Key Ministries
-
Business as Mission (BAM)
SIM Myanmar has three BAM initiatives. There are opportunities working with students, vulnerable and disadvantaged and professionals.
Spiritual Landscape in Myanmar
Myanmar is a deeply religious society where faith influences daily life, national identity, and culture. Buddhism is the dominant religion, but Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous beliefs also have a presence.
- Buddhism (88–90%) – The national religion, closely tied to societal norms and government policy
- Christianity (6–7%) – Mostly among ethnic minorities such as the Chin, Kachin, and Karen
- Islam (4–5%) – Practised by the Rohingya, Indian, and Malay communities, often facing persecution
- Hinduism (0.5–1%) – Primarily among the Indian diaspora
- Animism & Indigenous Beliefs (1–2%) – Often blended with Buddhism or Christianity
Christianity in Myanmar
Christianity took root in the 16th century and saw significant growth in the 19th century through missionaries like Adoniram Judson. Though flourishing among minority groups, it remains a minority faith among the Bamar majority. While military rule once heavily restricted religious freedom, recent years have brought more openness, yet discrimination and permit challenges persist. Despite these hurdles, the church continues to grow, especially in urban areas and among youth.
Trends in Spiritual Practices
Increasing engagement in youth discipleship and digital evangelism.
- Christian ministries in education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid continue to flourish.
- Urbanisation is leading to both secularisation and growth in Pentecostal expressions of Christianity.
Please pray
- For the Lord to call people to Myanmar to share the love of Christ
- For the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the majority people towards local Christians, most of who are from ethnic minorities
- Pray for strong local churches to be raised up
- Pray for the growth and development of the ministry teams
Latest stories from around SIM
Following God's call does not always mean leaving your profession behind. One healthcare worker in the Middle East is using her skills and her workplace to...
Five years into life in North Africa, one mission worker reflects on the unexpected ways God has been shaping their family, teaching them to loosen their g...
As an occupational therapist in the Middle East, Kate* serves children with special needs and their families. Through therapy, prayer and genuine friendshi...
God often works through unexpected passions and everyday friendships to draw people to Himself. One climbing ministry in the Middle East is creating opport...
Dave had always planned to become a teacher and sports coach, but never expected those dreams to take him to the Middle East. Today, he uses both his profe...
Christians are called to live differently from the world around them so that others can see how Jesus impacts a daily life. One mother serving in North Afr...
Before anyone shares the good news of Jesus, God may already be at work preparing the way. One family serving in the Middle East has seen how dreams and fr...
Rania* grew up in a North African city where music filled her days. She found an unexpected refuge behind the door of an old church. There she discovered t...
In North Africa, where spiritual opposition and persecution can make ministry challenging, workers are learning to persevere in prayer, trusting God to bri...
Meet Lily and Peter, two children growing up in North Africa. They share what everyday life is like, from school and friendships to faith, family, hobbies ...
For Tony, sharing Jesus in the Middle East starts with friendship. From watching football on the street to learning Arabic, he is building relationships wi...
A look at North Africa’s diverse nomadic groups, how modern pressures are reshaping their lives, and the meaningful ways Christian believers can serve am...