Legacy: Myanmar to Stop Home Churches?

Last night, the latest newsletter from Legacy Institute’s Leon Sexton (who is based in northern Thailand) arrived. It ended with the following chilling item:

I just received information that the Myanmar (Burma) government will no longer permit people to gather in homes or apartments for worship services; and the building of new church buildings will only be permitted by government approval. This adversely affects almost all of our brethren in Myanmar.

We have no time to waste. Dark clouds are massing over us here in Southeast Asia. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. Pray God protects them and provides wise congregational leadership to see them through the dark times ahead.

The Living Church of God, as well as some other groups, have people in Myanmar. It has always been difficult for Christians there, and now it appears that it may be getting worse.

As one who has had church in his family’s home for more than 12 years, anytime anyone tries to restrict meeting in homes it sets off concerns.

In addition for praying for people in Myanmar, the Bible also states that we need to pray for government leaders:

1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle–I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying–a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (1 Timothy 2:1-8).

And “everywhere” includes praying for the leaders in your country, as well.

Some seem to want to ignore the fact that persecutions are coming. And they will begin in some places before others.

The following article may be of interest one:

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur.