February marks the fifth anniversary of Myanmar’s (Burma’s) 2021 military coup.

In the years since, the country has endured ongoing violence, political upheaval, and crisis. Yet in the midst of these challenges, hope remains through the faithful presence of the ministry leaders supported by Harvest Bridge.

In the years since, the country has endured ongoing violence, constant injustice, and natural disasters exacerbated by war. Yet in the midst of these challenges, hope remains through the faithful presence of the ministry leaders supported by Harvest Bridge.

Through your generosity, Harvest Bridge supports local pastors and missionaries across Myanmar.

This funding meets their daily needs, equips them with vital tools for ministry, and empowers women through dedicated projects. Your support has also provided refuge for young adults escaping forced conscription, critical earthquake relief, and care for orphaned children being raised by ministry leaders in their homes.

Timeline of Myanmar’s Military Coup: 2021–Present

Following the November 2020 elections, Myanmar’s military made accusations of election fraud without any evidence.

They then overthrew the democratically elected government, detained civilian leaders, and declared a state of emergency. This action sparked widespread nationwide protests. The crackdown was brutal, with police and security firing on demonstrators.

The National Unity Government (NUG) launched the PDF as its armed wing to resist the junta and protect civilians.

The junta increasingly used airstrikes and artillery bombardments, displacing civilians and causing widespread destruction.

Villages were burned, civilians killed, and entire regions devastated as part of terror tactics. Hear more from Pastor Thang* about the early years in the coup here.

Facing high casualties and desertions, the junta introduced mandatory military service for young people to replenish its ranks.

Through 2024–2025, the military continued heavy bombing campaigns, including airstrikes on civilian areas. Listen to Pastor Thang* and Pastor Pan* talk more about this here. Listen to Pastor Pan’s wife Nilar* share her experiences here.

The junta is holding a multistage general election.

International observers and the vast majority of Myanmar citizens widely denounce the process as a sham designed to legitimize continued military rule.

“We can help others who have needs just like us.”

Cing* and Mawi* received funds through the ultra-poor women’s empowerment initiatives to start their own businesses. Cing writes:

“I have hope for my future through this business. We have enough food for our family, enough money to repay our debts and I can send my children to school. Without this business our lives would be very difficult. With your help, we are improving. Thank you so much.”

Mawi has also seen her life changed through this project, and now she wants to help others.

“We have experienced the goodness of God in our lives. While many people were helpless, we had a family business at our home which we have started because of your support. The Lord blessed us and our business is growing and it became a great help to my family, and some other families. We will continue to do this business and try our best so that we can help others who have needs just like us. Our business is not only for our family but also our neighbors and friends who are in need of help.”

“I wake up each day feeling safe.”

In addition to equipping women through empowerment initiatives, your support is also shaping the lives of the next generation. One 14-year-old orphan, Lin*, shared,

“Even though our area is affected by ongoing conflict, I feel safe and happy living in the children’s home, where I can stay peacefully. Living in the children’s home has brought light into my life. I wake up each day feeling safe, cared for, and surrounded by friends who have become like family to me. I know there were times, we didn’t have enough food to eat but we shared with each other. But now, with your help, we have enough food at our home.”

The ministry leaders are also being encouraged by your support. Through tools like motorbikes and solar power systems, they’re able to reach remote communities and share the hope of the gospel.

“My children smiled when the motorbike arrived at our home because we have been praying for this for a long time. The Lord answered our prayers through you. Now, I can visit the churches in the villages without any delay. My family and I want to say thank you to the donors for their sacrificial giving without which this may not be possible.” —Piang*

“It is very sad to learn that more and more young men and women are arrested throughout our country and in this New Year season, more than 150 young people were arrested just in Kalay to serve in the army.

Yesterday, the Junta’s news said that the power supply is very low and even in Yangon and Mandalay, the electricity will be given just for only four to six hours per day (will be cut off for 18 hrs per day).

That means there is no hope to have electricity for states’ cities. The people in Yangon and Mandalay are already in trouble because of lack of electricity. We need more of your prayers for our country.”

“I now have peace.”

“I was really hopeless, but when I heard the good news, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I now have peace.” —Niang*

“I attended the seminar and heard the good news of Jesus Christ. I realized that there is a living God who loves and cares for my life. I repented and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am so happy to know Jesus.” —Maung*

As the military coup in Myanmar enters its fifth year this February, the suffering continues, but so does the work of the church. The pastors, ministry leaders, and families you support through Harvest Bridge continue to offer the hope of Christ in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their faithfulness is only possible because of your prayers and generosity.

Next Steps

Give online at HarvestBridge.org/Give and select Myanmar.

Pray using the monthly prayer calendar. You can also join our new prayer group this Lenten season, starting on Zoom on February 24th at 1pm EST.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to hear more stories from Myanmar, including several podcast episodes where you can listen directly to ministry leaders on the ground.