Since organizing in April to protect civilians from military violence, the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) has fought many fierce battles with Myanmar’s military junta in Myanmar’s most heavily Christianized region. The statewide militia has inflicted significant casualties on junta troops with homemade hunting rifles in the mountainous region, while sustaining major losses from the junta’s heavy artillery and superior firepower. In the southern townships of Mindat and Kanpetlet alone, the conflict has driven thousands of Chin villagers to flee for their lives into the jungle, many with nothing but banana leaves for shelter during Myanmar’s monsoon season.
In June, a team of determined believers from Bago Region made a risky 17 hour trip to Kanpetlet. Slipping through the conflict zones, they managed to bring food aid to displaced Chin families, the first relief they had received in over three weeks. The team was warmly welcomed by these IDPs. The team encouraged the displaced families with the Gospel, before withdrawing for the long journey back to Bago.
Sadly, the struggle in Chin State is far from over. A fresh outbreak of fighting in late July sent civilians from ten villages in Mindat and Kanpetlet fleeing once again. The junta has been controlling rice shipments to Kanpetlet township, causing the price of a bag of rice to spike to 100,000 kyats ($60 USD). Now, locals report that over 1,000 people affected by the conflict in Kanpetlet are facing food shortage.
To support the ministry partnering with teams like the one from Bago, give below:
Prayer Requests
- Pray for displaced Chin families in desperate need of food, shelter, and medical treatment. Pray God supplies all their needs in His mercy.
- Pray divine protection, endurance, and hope over believers that bravely risk their lives to bring aid to the saints and others in need.
