While COVID-19 spread throughout the world in 2020, the people of Myanmar suffered doubly from a civil emergency of the military coup that took place in February of 2021.
Within this humanitarian crisis and amid this unspeakable distress, PIME’s assistance to Myanmar was urgently needed and PIME USA supporters responded by providing over $89,000 USD in assistance to Myanmar since August of 2021. While in 2022 the situation seemed to be improving, our missionaries are reporting that in 2023, the situation in Loikaw and in many other regions of the nation has deteriorated terribly. The suffering of the people has worsened, especially for those in Chin, northern Shan, Kachin, Sagaing, and Kayah State. Many in these areas are fleeing from the conflicts, which means families leave their homes and villages looking for safety wherever they can find it.
In July 2023, our missionaries tried to see our project missions to provide updates, but they couldn’t meet all of them due to safety concerns and transportation difficulties. Everything has become much more difficult.
Then on November 11, 2023, shockingly, the military took over a church compound in Loikaw. Together with the displaced people (who were staying in the Church compound), the Bishop, Priests, and Sisters had to leave the Diocesan center and flee to find refuge with the people. All the people who lived in Loikaw also fled. Every day, there is fighting in the town, and many of our poor people have lost their houses and buildings because of the bombs that are dropped by the military. The public market was burned on December 10, 2023, and all that now remains in its place is ash.
At present, Loikaw – the city of Kayah State - has become a war zone. At the end of 2023, the contact of our missionaries with friends and colleagues became very difficult because of internet cuts, blackouts, lack of electricity, petrol, and many other things. Still, our missionaries have managed to keep in touch with some people, priests, and sisters, and so far all are safe though they are in a dangerous situation.
We thank our PIME USA supporters for the assistance that continues to bring light to this darkness by providing funds that house the displaced, feed the hungry, and provide essential medical care.
We turn to our friends to assist our brothers and sisters in Myanmar in their time of need. Can you continue to help bring Christ’s light to the darkness for the people of Myanmar who find themselves in this dire situation?
Leader
