Union of Myanmar / Burma

A Brief History

In 1044 A.D. King Anawrahta unified several warring kingdoms into the nation of Burma. He failed to put a clear succession of leadership in place, however, and the country fell into chaos after his death. Two other short-lived dynasties, the Taungoo (in 1551) and the Konbaung (in 1753, lasting a mere 8 years) suffered similar fates. Invasions from without and a lack of strong leadership continued to weaken the nation.

By the 18th century conflicts had begun to occur along the Burmese border with British India. The British invaded three times, resulting in South Burma becoming a province of British India.

The Japanese invaded Burma during World War II but the British reoccupied Rangoon (Yangon) in 1945. In 1947 they took steps towards Burma's independence; elections for a constituent assembly were held in April and a new constitution was drafted. Burma became independent on 4 January 1948.

After a period of democracy that followed, the military took control of the country and renamed it Myanmar in 1989.

Church members pray for help after Cyclone Nargis leaves them without food for weeks.

A team member buys rice to distribute to hard-hit areas after Cyclone Nargis

One of our team members planing rice distribution with village elders in the Irrawaddy Delta

A Children's Home receives rice from one of our team members after Cyclone Nargis