Clear and Simple Media has been involved in Myanmar since early 2016. Simple Truths for the New Believer was the first book to be translated and printed there. Now, the Travel Guide to the Bible is used in both languages throughout the country.

But life in Myanmar has become very difficult. Difficult for the average citizen and difficult for the church. We have reported this through this site multiple times since the Military Coup in 2021. More than 50,000 have been killed in what has become a civil war. Now, over 3 million are internally displaced, and more have fled the country to become “un-wanted refugees” through borders in India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. That exposes those who cross those borders to arrest, abuse, or slavery.

As in many places where we work, our success rests (humanly speaking) in the hands of our “champions” in each country. Men and women who believe in what we have done believe in planting churches in their country and see our books as tools to help pastors disciple their people. In Myanmar, our champion’s name is Rova (nickname). He has overseen publication, distribution, and negotiations with printers and pastors and has been the primary translator for all three books available in the country. To give you a sense of what life in Myanmar is like for our brothers and sisters, here is his latest letter (slightly edited to remove some sensitive information). 

It is very good to hear from you. 

My family and I are doing well. The situation in Myanmar is still very bad. It is getting worse politically, economically, and educationally that there are intense battles between the military regime and people’s defense forces across the country. Due to this, life is getting more difficult here in our country. Our currency has no value at all. Prices of things are three to five times higher than before. We get electricity only eight hours a day, and it is cut off for 16 hours every day. It is disappointing to everyone here.

The trouble has also been affecting God’s work that many young men who are between 18 and 35 years of age have left the country because of the conscription order issued by the military regime since February last year. Nowadays, many young men have been taken away from their houses, restaurants, and streets while walking by the military soldiers forcefully. They are brought to military training center. Thus, parents are very worried about their sons. For young men, going to church on foot or by bicycles is dangerous. Something bad can happen to them. So the trouble really affects the church. Every business here is so bad that most of the families in our country are barely surviving every day. 

As of now, we are taking care of 12 students and two churches. Because of the bad inflation of our currency we have been facing great challenges every month. We are struggling for our basic survival every month. The Lord is faithful that He provides the basic needs for us.

When we use internet, we need VPN. Without it we can’t use email, facebook,  whatsApp,  viber, and so. Communication is also getting more difficult. 

We have sold out about 400 copies of Travel Guide To the Bible in Burmese and 100 copies of the Mizo one. If the situation in our country becomes normal, we will send books to different places. And they would quickly be sold out within a short period of time. So we pray fervently that the Lord will take away the problem of Myanmar soon in a waythat He will be more glorified across the country. People who bought and read your book sent me feedback that they have greatly benefited from it. I am very encouraged and happy that I do praise God who uses you. 

God willing, I would really like to translate your new book soon. I have one problem that my Macbook which I had used for 12 years, was out of order in August last year. It couldn’t be fixed anymore. Now I have no computer. I can’t start any translation work yet. I am still praying for another laptop.

Now, due to the civil war here, many roads to Chin State are closed. We couldn’t send copies of TGTB in Mizo to Kalaymyo and Tahan yet. I hope the roads will be opened again some months later in this year.

Please keep praying for us and our country. 

Your brother, 

Rova

Continue to pray for Rova and the people in Myanmar. Life is not easy there, but God’s people continue to be faithful in the midst of it.

Thank you to all who so faithfully help us so that we can do more to help them.