In March this year we saw the first military airstrikes in Karen State, Myanmar/Burma, for 20 years; and the results were tragic. Two-year-old Saw Ta Eh Ka Lu Moo Taw was sitting on his father’s lap that night when three pieces of shrapnel hit him in the head. While he and his mother survived, the bomb killed his father instantly.
These airstrikes are enabled by countries such as China and Russia, which supply the Myanmar military with sophisticated weaponry and training. That’s why we’re calling for a global arms embargo. Find out more at csw.org.uk/burma
Sunday 12 September
Pray for complete physical, mental and emotional healing for Saw Ta Eh Ka Lu Moo Taw and his mother. Pray that his father’s memory would be a blessing, and that as he grows up he would not suffer any lasting trauma from this tragedy.
Monday 13 September
‘Fear, gunshots, blood, threats, tears, death, etc are the citizens' daily lives.’ - Kachin Baptist Convention. Since February’s military coup, repression in Myanmar has increased, including violations of freedom of religion or belief. Pray that our call for a global arms embargo will be successful, and that the military’s attacks on innocent civilians will stop.
Tuesday 14 September
Thank God for answering our prayers for targeted sanctions. In April the EU announced further sanctions on individuals and companies over the military coup and ensuing repression - something which we and others had been calling for.
Wednesday 15 September
Sanctions can make it harder for the individuals and companies targeted to carry out their actions, for example by preventing their ability to travel freely. It’s also hoped that the threat of sanctions will act as a deterrent, encouraging potential perpetrators to reconsider. Pray that the sanctions will be effective in achieving these aims.
Thursday 16 September
‘In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”’ (Isaiah 25:9 NLT) Pray that very soon, the people of Myanmar will be able to celebrate their freedom.
Friday 17 September
When the military took power in the February coup they placed Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected leader of Myanmar, under house arrest along with other civilian leaders. Pray for renewed courage to fill their hearts, and for their swift release.
Saturday 18 September
Sovereign Lord, we declare today that you are the one who reigns supreme over Myanmar. Violence will not have the last word; neither will terror, nor misery, nor any of the plans of the enemy. We cry out to you on behalf of all Myanmar’s people: Send your victory soon, Lord! Amen.