Introduction / History

The Rakhine people speak a nonstandard variety of Burmese. They live throughout Rakhine State, Myanmar, mainly in the townships of Sittwe, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk Oo, Kyauk Phyu, Man Aung, Taunggup, and Thandwe. Many other minority people living in Rakhine State and nearby Paletwa Township (Chin State) can also speak Rakhine as their second language. Because of persecution from the Myanmar government, many Rakine people now live as refugees in neighboring Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Myanmar, the Rakhine people are fishermen and agriculturalists. Those who have fled to Bangladesh often live in refugee camps.

The devout, animistic and Buddhist traditions of this people have made them unreceptive to the gospel in the past.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all of the Rakhine people are staunch Buddhists. There is some among them by local evangelists and missionaries from other people groups within Myanmar. Those in Bangladesh are nearly untouched by a gospel presence.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rakhine people in Bangladesh need a safe place to live and raise their families. Their numbers are small in that Muslim country.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Rakhine people in Bangladesh will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Rakhine in Bangladesh.