Friends of Burma, Inc. (501 (c)(3) non profit organization)

Spring 2012 Newsletter

2012-04-30T13:23:16Z

Spring 2012 Newsletter (Microsoft Word format)

2011 Annual Report

2012-03-26T00:25:23Z

2011 Annual Report

Fall 2011 Newsletter

2011-09-27T00:24:38Z

Fall 2011 Newsletter (Microsoft Word format)

Retired Christian Workers Program

2011-09-26T23:26:23Z

Christian workers in Burma retire with no income. Many do not live long after their retirement because life expectancy is much lower in Burma. For the retired worker there is no social security, no pensions or 401K plans, and recent inflation has wiped out any savings such a person may have managed to collect because in twenty-five years, the kyat went from 6 to a dollar to 900 to a dollar!

Normally, parents depend upon their children to support them in their old age so large families are their pension plans. Older people who have never had children or lost their children do not have this base of support. Though most churches name their ministers Minister Emeritus when they get old and continue to support them, Christians who have worked as evangelists, teachers, administrators, etc. do not have churches to support them.

In response to this situation, Friends of Burma launched a small program called Retired Christian Workers Grant Program to give small grants to those in need. It is administered by Friends of Myanmar Governing Board in Burma. The grants are usually $10 - $15 which is about equal to three months income of some of the recipients. Grants have been given to leaders of these Baptist conventions: Wa, Naga, Mon, Rakhine, Asho Chin, Southern Shan, Karen, Eastern Shan, Akha, Pwo Karen, Northern Shan, Shwe Li, Lisu, MBCU, Kachin, Zomi and Lahu.

Friends of Burma has received some heartwarming letters from recipients. Here are examples:

From Rev. S. M. I am pastor of the Judson Karen Baptist Church. I am now suffering from Nose cancer and taking medicine at home. To go to Neuro specialist and hospital may cost a lot of money...I thank you and FOB so much for sending me Kyats 15,000 (about $15). This amount will help me a lot. Yours in His Service, R. S. M.

D.H.Y. who worked in the Shwe Lee Shan Baptist Mission Convention among the Palaungs. She said the money was a big help to her.

From E. B. T. Retired School teacher and Bible teacher. Pathein, Burma. "I thank God so much for sending me Kyats 15,000 (about $15.)...I am 71 years old. I have served the Lord in No. 5 State High School as an English teacher for over 25 years and at the same time, I used to teach the Bible every morning to the Karen Christian Students...When I need some financial support like this, receiving your love gift had helped me a lot...I am a widow for more than thirty years...I would like to express my sincere thanks to you by my own hand writing, but my right hand was broken and I am very sorry to ask Rev. Honor Nyo to write this for me."

From E. M. wife of S. M.. Rev. Honor Nyo...brought some of your love and concern gift for Rev. S. M. I can't express how much to thank you because you still remember us. S. M. can't sit or stand up by himself. Diabetes destroyed both his eye sight too. Thank God although he was weak in physical health, he still had strong will and attended Sunday noon service every week. Sometimes he even gave benediction.

From T. L. H. pastor of the Tha Byay Chaung Baptist Church. I have received Kyats 10,000...I have got stroke due to diapatis (diabetes) since September. I can't walk and work but with God's grace I can speak and have sound mind. So may I thanks a lot for your gift and wish God reward you with abundant blessing.

L. S. S. 87 years old Kachin woman. She is shown here with her Bible and merit medals she has earned.

From a Kachin pastor: I have served 50 years. Now I am 87 years old. I received 10,000 kyats from Rev. P.N.T. Thank you very much. Amen. Senior Pastor L. S. Bhamo.

Another recipient wrote: "I was so happy to get the grant. Now I can again help two old widows."

One American retired donor gave his entire annual bonus check from Minister and Missionaries Retirement Fund to help Retired Christian Workers in Burma. He felt so blessed by his financial position in his retirement that he wanted to share with those less fortunate.

Best Students Program

2011-08-28T00:26:17Z

In the delta of Burma, there are hundreds of villages.

Typical Village School

Most villages have a Primary School. However if students wants to continue their education and attend Middle School and High School, they will have to live in a larger town or city.

Karen Pastor with his church

The Karen leaders like this village pastor want their young people to have the best education possible but they have very limited resources. So the Baptist leaders have developed two programs. One is where they choose the very brightest and motivated students who scored high on the annual government tests from each of sixty five villages in the Pathein Myaungmya area and bring them to Pathein where they live in a hostel so they can attend Middle School (6th, 7th & 8th Grade) and later, High School (9th, 10th. & 11th Grade).

The other program is where they take the brightest and best from each of their thirty five mission fields--one from each field. Both groups are under the watch care of the Pathein Myaungmya Sgaw Karen Baptist Association. Members of the Baptist churches tutor these youth to help them overcome their weak Primary School education.

Families contribute most of the cost of this program. For Middle school students the cost is 280,000 kyats ($400) and six baskets of rice. However the three Kwe Lwe Orphanage students and some Nargis Hurricane survivors need full scholarships. One student comes from the Myo mission field.

They have created large rooms with desks for them to study in because the hostels have limited study areas.

At the end of the 11th Grade (10th Standard) they take a national matriculation test. Nationwide only 14% pass this test the first time. But these chosen youth from villages and mission fields achieve an astonishing 80% pass rate according to the Baptist Association statistics.

The total cost of sponsoring one of these bright students is $50 per year which is used to help students whose family can not quite cover their total costs.

The Baptist leaders would like to expand this program when money and space become available. Also many want to go on to university if scholarships can be found for them.

Here are two students who need support:

Naw Pale' Htoo. Grade 10. Born 1/1/1997. (Often Karens do not know their date of birth so list January 1st.) Her parents died when she was very young and she was raised by her grandparents who are now 77 and 76. It is hard for them to support her now. She promises to do her very best and wants to be a teacher (lecturer). Her recommendation reads: "Naw Pale' Htoo is a high flyer. She makes all out attempt in her studying. In 2011 academic year she stands first in June and July tests. So she deserves to get supporting because she is very clever." "Very Clever is the Karen way of saying "bright and hard working."

Saw Kyaw Zin Aung. Born 6/5/93. Attending Technological University. His parents are farmers but after Cyclone Nargis, both become weak and unhealthy and cannot work anymore. So he needs help. His recommendation reads, "Saw Kyaw Zin Aung is ambitious and he is hard working. In 2011 he pass the Matriculation Exam with 2 distinctions--Biology and Math.

Pathein University Christian Fellowship

2011-07-24T19:21:42Z

Established in 1958, Pathein University Christian Fellowship (UCF) is located in Pathein, Ayeyawady Region in Myanmar. Pathein, in the western part of the delta, is the capital of Ayeyawady Division and students from the entire region attend Pathein University. Although majority of the students are Buddhists, Christian students also attend the university. Pathein UCF offers fellowship opportunities as well as spiritual nourishment for the students who are far from home.

There is a regular worship service at UCF Chapel Hall every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Pathein UCF Chapel

UCF students worship and have fellowship with Churches in Pathein and take part in youth worship sessions. They also worship and have fellowship every month with other Christian organizations in Pathein.
The worship and prayer meetings of the Campus Christian family draw them closer together as well as closer to their Creator. Their Christmas and New Year programs make the season brighter and merrier.
They conduct a University Senior Friends Gathering Program every year resulting in fond memories.

Pathein UCF Senior Friends Gathering and Senior Friends

They participate enthusiastically in National Level UCF Programs and activities which provide ideas to create fellowship with one another and to serve communities in need.
They also conduct ecumenical training for the Pathein, Maubin and Henzada UCFs in the Ayeyawady Region
They conduct the freshmen welcome and farewell for final year students.

The special programs organized by Pathein UCF students include:

Celebrating Christmas and giving Christmas presents to the children between 4-14 years who live in the ward.
Conducting a UCF Fun Fare every year for fund raising.
Participating in World University Students Prayer Day in a Pathein Interdenominational service.
Launching Campaign every year in rural villages during the Thingyan water Festival to motivate children's interest in higher education.
Going to UCF mission field, Kywe Wa Gone every year to celebrate Christmas, give Christmas presents and treat ill persons.

Pathein UCF Mission Field: Kywe Wa Gone Village

The Pathein UCF center serves poor students from rural areas who study at Pathein University. The EC members (pictured below) work hard to keep the facility going and be a home away from home for the students.

Current Pathein UCF EC members

There are (13) female and (13) male Christian students who stay at the Pathein UCF Center this academic year. The students meet for devotions nightly at 8:00 p.m. Thramu Thant Zin Oo is the UCF Pastor at present.

The fifty year-old residence for women needs major renovation or needs to be replaced.

Pathein UCF women dormitory

The students thank all who are supporting Pathein UCF through Friends of Burma.

Naw Paw Wah Doh Nursery Schools Project

2011-07-01T22:10:24Z

Naw Paw Wah in center with American visitor and her nephew

Naw Paw Wah Doh has dedicated her life to the development of nursery schools in the Shwe Gyin area. Her program is called Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

She holds seven different training sessions during the year. One is for leaders of churches and villagers who want a nursery school. The second is one month training for those who want to be nursery school teachers. The third type is for parents so they can be supportive of the ECCD program. The fourth type is for Advocacy training for all villagers. The fifth is Management Committee so they understand their role and work.

The sixth is toy making. And the last is Refresher course for ECCD teachers who have been teaching to help them evaluate their work and improve their schools.

Graduates of her classes have established 75 Early Childhood Care and Development Schools.

Some schools require uniforms such as these blue and white ones. The Primary schools these children will eventually attend require white and green uniforms.

But some schools do not require uniforms because their parents cannot afford them.

The idea behind nursery schools is to give mental stimulation at an early age. Many educators feel a child's attitude towards education and learning is well established before Primary School so it is very important young children receive the proper training.

It is important to learn rules, how to play together, take turns and cooperate.

Every nursery school has a "Pretend Corner" where they play games of pretending to be parents and learn to cooperate and work together.

Even a tub of water can be an interesting learning experience.

Big muscles need to be developed and strengthened.

Balance and perseverance can also be learned on outdoor equipment.

Simple outside toys such as a slide or teeter totter are just fun and healthy.

Christmas time is a time of celebration for the nursery school children. It is also a time to interpret the Christian message to non Christians and include both younger and older siblings in the festival.

The children reenact the nativity scene complete with Mary and Joseph, shepherds, wise men and angels.

Such nursery schools need equipment and there is very little available for purchase even if they had the money. Therefore she has training sessions on how to make educational toys out of materials that are available.

The graduates of these toy making sessions are justifiably proud of what they have learned to make. Now each learner will use the toys they made in their nursery school.

She also teaches nursery school personnel how to make outdoor equipment that will develop motor skills and big muscles.

Graduation at any level is a serious event in Burma and graduates of nursery school are dressed in gowns for a formal graduation ceremony.

Graduation is a festive time attended by parents, siblings and friends.

The future of Burma is in its children. But they must be taught and trained for it.

Sakhantha Training School

2011-06-25T12:01:13Z

Sakhantha Training School--located in Insein, a suburb of Rangoon--trains mostly young women in maternity and child development.

In 2009, 48 students, 47 women and one man, are pursuing their studies. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have passed 9th standard in government schools.

Students enroll from all over Burma--eighteen are from Rangoon, ten from Pegu, twelve from Irrawaddy Division (West Delta of Burma), two from northern Shan State, two from southern Shan state, one from Mandalay and one from Karen state.

The six months course includes lectures; one month is at the Karen Baptist Convention Clinic, one month practicing home care and one month of exams. Once a week students gain first-hand experience working under a volunteer doctor at a free clinic. Instruction is in Burmese (Myanmar) language.

Students are applying their new skills in a village setting.

The cost of the training is 90,000 kyats (about$110). Families and villages sponsor some of the students. Most return to their village; others work as Nurse's Aids.

Some years, when someone has made a special, designated donation, the graduates are given the book, Where There Is No Doctor. Once they were also given the book, Where There Is No Dentist. Both books have proven very useful for village health workers in isolated villages.

This school also offers 3 months training to graduates of Karen Baptist Theological Seminary and 3 months training to evangelists. Both groups often serve in areas with minimal health care services.

Robertson Bwa Presenting "Where There Is No Doctor" book to graduates.

The Wish List of the school is:

1. To give each graduate both "Where There Is No..." books at $4 each. 160 of each book are needed each year. ($4.00 each)

2. Another oxygen tank at 200,000 kyats ($242.00)

3. Foot operated suction pump at 100,000 kyats ($121.00)

4. Money to expand their pharmacy--300,000 kyats. ($363.00)

Two Students at Sak Han Tha Maternal and Child Development School.

Naw Sha Khu Paw

She is from the village of Aung Naing Gone in the delta. It had 274 houses and therefore about 1,370 persons. All are Christian. When Cyclone (Hurricane) Nargis hit, the villagers ran to high ground but still 13 died. The village and church were destroyed.

She took part in rescue operations and saw many sick and injured and wanted to help them. Her desire, plus the loss of the village midwife in the storm leaving no one to help village women in childbirth, made her decide to get Health Worker Training at Sakhantha Training School.

Her family and some members of the village paid her fees for the school. She was able to stay with a professor at Karen Baptist Theological Seminary in exchange for doing house work.

She has found the training at Sakhantha to be very useful. The cost of the school is 90,000 kyats--about $109. It is a six month program with three months of lectures, one month at the Karen Baptist Convention Clinic (Hospital), one month of home health care, and one month of exams.

She is from the Sgaw Karen ethnic group.

Yes San Lone

She is from Nan Fas Ling village of 538 houses or about 2384 persons. It has a primary school with 3 teachers. Yes San Lone has an adopted brother.

Her uncle brought her to Sanhantha Training school. Her father is a teacher and the village promises to support her when she returns to her village.

Yes San Lone is Christian and is from the Wa ethnic group.

Translation of Where There Is No Dentist

2011-06-18T13:44:14Z

One of the students who took a business class with Neil Sowards in 2004, Naw Tha Wah, later contacted him with an idea. She had graduated and started working in Pathein, in the west part of the delta. She wanted to do a translation of the book, Where There Is No Dentist, into Sgaw Karen. Neil suggested that a Burmese translation would be helpful to more people because the language is more widely used in Burma than Sgaw Karen. He offered the support of Friends of Burma (FOB). She found a translator and formed a committee of dental professionals who oversaw the translation. She even organized a Christian Dental Care Association.

Then came Hurricane Nargis. The disaster changed the focus of everyone including the committee members who were helping survivors for almost two years. The primary translator died unexpectedly. In the end, the translation was abridged, leaving out some chapters which dental professionals felt instructed villagers to do procedures which should only be done by dentists. The overseeing dentists feared that the government might prevent publication of the unabridged book. Knowing an abridged book was better than no book, FOB agreed. Neil authorized printing 2,000 copies.

Rev. Greeta Din presenting a copy of the book to a Christian Dental Care Committee Member with Naw Tha Wah looking on.

On March 6, 2010, at a dedication service attended by 50 persons, Dr. Greeta Din of the KBC delivered the message and Thramu Magnolia gave the consecration prayer at the Christian Dental Care office.

The total cost of the translation, dedication, printing, etc. was 2,240,000 kyats--roughly $2,240. 1,150 copies have been distributed and 686 remain on hand. They are being given to Village Health Workers, villagers, and church leaders. One copy will go to the original writer in Canada who gave permission to translate his work.

Word has spread about this book so many want a copy. If you want to help a whole village by giving a health worker this book, the cost for preparing and delivering it is $4.00.

We celebrate the fact that as a small organization. FOB, Inc. has the ability to be flexible and act when there is opportunity and people who want to do a significant project.

Participants of dedication enjoying refreshments afterwards. Such dedications are very necessary in Burmese culture.

Tha Wah presenting Dentist book to Village Health Workers Student.

Eye Glasses Program

2011-06-11T23:40:11Z

Faculty and a students being tested for eyeglasses.

Burmese eye testing chart. In Burma the letters of ba, ga, nga, and yaycha are used to test eyesight.

Years ago Neil Sowards was visiting the Shan State Bible School and the students sang for him. He noticed a number of them were squinting as they read their music. Then he realized that not one of them was wearing glasses. It seemed unusual for there to be forty students and none needed glasses. Later he learned that a good number needed glasses but they cost $12 for an examination and prescription eyeglasses. That was about what a student could earn in one month. They simply could not afford them.

So he started a program to pay for examinations and eyeglasses for those students and faculty that needed them. Many students suspected they needed glasses but had never had their eyes tested because they could not afford glasses if the testing indicated they needed them.

These young people are eager to get their glasses. For many it is the first glasses they have owned.

Friends of Burma has received some heartwarming thank you letters. One said, "Now I can read as long as I want without tears coming to my eyes."

In 2010 40 students and staff received glasses at MIT. Also forty at Karen Baptist Theological Seminary and twenty at Shwe Gyin Bible School. There were times when more students' testing indicated they needed glasses but we were only able to give glasses to those with the greatest needs. Every recipient got 15,000 kyats (about $17.50 each).

25 Students at Myanmar Institute of Theology who received glasses in 2009.

45 students at Karen Baptist Theological Seminary who received glasses in 2009.

10 students and faculty at Hpu Mya San Bible School at Pathein 2006.

This program has proven to be quite successful and as other schools heard about it, they wanted it for their students. If you appreciate what your glasses do for you, perhaps you might want to donate $17 so a student can have glasses. The cost for a whole school varies from $170 to $765.

The following is a letter from one of the students. Click on the image to read in a bigger resolution.

Domestic Skills School in Pathein

2011-06-05T00:18:40Z

Village girls come to this school to learn domestic skills such as weaving, sewing, and making clothes and bags. The goal is to give them skills so they can earn money.

A lot of the weaving in Burma is still done on hand looms. Many of the ethnic costumes are still made by hand on a simple loom.

The school has 20 students for a two year course. The director of the schools teaches the students the skills they need.

Using a machine made from bicycle parts, this student is winding thread on to a spindle which is then used on a weaving machine.

The students also learn to use a sewing machine and make ethnic clothes for various ethnic groups.

This student is using a manual knitting machine given by an American Sunday School class.

Since the municipal power is unreliable, candles are essential. Candle making is proving to be a valuable cottage industry.

Wish List.

1. They need a small generator which costs $225. Some places only get 4 hours of electricity in a 24 hour period.

2010 Tax Report

2011-04-11T16:52:19Z

2010 Tax Report can be viewed now.

Orphans

2011-03-01T21:30:28Z

The Orphan's Song from Jim Tompkins on Vimeo.

2010 Annual Report

2011-02-17T14:17:25Z

2010 Annual Report

Orphanage in Burma

2010-11-08T22:12:37Z

This is a short video on the childcare system set up by the Baptists in Burma. This seems to be an actual victim of the Nargis cyclone, where thousands of people died. This is an emotional moment, leaving grandmother, and going into the orphanage.

You can help. For $240/year, you can support one of the orphanages that have been set up. The video is not professionally done and it has minor English grammatical mistakes.