Faculty members at Kawthoolei Karen Baptist Bible School and College (KKBBSC)

Mae La Refugee Camp, western Thailand

In the refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, we're teaching and ministering to some of the most mistreated, underprivileged and under-resourced people in the world. When my students share their stories of fleeing from their villages out of fear and tell me about their heartbreaking experiences at the hands of the Burmese military, I sometimes don't know what to say. It's that bad.

At the same time, I am amazed at how resilient and upbeat the refugees often are. With smiles on their faces and genuine joy in their hearts, they prefer to talk about the ways God has blessed and provided for them amid so much loss and hardship. Their faith is vibrant and hopeful. Gaymoo, the Principal of the Mason Baptist Bible School in Tham Hin Refugee Camp, expressed his trust in God this way: "We may be displaced, but we're not misplaced!"

KHTS students, Saw Newton, and Tim on ministry trip inside Umpiem Camp

So, it is with great joy, mingled with sadness and concern, that I’m writing today about my five weeks serving in Thailand this fall. Once again, Saw Newton and I witnessed God’s blessing on our ministries daily. More and more doors keep opening for fruitful service, and God keeps working through us to teach, inspire, and encourage the refugees--just as we had been hoping and praying for.

Kawthoolei Hope Theological Seminary (KHTS) Faculty Workshop on Leadership

Yet, all is not roses. When the refugees felt it was safe enough to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment or getting pat answers, they began to open up with me. And in those precious moments of honesty and deep personal sharing, I caught a glimpse of how wounded so many are and how desperate they are for someone to listen and offer some practical words of love and guidance.

Sadly, such counseling is almost unheard of in the Karen culture, and the refugees rarely talk to each other about their experiences because "everyone is in the same situation" or, as one faculty member believes, "wounded people can't help wounded people." On top of it, there’s a stigma associated with going to counseling, if and when it is available. No one wants to be viewed as "crazy". Furthermore, despite the enormous need, few mental health professionals from the outside reach inside the camps, and good resources are almost non-existent.

Dinner with former students from Myanmar (MIT), now living in Thailand

Most refugees must grapple with their losses and buried pain on their own. Many wear brave faces and cope by drawing on their faith as much as possible. Most truly trust in God for their futures and sincerely desire to lean on Christ for strength and peace. Yet, despite their amazing resiliency and reliance on God, most are nonetheless carrying unimaginable sorrows with no way to unburden themselves.  

Three of my KHTS students on a Sunday afternoon outing me

So when I made myself available to anyone who wanted to talk with a pastor, little by little, they started coming. And once they did, the tears soon started flowing. Some were relieved just by telling their story to someone who would listen attentively. Others wound up confessing sin or sharing deeply personal experiences, which they had never shared with anyone else. I was touched by how desperately they needed to talk and how hungry they were for some word of consolation, wisdom, or encouragement.  

Kawthoolei Hope Theological Seminary (KHTS) faculty and students

Please pray for the 82,000 refugees living in the nine camps in Thailand, along the Thai-Myanmar border, and for the thousands living outside the camp, some legally as migrants and many illegally, who fled to Thailand to escape the murderous Burmese soldiers. You can imagine the long list of material, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs that exist. Pray for encouragement, education resources, protection, and open doors to resettle somewhere safe. Thousands have been promised resettlement in the USA, but with the new administration, there is now widespread fear that the program may be cancelled. 

Pray for me, too, and for our FHLGM leadership team and Board members. We are seeking wisdom and leading from God to know how to best steward our unique gifts and resources well amid so much need in Thailand, Myanmar, and the DRC. Please especially consider participating in our upcoming day of prayer and fasting (Dec. 10) and email to me any insights or promptings that the Holy Spirit might give you as hold up our ministries in prayer.

Thank you for continuing to care about our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in war zones and refugee camps. You support of our ministries is essential to our ability to fulfill our unique calling.

Gratefully, in Christ's service,

President, Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries

Visiting Professor in Myanmar (MIT) and Thailand (KHTS)

or wherever you listen to Podcasts!

Having served in war zones and other troubled places such as Myanmar, Thailand refugee camps, and Eastern Congo, Dr. Tim Geoffrion knows firsthand how important it is to have meaningful answers to tragedies and human suffering—and how to rely on God when there are no answers. What Can We Expect from God Now?—a significantly expanded, second edition of Tim's 2020 book—addresses many of the relevant issues from the teaching of the Bible and his own personal experience.

Order a copy for your own personal use, your family, small group, church, or someone you know and care about who's going through a tough time of questioning God. If you do buy a book(s), please take an extra moment to rate it on Amazon.com by awarding stars. If you're feeling especially inspired, please also post brief review as well. Ratings and reviews are a big help in giving prospective buyers confidence to know that this book might very well change their lives. Thank you.

Words of Praise for the Book

"I do really appreciate your book, your contributions in literature in addition to preaching and teaching. I got [your] book 4 months ago and reconstructed three sermons based on this book. The topics are mostly relevant in our Myanmar context, facing various crises and challenges. Go ahead, write more books! You are specially equipped by God, both for preaching and writing." --Dr. Lal Tin Hre, Former Director of the Association for Theological Education in Myanmar.