Christians in Myanmar are suffering an appalling tragedy at the hands of a dictatorial government. Under attack from the Myanmar military and with serious hunger looming, they are also wracked by Covid-19.
The Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) is repeatedly launching attacks against the civilians of Christian-majority ethnic groups such as the Chin, Kachin and Karen. Many church buildings have been bombed, even while sheltering unarmed civilians, mainly women and children.
Many tens of thousands have been forced from their homes. Most fled with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, even barefoot. Some are in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), some are trying to survive in the jungle, some are living amongst host communities elsewhere in Myanmar, some have made it across national borders.
Under violent attack, homeless, hungry, ravaged by Covid, Christians in Myanmar need urgent help
Many have been forced to flee again and again, as the Tatmadaw advances. Even IDP camps have been shelled.
The UN has warned of “mass deaths from starvation, disease and exposure” after “brutal, indiscriminate attacks against civilians” in Kayah State, which has a large Christian population. An estimated 100,000 people from Kayah have fled their homes.
While engaging in war against its own people the government has done little to protect the population against the coronavirus. At least 60 pastors have died in the Chin region during the Myanmar’s third wave of Covid, most of them in June and early July.
Your gift can provide PPE and other medical equipment for Christians in Myanmar where a third wave of Covid is wreaking havoc
Christians are appealing for prayer, for PPE and other medical equipment, and food.
1 full hospital PPE kit including gown, goggles, mask, gloves and shoe-coverings £8 ($11; €9.50)
50 cans of sardines £13 ($18; €16)
60 kg rice £24 ($33; €28)
10 pulse oximeters £42 ($58; €49)
1 oxygen cylinder £90 ($120; €100)
Will you help?
