Myanmar's Military Bombs a Church in Chin State and Burns Another in Kachin
Fighter jets struck a Presbyterian church in Mindat on 9 October; three days later soldiers set fire to a Kachin Baptist church in Banmaw. In both states, most people are Christians
The short answer
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, reported by Assist News, two Myanmar military fighter jets from Magway airbase bombed a Presbyterian church in Mindat, Chin State on 9 October 2026 in two runs with four bombs, causing catastrophic structural damage but no reported casualties. On 12 October soldiers of the military's 33rd and 88th Light Infantry Divisions set fire to Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church in Banmaw, Kachin State, destroying surrounding homes as well.
Earlier this week we told the story of Adoniram Judson, whose mission helped plant the churches of Myanmar — and of the Chin and Kachin peoples, roughly 85% and 90% of whom are Christian today. This week, Myanmar's military attacked a church in each of their states.
Chin State: An Airstrike on a Church
On 9 October, two junta fighter jets from Magway airbase made two bombing runs over Mindat, dropping four bombs on a Presbyterian church, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), citing the Chin Human Rights Organization. The damage was described as "catastrophic structural destruction." No casualties were reported.
"Myanmar's military bombed a Presbyterian church in Chin State on 9 October and burned a Kachin Baptist church three days later. Both states are majority Christian — the fruit of a mission that began two centuries ago."
Click to copy and shareKachin State: A Church Set on Fire
Three days later, on 12 October, soldiers from the military's 33rd and 88th Light Infantry Divisions set fire to Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church in Shwe Pyi Tha Ward, in the 3-Mile area of Banmaw, Kachin State. Surrounding civilian homes were destroyed too.
"Targeting and destroying places of worship that serve as spiritual and community lifelines for vulnerable populations is a grave crime," said Mervyn Thomas, CSW's founder president.
Why Churches
In Chin and Kachin States, the church is not only a place of worship. It is often the school, the shelter and the place people gather in a crisis — which is part of why attacks on churches have been a recurring feature of Myanmar's civil war since the 2021 coup, and why groups like CSW describe them as attacks on whole communities.
Our report this week on Bible access noted how persecution and shortage overlap. In Myanmar's Christian heartlands, war adds a third pressure.
Pray
Pray for the congregations of Mindat and Banmaw, for families who lost homes, and for an end to the attacks. Our guide on how to pray for the persecuted church can help you pray with specifics.
Myanmar's military bombed a Presbyterian church in Chin State on 9 October and burned a Kachin Baptist church three days later. Both states are majority Christian — the fruit of a mission that began two centuries ago.
Biblical Perspective
The psalmist prayed when the sanctuary was burned: "They burned your sanctuary to the ground… Rise up, O God, and defend your cause" (Psalm 74:7, 22). Jesus promised that the gates of Hades will not overcome His church (Matthew 16:18) — a promise about people, not buildings.
"Rise up, O God, and defend your cause."
— Psalm 74:22 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord, we pray for the Presbyterian congregation in Mindat and Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church in Banmaw, and for the families whose homes were burned. Shelter them, provide for them and comfort them. Bring an end to the violence in Myanmar and justice for those who suffer. Build Your church in Chin and Kachin States beyond the reach of bombs and fire. In Jesus' name, amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›The gates of Hades will not overcome the church in Myanmar!
- ›God is a refuge for the people of Chin and Kachin States!
- ›What was burned, God will rebuild!
Take Action
- 1Pray for the congregations in Mindat and Banmaw by name.
- 2Pray for peace and an end to attacks on civilians in Myanmar.
- 3Share this alert so the attacks are known.
"Myanmar's military bombed a church in Chin State and burned a Kachin Baptist church days later. Pray with us."
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"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." — Proverbs 18:21
Your Prayers & Words Have Power
Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
"Faith without works is dead." — James 2:26
Questions people are asking
Which churches were attacked in Myanmar in October 2026?
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According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a Presbyterian church in Mindat, Chin State was bombed by military jets on 9 October 2026, and Htingnan Kachin Baptist Church in Banmaw, Kachin State was set on fire by soldiers on 12 October 2026.
Sources & further reading
- 1.Military bombs churches in Chin and Kachin StatesAssist News (reporting Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"Rise up, O God, and defend your cause."
Psalm 74:22 (NIV)
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