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In Yangon, Myanmar, 27-year-old Nandar was doing what she always did — serving her church with quiet faithfulness — when evil walked through the door.

A Muslim couple entered the small church building where Nandar was working alone. Moments later, she lay bleeding on the floor, stabbed multiple times and struck in the head with a brick. They stole the church’s offerings and left her for dead.

But God wasn’t finished with Nandar.

Neighbours found her in time. Surgeons fought to save her life. Against all odds, she survived.

And her first words after waking were not of anger — but forgiveness.

“Lord, thank You for saving my life. Lord, please forgive them.”

A Life Poured Out for the Gospel

Nandar is a single young woman of deep Christian conviction. Her church had entrusted her with the care of a new congregation — a rare and courageous responsibility in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where Christians often face discrimination and harassment. Through her ministry, many have come to know Christ, drawn by her humility and the peace that marked her life.

Now the one who once cared for others lies recovering from head surgery, her long hair shaved away — a small but painful reminder of what she has endured. Her family travelled from Chin State to be by her side, despite their own poverty. Her church community brings meals and prayer, yet the cost of her treatment and ongoing care far exceeds their means.

For believers in Myanmar, following Jesus often comes with a price. Churches are watched, pastors are questioned, and evangelism is restricted. In some regions, converts from Buddhism or Islam are shunned by their own families or forced from their homes. Yet the Church continues to grow — quietly, faithfully, courageously.

Justice Denied

Despite clear evidence of the attack, local authorities have not arrested the perpetrators. Instead, Nandar and her church leaders are repeatedly summoned to the police station — as if they were the ones to blame. The attackers remain free.

This is the harsh reality for many believers in Myanmar: victims are treated as suspects, and justice rarely comes. Still, even in that darkness, the light of Christ burns brighter.

It is easy to read such stories and move on. Yet behind every headline are real people — ordinary believers who refuse to hate, who choose to love, and who find strength in the cross. Nandar’s story confronts us with the same question Jesus asked of His followers: Will you pray for those who persecute you?

Stand With the Persecuted

Nandar’s words still echo across her community: “Lord, please forgive them.” They remind us that forgiveness is not weakness — it is the power of Christ made visible through His people.

Her story challenges comfortable faith. It reminds us that the Gospel is not safe, but it is always worth it. Every time Nandar prays for her attackers, she preaches a sermon stronger than words — that the grace of God can reach even the hardest hearts.

As the Church in Myanmar continues to suffer, let us not look away.

Hope Beyond the Wounds

Nandar’s recovery is far from over. She faces months of treatment, counselling and uncertainty while her family struggles to support her far from home. Yet her faith remains unshaken — the same faith that led her to forgive those who tried to take her life.

Voice of the Martyrs Australia is helping with medical care, housing, and the needs of her family and church. When Nandar learned of this support, she wept with gratitude and thanked God for His provision. But the journey ahead is long — physically, emotionally, and in the pursuit of justice.

Please keep praying — for her healing, for her courage to be renewed daily, and for justice to finally be done in Myanmar. Pray also for the persecuted Church around the world, that their witness — like Nandar’s — would shine as a living testimony to the power of the Gospel.

For more stories and to stay informed about the persecution of Christians worldwide, visit Voice of the Martyrs Australia. You can subscribe to our free monthly magazine and download the Voice of the Martyrs Australia app to receive daily prayer updates.