Happy reunion with former colleagues and students, now refugees

What’s it like to have to run from your home to avoid getting captured or killed by Myanmar soldiers attacking your village? What does it feel like to have to take shelter in the jungle with small children, or to sneak illegally into a foreign country as a refugee, with no home, very little resources, no knowledge of the language, and no future? Most of us can't even imagine how hard it would be, yet since 1948, this has been the life of tens of thousands of Karen people, desperately fleeing the ongoing onslaught of the Burmese (Myanmar) military.

Living conditions at one of the better refugee camps

One night in the Mai La refugee camp, a family generously invited us to eat supper with them, at great personal expense. Though we wish we could have hosted them, we could not graciously refuse their hospitality. The man, “Saw Thaw,” graduated from Myanmar Institute of Theology, was gainfully employed, and served as a lay leader in his church just a year ago. Yet, he fled Myanmar for the sake of his children. He left his job, home, and church just to give his daughter and son an opportunity to go to a non-government school and to keep them safe. He did the right thing by them, but now he has no work or income. Nothing to do all day long. No ration card. No prospects for his children once they graduate from school in the camp. When his wife’s meager earnings fall short of their expenses, he must humble himself to ask for rice from her uncle.

Despite smiles and expressions of faith and graciousness, Saw Thaw’s face could not hide his hopelessness and fear. His trust in God was real, but I left with a pit in my stomach. I wanted to do something to rescue him and his family, but I couldn’t do anything. (family photo below)

Among these traumatized, stressed, and deprived refugees are my students. The challenges sometimes feel overwhelming to them, and to me. Yet, they don’t give up. Despite great loss and staggering obstacles, they're doing the best they can. 

We began this Thailand ministry trip by teaching 29 students at Kawthoolei Hope Theological Seminary (KHTS) for a week, while Jill spent several hours teaching the third year students and then leading a chapel service on labyrinth prayer. Next, during the first full week in February, we spent two nights inside the Mae La Refugee Camp, where I taught 63 Bachelor of Theology students and 17 faculty members at Kawthoolei Karen Baptist Bible School and College (KKBBSC). The following week, Saw Newton and I conducted a three day workshop on “Powerful Pedagogy” for 40 students and teachers from various Bible schools from the various refugee camps in the borderlands. In each place, no matter what the topic or context, we were touched by what we experienced.

Tim preaching in the KKBBSC chapel

I still can’t fully grasp how much these refugees have suffered or what it must like for them to have to cope with all their losses and challenges. But at both KHTS and KKBBSC, their love for God and the strength they derive from their faith were palpable. Their wholehearted singing, preaching, fellowship, and camaraderie shouted out resiliency and determination. They could have given in to despair and grief long ago. But they don’t.

Tim's Bachelor of Theology class at KKBBSC

They’re learning and growing. The graduates and leaders are developing their villages, leading ministries, and building schools. Amid so much deprivation and overwhelming challenges, they are trusting God and putting their faith in Jesus into action.  And what a difference it’s making. Such lived-out faith, hope, and love is key to their survival. And to their future.

Thank you for caring about the people from Myanmar and for supporting our in-person and online ministries in Southeast Asia. We can plainly see that God has called us to teach and serve these people, and you are helping to make our work possible through your prayers and financial support. Please accept these words written to Jill and me from the former president of Myanmar Institute of Theology, Dr. Anna May Say Pa, as words of appreciation for you, too. She wrote, “Dear Tim and Jill, heartfelt thanks for your teaching ministry. Your just being there [among the refugees in Thailand] is a source of hope and strength for my people.”   

Indeed, that's been our hope and prayer for our ministry there.

Gratefully, in Christ's service,

President, Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries

Visiting Professor at MIT and KHTS