Burmese in United States

People Name:	Burmese
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	199,000
World Population:	31,959,500
Primary Language:	Burmese
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.30 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Burmese
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Burmese are the political, economic and religious leaders of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. During the 1960s Burmese political refugees began settling in the United States. These were people that had fled the brutal military regime that ruled Myanmar. There have been many waves of immigrants to the U. S. from Myanmar in the last 60 years, but almost all of these people are not ethnic Burmese, also called Bama. For this reason, it is hard to determine whether or not someone from Myanmar is actually Burmese. Sadly, one of the best ways might be to ask if they are Buddhist. The Burmese are almost all Buddhist, and those who have been forced to flee because of political or social unrest are usually Christians or Muslims.

Where Are they Located?

These people live in America's major urban centers with the largest communities being Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas-Ft. Worth, New York City, the SF Bay Area, and Greater Los Angeles.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Burmese in the United States often have their own Buddhist Temples despite their small size. They speak English, and Burmese is a diminishing second language for those who have been in the U. S. for many years.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Burmese have mixed Buddhist beliefs with animistic beliefs. Their animistic beliefs center around inherently evil spirits called nats. The Burmese spend their lives trying to appease the nats. Burmese homes often have altars for the spirits, as well as a statue of Buddha.

What Are Their Needs?

The Burmese Buddhists in the U. S. need someone to show them the way to the perfect, sin-free Savior who offers life to the full to all who call on His name!

Prayer Points

Pray that the Burmese people in the U. S. will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driving by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a disciple making movement among them to begin this decade.