Myanmar (MNN) ― Buddhist monks and other protestors flooded the streets of Myanmar's biggest city yesterday in a strong show of dissent against the ruling generals. At least 30,000 people swarmed through the streets of Burma's main city, the largest protests since a 1988 democracy uprising led by students was brutally put down by the army.
Tensions are thick as everyone waits for the government response this time. Surprisingly, the usual iron-fisted response has been muted because of pressure from China. So far, the government has kept minimal security at the protests. Demonstrations began August 19 as a movement against economic hardship after the government raised fuel prices.
But it's about more than the high cost of living. Voice of the Martyrs' Todd Nettleton says, "These protests are really a response to the difficulty of life there and pressure on the government to grant more rights to the people of Myanmar," which are often denied for Christians.
Myanmar ranks 18th in the Open Door World Watch list, a semi-annual release ranking countries according to the level of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith.
In fact, two weeks ago, a coalition between Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and Burma Campaign UK launched a massive prayer and fasting effort on behalf of Myanmar's embattled church. Churches in at least 13 countries in four continents held prayer and fasting vigils for Burma on September 9.
They also sent a letter to EU Foreign Ministers urging them to support moves to bring Burma before the United Nations Security Council. CSW also recommends the creation of an EU Special Representative on Burma.
Nettleton says, "One of the great challenges in a time of turmoil like this is just to live in peace and to live in confidence, whatever happens in the country. Obviously, God is still faithful, and God is still on the throne. We can pray that they'll be encouraged, that they'll be confident in the Lord, and I think we can pray for peace."
He says the church remains active. Believers are spreading the Gospel, he explains, "and I think that's part of why the government is uncomfortable with the growth of the church, because Christians are reaching out and being effective. We can pray that that will continue. And we can pray for their protection."
