Persecuted Christian Family in Myanmar Refuses to Forsake Jesus

When word spread in a village in Myanmar that a local family had become Christians, the village leadership issued an ultimatum: leave the community or die.

This persecuted Christian family in Myanmar may have been new believers, but they faced a terrifying choice. Still, they held firm to their faith.

“I grew up in an animist family,” Zin*, the father of this family, said. “My wife belongs to [a local] tribe. We worshipped the man-made gods—big stones, rivers and big banyan trees. We were satisfied in our lives by worshipping such gods.”

But all that changed when he met a local pastor and heard the Gospel. Zin sold the pastor some wood for his church, and they soon became friends.

“He used to visit me time and time again and shared the good news of Jesus Christ,” Zin said. “After a few months of hearing the good news, the Lord spoke to my heart and I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord.”

Zin’s wife and two of their children soon became Christians as well. The pastor baptized the new believers, welcoming them joyfully into the family of Christ. They were the only Christians in their village.

Village leaders and local monks immediately became hostile toward the new believers. They detained Zin for two days and beat him repeatedly. They asked him, “Will you forsake Jesus and follow animism again?”

Zin replied, “I will leave this village with my family because I can’t stop following my Lord who saved me from my sin.”

The family was forced to flee their home, leaving their belongings behind. A pastor helped resettle them safely in a nearby village, but they had no means to provide for themselves once they arrived.

“I encouraged my wife and my children, ‘Though we have no home to live in, we have a home waiting for us in heaven,’” Zin said. “‘If something happened to our lives because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we will see Him soon in heaven.’”

That is where our partners came in.

Thanks to your generosity, our partners were able to step in and provide for this persecuted Christian family in Myanmar. They gave them a grant that covers the cost of rent for six months, food for three months, and school fees for three of their children for a year. With this aid, the family will have the time they need to start new lives, become self-reliant, and remain safe from persecution.

“I never thought that I should receive such blessings in my life,” Zin said. “I am ready to face whatever God allows me to. I never regret following Jesus Christ, though I faced many persecutions. Instead, my faith is growing.”

He expressed his gratitude and amazement that his family has received more provision than ever before, thanks to the generosity of supportive Christians.

“Thank you for remembering us, by which we are so encouraged,” Zin said. “Praise the Lord! He is good all the time. Please continue to pray for strength in the Lord and also, pray for our relatives so that they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.”

*Zin’s name has been changed for his safety.