According to a confidential report received by Christian Aid, the Shan State Army (SSA) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) were in a major conflict the third week of June in an area 30 km. from Maesai. In addition, secular news services said Thailand armed forces attacked the UWSA on Myanmar territory last month. In May Reuters cited "Jane's Defence Weekly" as saying that the UWSA had some 20,000 troops and an arsenal that included surface-to-air missiles.

Such conflicts cause chaos and breakdowns in what minimal communications may exist, and campaigning armies confiscate or at least interrupt the local food harvests and other business enterprises, forcing additional hardship on the residents.

"The inhabitants along the border will be forced to carry ammunition for one army or the other," Christian Aid's source said. "Pray for Christian villagers in the area."

In other areas, ministry continues. One ministry leader says that many Lisu tribespeople are coming across the border from China to avoid China's restrictive one-child and forced-abortion policies. Short-term Bible training is being offered them, and churches are being planted among them.