As we enter 2024, Methodists in Upper Myanmar continue to live through conflict and persecution. Despite this, the church remains committed to mission and serving the communities around them. Rev. Malsawmthanga, President of the Methodist Church, Upper Myanmar writes:

“The country has been in crisis for about three years. I hope you will also know that the country and the people have suffered a lot because of the crisis.

In the meantime, thanks to God's grace and guidance, we are able to continue the church ministry. However, we have not reached the pre-conflict situation. It is God's grace that we are able to serve as much as we can despite many difficulties.

Many people have suffered from the conflict and many have lost their homes. Those in the most dangerous areas are fleeing to neighbouring villages and in the forest. Their situations are very worrying. This problem is still happening today and we cannot know the true situation.

In our country, it is the winter and the harvest season. There are many people who will not be able to harvest their paddy due to the conflict. Some of our members' houses were burnt down, and at least three church buildings have been burnt down too.

Please remember and pray for us. May God bless you and be with you.”

Through World Mission Partnership (WMP), Irish Methodists continue to support our brothers and sisters in Upper Myanmar. In recent years, we have sent funding for income generation projects, indigenous evangelists, and to support Christians who have lost their government jobs because of persecution.

Government restrictions make it difficult to transfer funds to Myanmar, but WMP are working together with the Methodist Church in Britain to find alternative routes for sending financial support. We are also exploring other ways to support the church.

The most important way we can offer our support is through prayer. Please pray for:

• Those who have been made homeless because of the conflict in Myanmar. Pray that God will provide them with food and shelter, and education for their children.

• God to bless Burmese Methodists in their mission work, including the mission in Oskshit Pyin where the church runs a pre-school for local children.

• The church leadership as they seek effective ways to improve training for ministers and lay preachers.