December 2005 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis – Yangon, Myanmar

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inhertiance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by God's power through faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."        1 Peter 1:3-5, HCSB.

Over 5.5 million people live in Yangon, Myanmar’s capital city. It is the country’s center of education, commerce, healthcare, and culture. Large populations of Muslims, Bhama, Karen, Chinese, as well as pockets from many of Myanmar’s 135 people groups are here. Many people come to Yangon looking for work and education, but high inflation, a flat economy, and a volatile exchange rate have frustrated many of these dreams.

By Myanmar standards, Yangon has become very cosmopolitan. Young people’s fashion styles are changing from the traditional dress to more modern western dress. As the trend in fashion goes, so goes the trend for cultural values, ethical standards, and life goals. Many young people want to leave Myanmar and go overseas to study and work, though it is very difficult and expensive to obtain a passport to travel and a foreign visa.

Buddhism dominates the religious landscape of Myanmar. Yangon has hundreds of pagodas (temples) and monasteries and thousands of monks and nuns. Some of the pagodas date back to the enlightenment of Buddha in 500 B.C. – the oldest and most famous of which is called Shwedagon Pagoda.

The church, which represents less that .5% of the city’s population, is fragmented. Recently several churches, especially house churches have started closing. The trend is towards large independent and non-denominational churches, which are starting book training schools and seminaries.

Pray that:

Unity will be sought by the existing churches in Yangon.

Revival will break out among the churches and seminaries.

Young people will seek culturally appropriate ways to gather for house based worship and discipleship that will impact the city for Christ.

Young people who do get to travel abroad for study and work will find Christ and will return to their homeland with a fire to share the gospel.

God will call a long-term worker with a heart to reach the entire city of Yangon.

Muslims in Yangon will hear the gospel in a culturally appropriate way and will respond with saving faith.

Students will come to faith at the many colleges and universities in Yangon and return to their hometowns, taking the gospel with them.

Monks who are attending church and Bible study will be enlightened to the truth and will become ambassadors for Christ.

The Holy Spirit will penetrate the hearts of Myanmar’s leaders and give them wisdom and a servant heart for their people.