Myanmar

Country Facts
Population: 49,650,000 (2009)
Median Age: 28.2 yrs
GDP per capita: $1,200 (2008 est.)
Major Religion: Buddhism (97.2%)
People Groups: 142  Unreached: 51
Largest Unreached People Group: Burmese (27.8 million)
Government Type: Military Regime
Official Language: Burmese

Located in Southeastern Asia, Myanmar is bordered by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand. The Irrawaddy Delta region, which covers over 19,000 sq. miles, in the eastern region of Myanmar, was recently devastated by a cyclone in May 2008.

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People  
A majority of Myanmar's people are ethnic Burmans. Shans, Karens, Rohingya, Arakanese, Kachins, Chins, Mons, and many other smaller indigenous ethnic groups form about 30% of the population. Indians and Chinese are the largest non-indigenous groups. Although Burmese is the most widely spoken language (approx. 32 million speakers), other ethnic groups have retained their own identities and languages. 

History
Myanmar, also known as Burma, was unified by Burman dynasties three times during the past millennium. During the "Golden Age" in 1044 AD, Theravada Buddhism first made its appearance in Myanmar, and the Bagan kings built a massive city with thousands of pagodas and monasteries along the Irrawaddy River, which was destroyed in the late 1200's by Mongol invaders. In the 15th century was unified as a large, multi-ethnic kingdom, with the royal dynasty, established in 1752, that lasted until the fall to Britain in 1885, when it was annexed to British India. In the 1920's and 1930's, there were efforts that Myanmar would become self ruling. Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese during WWII. Though the British returned, the colony moved toward independence, becoming the independent Union of Burma, declared in 1948.
  
Culture
In Myanmar, rice is the staple food except among those in highland areas where rice is difficult to grow. Feasting and sharing food are an important feature of traditional agricultural and religious rites. The traditional Burmese house is made largely of bamboo and roof coverings of broad-leafed grass or palm fronds. Attempts at a national identity have been hampered because of the illigitimacy of the government and its coercion and threats. The low level of education and poor communications infrastructure also limit the spread of a national culture. Religion and Spiritual Climate
The Burmese are primarily Buddhists, mixed with their own animistic beliefs centering around evil spirits that they try to appease for protection. All Burmese homes have altars for the spirits, as well as a statue of Buddha. Burmese-style Buddhism is a relatively tolerant religion, and the Myanmar constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The Burmese church has been allowed to grow without serious opposition, especially among the originally animist tribal minority groups. However, since the military took over in 1962, no new building permission has been granted for churches and converts to Christianity are often under pressure from their community and local authorities to turn back to Buddhism.
  
All Protestant missions were expelled from Burma in 1964, yet the church has continued to grow and become a strong missionary-sending body, with the most growth among ethnic minorities. Missionaries from various ethnic minority churches have spread the gospel to many unreached peoples throughout the mountain fringes of the country.

NMSI Involvement
In 2003, NMSI began a partnership with Burmese national missionaries, James and Marta Khong. In 2008, the first of two NMSI American missionary families moved to Myanmar to assist in reaching the Burmese for Christ.

NMSI is currently involved in the following ministries:

• Relief work in the Irrawaddy Delta region hit by Cyclone Nargis
• Church planting throughout Myanmar
• Pastoral Training and Leadership Development
• Outreach to students through English programs

Prayer Points
• For spiritual revival throughout the country of Myanmar.
• For the new believers in the Irrawaddy Delta region.
• For the outreach to English students in Yangon.
• For the upcoming summer internship, for great fruit.

Ministry Opportunities
Short-term: Join a 2010 summer internship to Myanmar/Thailand

Long-term: If you feel called to work or are currently working in a country in this region, please contact our Human Resources Department to explore how NMSI might partner with you.

Myanmar Photo Gallery

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, U.S. State Department, Every Culture, OMF International, Wikipedia

NMSI missionaries serving in Myanmar:

James & Marta Khong Location: Myanmar Donate	Judah & Khaw Tangshing Location: Myanmar Donate

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