Faith and Solidarity: Standing with the Church in Myanmar

In November, following his time in the Philippines, MCEC Mission Minister Norm Dyck went to Chang Mai, Thailand for a solidarity visit organized by Mennonite World Conference (MWC). Church leaders from Indonesia, Ethiopia, Columbia, Thailand, and Canada met for four days with 15 leaders from Bible Missionary Church (BMC) in Myanmar.

BMC was started in 1997 by Pastor Amos Chin. They joined MWC in 2009 and have built a wide network of connections with the global Anabaptist community. BMC has steadily grown now including 24 congregations, 23 house churches and 14 community preachers, and over 2000 baptized members.

This gathering in Thailand was a chance for the global church to stand in solidarity with BMC, to listen, to pray, and to carry their stories back to the wider community.

Their relationship with MCEC began in 2015, when Pastor Amos met with MCEC leaders at the Mennonite World Conference gathering in Pennsylvania. Since then, in his role with MC Canada International Witness, Norm has visited Myanmar twice, in 2018 and 2019, and has maintained contact with Amos and BMC.

But life in Myanmar has changed drastically. Since 2021, a civil war between the State Administrative Council (SAC) and various regional military forces has created an atmosphere of fear and instability. Families have been displaced, food and medical supplies are scarce, and nearly half of BMC’s members have had to flee their homes.

This gathering in Thailand was a chance for the global church to stand in solidarity with BMC, to listen, to pray, and to carry their stories back to the wider community.

Because of the conflict, there are significant travel restrictions to the country. To attend these meetings in Thailand, the Myanmar pastors had to negotiate their exit and re-entry with the State Government, facing suspicion over meetings with foreigners and their uncommon religious views.

“It was a blessing to be able to meet with these pastors and hear their stories” says Norm, “They were encouraged by the visit and feel cared for by the prayers from the Mennonite church around the world.”

Yet, even in the midst of such hardship, hope continues to flourish. BMC has remained steadfast, growing despite the conflict.

The pastors spoke of their struggles—of what it means to be Mennonite in a country torn by war. One of the greatest challenges they face is conscription. The SAC government and various regional armies exert heavy pressure on all able-bodied individuals to join their ranks. Some church members must pay monthly bribes or go into hiding to avoid being forced into military service or imprisoned for refusing.

Yet, even in the midst of such hardship, hope continues to flourish. BMC has remained steadfast, growing despite the conflict. They continue to spread Anabaptist values, hold worship services, perform baptisms, and even organize peace events. In some areas, they have been able to engage military leaders in conversations about peace, sharing Anabaptist teachings on non-violence and reconciliation.

One story of hope shared was of a group of youth from BMC who were taken to join the regional Chin army. Historic persecuted the Chin people by the Myanmar government has led to significant support for the Chin national army who are fighting against the SAC. A group of church leaders traveled to the camp where the youth were taken to meet with military leaders. They had a long discussion with them and shared Anabaptist values and teachings on the importance of non-violence and peace theology. They shared their own beliefs and how they wanted to raise the youth of their church as peacebuilders. After many hours of discussion, the military leaders agreed that the youth should not be fighting and allowed them to go home.

Stories like these remind us of the quiet power of faith and the strength found in a peace-centered approach. Though the road ahead for BMC remains uncertain and full of challenges, their resilience and unwavering faith continue to shine.

In addition to sharing stories, and praying together, MWC organized workshops for the pastors led by Cesar Garcia, MWC general secretary and Andrew Suderman chair of the MWC Peace Commission. The led sessions on shared Anabaptist convictions and what it means to be a peace church.

The BMC Leaders could feel the support of the global church but still ask for prayers for their country and people.

"In some areas, Mennonite families who fled from the war are slowly returning to their villages.” Said Pastor Amos, about current challenges, “Some families' homes are badly damaged by the war, and some churches are also damaged. The rehabilitation work is a big challenge for them."