Whether in the Middle East, Africa or the former Soviet Union, modern-day persecution against Christians often generates news headlines and—rightfully—motivates fellow believers toward concern and action on behalf of those who suffer for following Jesus.
The recent trials of the Rohingya (a Muslim people group) have brought this question home.
Native to the Rakhine province of Myanmar, the Rohingya have fled persecution in their Buddhist-majority homeland to more than 30 countries around the world. Since September alone, over 600,000 Rohingya refugees have entered neighboring Bangladesh amid fresh violence, leading the UN to consider the Rohingya’s plight “the world’s fastest-growing refugee crisis.” The legal system in Myanmar does not recognize the ethnic minority as one of the 135 “national races” of the country, which means Rohingya are restricted in their movement and excluded from education and jobs.
In addition to legal discrimination, “hundreds of villages have been burned and destroyed recently,” a Pioneer serving in Southeast Asia writes. “Many people have been reported killed and many others have died from drowning and sickness.”
Pioneers in Southeast Asia are finding ways to show compassion for this devastated Muslim people group and share the gospel with Rohingya who are spiritually open. However, persecution can cause people to become even more fervent in their faith and cling to their religious and cultural heritage. Spiritual seekers face pressure from their families and communities when they begin questioning Islam or exploring Christianity.
Although he has begun reading the Bible, one Rohingya man says, “I believe all that is here, but I am a Muslim; my father, and grandfather were Muslim, so I must stay a Muslim.”
Scripture teaches that, “The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9). Pray that the Rohingya will seek refuge in Him.
Visit Pray4Ro.org to download a free guide to praying for the Rohingya and subscribe to our Pioneers newsletter and prayer updates.
This gregarious girl was happy to have her photo taken, but as with most Roh, her expression changed from friendly to serious for a photograph. The Rohingya practice a form of folk Islam—a combination of traditional Muslim beliefs and local animist traditions. Most Rohingya fear the spirits more than they fear God. This Rohingya camp sits at the back of a property where houses are being constructed. They scavenge whatever refuse they can find to construct homes and make a life. This structure where people are gathered is akin to a corner convenience store. Sanitation was a significant cause for concern. Existing latrines have become overrun. Insuffiencient drainage causes ruts and voids in the pathway—a major problem. Imagine this spot in rainy season. Like Muslim women in other places, Roh ladies cover their heads, usually with a simple scarf. This site surrounded by sandbags is the community well where women get their water and do laundry. Unlike most Roh women, the woman in black is concealed in a burka. This gal ran out to greet us as we approached the tent city of perhaps 30 families. You can see the tension in her brow. She wondered who we were, why we were there and if we were friends or foes. There was little or no shame for children to be naked in the camp. Belongings appeared to be scant. Bamboo bridges cross sandbagged ditches lined with woven thatch. The drainage smelled rank and provided ample breeding ground for mosquitos. Thier homes, built of availble materials (bricks, rocks and branches) are covered in black plastic. This young boy was sharing an apple with his mates in one of the narrow passageways between the bamboo homes. The conflict continues for the Rohingya. A woman holds a photo of her daughter, who was detained by security forces while fleeing. She has yet to be released.