A pastor in Chin State, Myanmar was shot dead by the country’s military (Tatmadaw) on 14 September at around 4pm.
Reverend Dal Thawn Tuang, 49, was assistant pastor of a church in Lamzang village, where he had served for 22 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Credible sources confirmed that Pastor Tuang was shot three times by the Tatmadaw while returning to Lamzang after ministering in neighbouring Tui Tawh Village.
Pastor Dal Thawn Tuang [Image credit: Tedim Baptist Convention/Facebook]
An examination of Pastor Tuang’s body found bullet wounds in three areas – the chest, abdomen, and thigh, strongly suggesting that the killing was intentional and targeted.
His funeral service took place on 16 September in Lamzang village, about five miles from Tedim town.
In a letter of condolence to Pastor Tuang’s family, churches, and colleagues sent that day, the Tedim Baptist Convention (TBC) – to which his church belonged – described him as a “good and faithful servant” now being rewarded with sharing his Master’s happiness, a reference to Matthew 25:21.
Pastor Tuang’s death follows just three months after the extrajudicial killing of Reverend William and another Christian, Mr Nam Ceu, by the Tatmadaw, also in Chin State.
How you can pray
Pray that Pastor Tuang’s family will be greatly comforted as they grieve, knowing his faithfulness in serving his Master and Saviour to the end. Ask that the Church in Lamzang, Tedim and throughout Chin State will draw faith, encouragement and resolve from Pastor Tuang’s example and grow stronger even as they adjust to another faithful servant being called home. Pray that the military will refrain from targeting Christians as enemies and see God’s people as a force for good in the troubled country of Myanmar.
