4,700 Buddhist Monks Accept Christ as their Savior.
March 18, 2008
For many years Christian Aid has been helping ministries in Burma and has witnessed many wonderful reports from missionaries laboring in this troubled land. But this latest startling report tells of 4,700 Buddhist monks who accepted Christ as their Savior.
Years of Oppression
This miracle came about amid a backdrop of more than a decade of political cruelty toward certain Burmese ethnic minorities. Over the years, 3000 villages in eastern Burma have been destroyed and the people were either killed or driven into remote mountainous areas. Some were able to escape to neighboring countries, although they were not particularly welcomed there.
Of the total population of 57 million people, 51 million are Buddhists – and one percent of this population are monks. There is a monastery in most villages. Children are often educated in monasteries, so even if they do not actually become monks themselves, they have been thoroughly indoctrinated with Buddhist beliefs and practices. The monks have always had a very strong influence in Burmese politics and government. They led the way in kicking out the British in 1948.
The Rebellion
In August of last year, the government doubled the price of fuel and food when it was already priced at exorbitant rates. It came as a surprise to the rest of the world then, when Buddhist monks led peaceful demonstrations against the government protesting rising costs, as well as the repressive government.
Indigenous Missionaries Respond to the Call
It was in the midst of this darkness that Buddhist monks and nuns began inviting Christian missionaries to come and share the gospel in the privacy of their monasteries. Despite the dangers involved, missionaries went to several monasteries, and visited each one several times. The majority of these monks are from the dominant Bama people, normally very resistant to the gospel. One of the ministries supported by Christian Aid sent this report: Over the past three years "...4,700 Buddhist monks were led to Christ through our ministry. It appears that the Holy Spirit had urged these monks and nuns to call our evangelists to come and share the gospel of hope and love. After several intense discussions, close to 80% of the monks present in each of the monasteries raised their hands to accept Christ, and then received Christ as their Lord and Savior. Baptisms are being done discreetly – no more than three at a time for the sake of the safety of the converts as well as our workers."
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
We believe it was your fervent prayers for our brethren on the battlefield that brought about this miracle. Please continue your vigilance for 1) the indigenous missionaries who are doing follow-up with these new believers and 2) for these monks who trusted Christ – that they will grow in grace and be used by the Lord to reap a new harvest for His kingdom.