Foxe: Voices of the Martyrsنموونە

U Maung Than (March 2002) 

“You are of our blood, and unless you return to our traditions, I will take back your blood myself!” shouted the uncle of U Maung Than.

When Than decided to leave his family’s traditional religion and become a follower of Christ, he immediately became a marked man by his own family in his homeland of Myanmar. He was soon arrested and imprisoned on exaggerated charges. The military dictatorship used the uncle’s hatred of Than’s faith to sentence him to death.

In March 2002, Maung Maung and Kam Lian Ceu, two Christian friends of Than, came to visit and encourage him, not realizing their friend was in prison. Maung and Kam learned of the seriousness of Than’s case as well as the intense hatred against his faith in Christ. For two days, the men diligently sought permission to visit him in prison but were continually rejected. On the third day, military police in that area finally allowed Maung and Kam to see Than, but they were ordered not to speak to him.

After traveling with Than and the police escort to a wooded area, Maung and Kam were surprised to receive permission to talk with Than. Before they could say anything, Than pleaded with them, “Please go to my area and share the Gospel. This is our responsibility: that the Gospel covers the entire neighboring area. You must be faithful unto death.”

Suddenly one of the police shouted at Than, “You have said too much!” He drew out his pistol and shot Than in the head. The two Christian friends stared in shock and disbelief. The tears began to flow as they stared at the bloodied body of their dear brother in Christ. Than’s friends were sternly warned to recant their Christian faith or the same would happen to them.  

Than’s dying wish was for his friends to be “faithful unto death.” With his sacrifice he proved qualified, on behalf of his Savior, to make such a request.