‘If you have to kill, shoot me!’

You may remember Sister Ann, who made world news when she confronted police targeting young people during the military coup in Myanmar. Here she explains, in her own words, the truth behind the image which captured the attention of the world:

‘The police chased and shot at demonstrators. Most of them were children and teenagers. They were hiding in our clinic. I wanted to save their lives. That’s why I knelt down in front of the police officers. “Don’t shoot the young people,” I begged them. “They’re unarmed. If you have to kill, shoot me.”

Sr Ann belongs to the Sisters of St Francis Xavier and is a trained nurse. Her photograph went viral after she put herself between armed forces and young protesters.

Please help Sr Ann, and so many missionaries like her, who offer help and hope to communities in greatest need>>

Not just once

In fact, Sr Ann actually took similar action on two separate occasions:

‘The first time, on 28 February 2021, police officers ordered me to move out of the way. They said, “If you don’t leave, we’ll shoot you.” But I stayed, and they left.
‘On 8 March 2021, I saw police beating, arresting and shooting young people. I ran into the street, knelt before them, and said, “Please don’t shoot the young people.” They shouted at me, “Go away!” But they stopped shooting.

Tragically, Sr Ann was unable to save everyone. She shares:

‘Two hours later, the military arrived. They shot the young man in the head right in front of me. I was shocked. Two people were shot that day. Many were injured.’

A Missionary of Hope

In the darkest times for her country, Sr Ann’s faith and courage shines like a beacon of hope. She shares:

‘I wanted to save the lives of young people in trouble. I believed that God was using me to save lives. God gives me strength and courage.’

Sr Ann comes from a large family in Myanmar. She remembers her childhood when everyone in her village had to flee from their homes, due to the military driving them out. She recalls leaving everything behind while some of her neighbours were killed and others arrested. She explains:

‘Ever since I was young, whenever I see people wearing uniforms of policemen and soldiers, I’m afraid of them. This is because, they killed the innocent people. They burned the villages.
‘I am always thinking about how I can help the people of Myanmar as much as I can.’

Sr Ann continues to keep her people in her prayers:

‘I hope that with the grace of God, we will soon become a peaceful and happy country. Please help the people of Myanmar who are suffering. Please pray for Myanmar.’

World Mission Sunday

Inspired by their faith and supported by us, missionaries around the world serve communities which are going through times of great need – whether that is from conflict, poverty or environmental disasters – as well as everywhere that the church is new, young or struggling.

Please help Sr Ann, and so many missionaries like her, who offer help and hope to communities in greatest need>>