him throughout Myanmar. This is a very dangerous situation.
This has been shared from a fellow civilian and has been circulated on Feb 13 at 2:30 am:
‘There have been threats to our lives in our neighborhood in the past three hours. As announced on the military government TV channels, more than 20,000 prisoners have been released early morning on February 12. Those prisoners were intentionally sent into the different parts of the cities and towns all over the country almost at the same time with the only intention being to threaten the peoples’ lives in different neighborhoods late the same night. They were dropped off in small vehicles and they also brought some tools to set fires. Some of them used motorbikes and rode on different roads to cause trouble to people. Therefore, people in the same neighborhood have been gathering in small groups in their quarters to guard all our houses, our families and our lives. There have been a lot of live updates on Facebook telling each other that this is happening in most parts of the country. There have been some footages of the drones in some locations where they started those threats. Their plan is definitely to create big lies to the world that people are gathering late at night to violate. Actually they are setting them up so as for them to have a stupid excuse for their coup. This is what is happening in Myanmar and our lives are now at risk. We need immediate and serious actions to be taken on this situation.’
This is from a circulation from protestors:
‘The moves the military successfully used against the protesters in 1988 are coming back.
They release prisoners with criminal cases. After intoxicating them, they make them mix in with the crowd and cause violence. At night, the intoxicated thugs will move freely, without restrictions from the 144 law (The curfew). They’ll make false alarms and bang ironware. They’ll all give different answers during interrogations by the locals. They’ll attack random people among the crowds. The cops will come only when people are dead, or severely injured. They’ll destroy houses and shops. They’ll break into warehouses. They’ll rob rice shops and stores. They’ll poison water supplies. They’ll sacrifice about 5 cops and blame it on the citizens. They’ll spread rumours that lawlessness is spreading. Then, soldiers will take over in all cities, and they’ll patrol the streets and kidnap people.
The military will kidnap some leaders of the protest. They’ll break the spirits of teachers and other bureaucratic staff. They’ll make them choose between giving up their jobs and licenses, and promotion. They’ll kidnap members of parliament. They’ll kidnap and torture members of the opposition parties. They’ll make them choose between denouncing their party and quitting it, and long prison sentences and oppressions on their family members. They’ll make announcements and press conferences saying that party has connections with armed insurgent organizations, and made deals with foreign powers. They’ll sue the party for state treason. Then, they’ll announce that the party has been abolished. They’ll arrest anyone who possesses that party’s symbols. They’ll write a new constitution, this time with the PR system. They’ll hold a new election without NLD participation.’
Myanmar, my country, right now is like zombie movies. We have to stay in fear when the sun goes down and the dark comes. Police and soldiers are arresting people by force at night. The criminals – intentionally released from prison – are causing violence in the dark. Our only hope is serious action from UN Human Rights Council and international community.”
Friday night (Myanmar time), February 12th:
P – “Update for today: Myanmar Military & police have been conducting illegal arrest with armed forces without warrants every late night & now it has been over 220 political activists, elected government leaders, Union Election Committee members, and civil servants, such as teachers and doctors who are doing civil disobedience movements, etc.”
Friday morning (Myanmar time), February 12th:
P – “According to news this morning, more and more people were arrested throughout the night by the Junta leaders.”
Thursday night (Myanmar time), February 11th:
P – “Breaking News: Internet line will be cut off for 14 days from Feb 14 to Feb 28 in Myanmar. Very sad. I call everyone to speak out on our behalf to international leaders. We are in a very dangerous situation. If it is shutdown, it will not be possible to communicate. There is no way to get other connectivity. We are not sure yet if the phone line will be shut down or not. Previously, only local calls are available, though the phone was opened. If the phone lines are working, I still don’t think we can communicate by phone. I am sure that international calls will be cut off. Many people believe that during this time the Military will hurt the people and will do whatever they want to the people since they can’t control the people right now. Till now, 174 political leaders have been arrested and some other protester leaders. They also began to arrest the government workers who participated in the demonstration.
More updates: Just now about 8:00 pm, the military is forcing a move of government workers such as health workers, school teachers, bankers, municipal workers, tax workers, etc., those who are involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Most of the head leaders are arrested and the rest of the people are forced to move by the Military from where they live since these workers are housed freely by the government. Some of the workers are housed by the government. Not all government workers, but those who are transferring from another place are given first priority. Now some of the charity organizations are taking care of them as they move out. These people are in a serious condition and need a great help for their housing and their daily food. They were not allowed to take any of their property also. This is a very serious situation.”
Thursday morning (Myanmar time), February 11th:
P – “According to the news, more than 10 state officers – NLD political leaders – have been arrested last night. Their families didn’t know where they are and they can’t contact them.
I have seen Biden announced sanctions. That was very encouraging news. The people of Myanmar are encouraged to know that the US stands with us. But this kind of sanctions will not hurt the military, as they aren’t afraid of it. Because China is always with the military.
Now the NLD, as well as the demonstrators are calling on UN for a concern. This Saturday the 47 countries of the UN Human Right’s Council will have a meeting on the military coup in Myanmar. Of course, now also India is watching the military activities very closely. This news came out after Biden had a talk with the Indian Prime minister.
[On preference of name of Burma vs. Myanmar] Actually, the US always used Burma. Here in Yangon, the US embassy still uses the word Burma not Myanmar. I think, we all prefer Myanmar. Why we called it Myanmar is because there are many tribes living together. That is why we call it Myanmar. The original name of the Burmese is Burma. If we use this word, it focuses only on one tribe, which is Burma. When we call it Myanmar, it focuses on the fact that many tribes who live in Myanmar belong to this country. This question is asked frequently even by the citizens of Myanmar.
The lawyer who defended the case of Aung San Suu Kyi and our president has been arrested just now.”
Wednesday night (Myanmar time), February 10th:
P – “Today more and more protesters marched peacefully in all cities. Thankfully, many police, lawyers, artists and charity organizations and all the departments of the government workers have been involved. We have also seen the military and armed forces with full weapons. We are also glad to learn that the US, UN and the other countries have been condemning very strongly the activities of the Military Coup. We pray that all these things will result in a good way.
There is a need for help for the protesters. Since they have no time to go for jobs and they can’t make money for their family. Especially in Yangon, we have seen some people donating to some families, those who are fully involved in this activity. We believe that this will take time and there will be a great need for the people.
According the FB news, many of the cyber experts have arrived last night from China and we are afraid that there will be internet limitations. We have heard today that Aung San Su Kyi and our President’s FB accounts were hacked and released fake news. Some of high ranking members of the NLD warned the people to not believe that fake news.
There are organizations that can give direct help to protesters in a secrete way but not publicly. We will not be able to help all, but there are leaders who work tirelessly. These are the people we want to focus on. Also there are some Christians who participated in this activity and these are also who we want to focus on helping.”
Wednesday morning (Myanmar time), February 10th:
P – “We believe the world could do something to the Junta leaders.
This morning, the Junta leaders are blocking all the main roads. We can’t go here and there freely. The food supplies are available right now with the same price as before. But we are in shortage of food at our home since we have taken many new children recently.”
Tuesday evening (Myanmar time), February 9th:
P – “Demonstrators have been continuing. One college student has been shot dead and another four were injured seriously in Naypidaw. In my town, many people come and there are lots of armed forces around the city. The situation has worsened. Please continue to pray for us.”
Monday evening (Myanmar time), February 8th:
P – “Many, many people came out on the street today in every city. It is estimated that nearly 1.5 million are marching. All government offices are closed including the banks because everyone participated in the Civil Disobedience Campaign. The Junta has announced curfew from 8:00 pm – 4:00 am and it effects from today onward. Though the demonstrators peacefully marched, the police and military are watching to fire. The tension of the people is higher, and on the other hand the Military is launching the fire cannon and many people were hurt very badly. There is not a single plan for the pandemic by these Junta leaders. Our mentality is badly hurt and we are in a danger situation. Now many army people are changing their uniforms and wearing the police uniforms so that the international community cannot blame the military being involved in this activity.”
Sunday evening (Myanmar time), February 7th:
P – “We have just re-accessed the internet after 39 hours banned. I don’t know how long they will open. Thank you for your prayers. All phone lines and internet will soon be closed again according to the news. I and my family as well as the orphan children are safe but our future is uncertain. On the other hand, the Covid 19 positive cases are rising up here in our town. Thank you for your continued prayers. Demonstrators have come out to the street in all cities to condemn the Military activities. Firing order has begun. It is worse.
The military will shoot the demonstrators. I hope that there will be some changes/ accomplishments because of all the people involved in these demonstrations. But I think this will take time.
I believe the junta re-opened the internet because there are many pressures from around the world. We cannot communicate with other parts of the world when internet is shut down. But we can communicate locally this time. On Feb. 1, phone lines were shut down and we could not communicate even locally. We are not able to get news when the internet is shut down. Thank you so much for their [churches] prayers for us.
I hope that there must be changes because the way the Junta acted was shameful before the world. Let the US stand with us this time to save Myanmar. I believe if the US troops are sent to Myanmar, they will immediately stop what they are doing. The Junta will not be able to go against the US troops. If these kind of actions will not be taken, the Junta will act as they are. I wish the US troops or the UN troops will be sent to Myanmar immediately before many people lose their lives here. Otherwise, they will shoot people and kill as they did in 1988 since they control all the weapons.
One good news is that there are some armed forces and police forces who do not agree with it. They are on the civilian’s side. This is according to the local news. We have learned through FB that some have been resigned from their military service. But they are in danger and they don’t want the news widely spread out. I talked with [the pastors who do some ministry with soldiers] and they can’t get into the army base. The military base is totally shutdown from all communications from outsiders. Some will side with the people. Especially the military Christians would be on our side.
The biggest hospital here in my town was closed because the health staff are involved in civil disobedience campaign. Many health workers have also resigned because they said that they don’t want to serve under the Junta. Some patients were sent back home and some were transferred to military hospital.”
Friday afternoon (Myanmar time), February 5th:
P – “The members of the Government are being arrested one by one.”
Friday morning (Myanmar time), February 5th:
P – “I was 14 years old when the Junta took over control in 1988. I have been experiencing how painful it was to survive under the dictatorship rule. I do not feel safe and free even right now.
In my town, we don’t see much police and army around us but in Yangon, Naypidaw and Mandalay, there they are full of Army and Police with full weapons roaming here and there. They don’t care for a small city like my town; if they take over control of those main cities, they can easily control over the whole of Myanmar. At my town, things move as normal so far, but everyone is with fear and uncertainty.
Now we cannot talk openly about our government as some of the people who were involved in the civil disobedience campaign and young activists have been arrested. The Health Organization has started the Civil Disobedience Campaign, refusing to work under the new appointed leaders. The one worse thing is the Covid 19 vaccination has been blocked by the new leadership.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
I have talked with Pastor Thang and he is safe and he is still in his home town. He will be going down to Yangon on Monday.
We have not heard yet about the new plans for Covid 19 by the new leaders. Definitely, it will hurt more people and more people are in need of food since many businesses are not running right now or will close permanently. Please pray for us and if funds are available and if you can send us, this would be a great help for our people here who are poor and suffering because of Covid 19 and this new leaders’ pressure.”
Thursday morning (Myanmar time), February 4th:
P – “Morning news: The Junta leaders announced that Facebook will be blocked for three days in Myanmar and anyone who opposes the new administration will be arrested immediately.
I have not heard more arrests so far in my place. Things are worse in the bigger cities. Everyone is silent in my place and scared for the future. Our pastors have not been facing any problems so far and they are doing well.”
Wednesday evening (Myanmar time), February 3rd:
P – “As of today, we are sad to hear that the president and our state counselor have been charged to be in prison. Some of the senators have been released and asked to leave and to go back to their homes by the new government. The banks are operating as before. But nobody can predict whether it will continue or not. It seems the international pressure will not work because China is on the military’s side. China it seems used their veto in the UN council. We also read that the military started beating some of the government workers in Yangon division. Also the internet was blocked for six hours in Yangon, but it’s good in my place.
We are discouraged mentally, and our hope to have a civil government is still far away here. But we put our trust in God, that He will do the best for us. Thank you all for your prayers.”
Tuesday evening (Myanmar time), February 2nd, a day and a half after the coup:
P – “The worst news [about the coup] is that the Buddhist organizations agreed with the military, because what they have always been trying for is to make Myanmar a Buddhist country. Christians will suffer more and more.
Today onward, the Myanmar health organizations have started a civil disobedience campaign, as they don’t want to serve under these new appointed leaders. We are in a very hopeless situation. We need your prayers. The Covid-19 vaccination is also terminated by the new leader. Also, the vaccine carrier plane was sent back by the new leader.
I heard that the Military Junta leader visited some churches in Yangon, but nobody knows what they are doing. There is not any news released by them. Everyone is effected very badly. We are in fear about our future. The banks are open today – Let’s see how they will operate. We believe there will be great problems. Those struggling for food will of course be affected. We believe that there will be a shortage of food because the new leaders shut down companies. My children feel very bad, and they fear because the military is roaming here and there.
I was told that at midnight the internet and phone lines will be blocked again. But let’s see… Thank you for the prayers. We don’t see anyone taking immediate action internationally for this to be reversed. Unless international action is taken, there is no way for us, the people of Myanmar, to reverse this. I will share updates whenever I can.”
Monday evening (Myanmar time), February 1st, half a day after the coup:
P – “Since midnight, we cannot access any phone or internet. All are shut down. We do not know any news yet. Thanks for your prayers. The arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi is very sad. I do not know if the internet will continue to be blocked, as it has opened just now. Even right now, our internet connections are very slow.”