American Baptist Connections to Burma
Our mission work in Burma can be traced back to nearly 200 years ago. Baptist missionaries, Adoniram and Ann Judson, arrived in Burma in 1813. Baptist work in this Southeast Asian country grew, especially among ethnic minorities in Burma (including the Karen people, from which our refugees come,) who have been persecuted throughout the time Baptists have been in the country. A political change in the government, in the 1960’s, forced missionaries to leave, including American Baptist missionaries. However, American Baptists continue to maintain strong ties with the Myanmar (the new name for Burma,) Baptist Convention, which is over 100 years old. Presently, American Baptists share over $100,000 annually in resources directly in Myanmar for education, development, relief and outreach ministry. American Baptists also provide $100,000 annually in resources and direct services to refugees living in Northern Thailand. More than 500,000 have fled Myanmar for the refugee camps due to years of persecution. Thousands of ethnic Karen and Chin refugees from Burma are now coming to the United States, escaping repression and violence, to find freedom and new life in America. Meanwhile, back in Burma, the army continues to attack unarmed Karen, Karenni, and other villages.
Who are Refugees?
Refugees are individuals or families who seek safety outside their country because of well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or because of political opinions. The family we are sponsoring has spent 10 years in a refugee camp due to the persecution they have experienced.
Mission Lunch
We have many of our church family who minister outside of our church doors. For example, we have volunteers with Community Table, Community Clothes Closet, Habitat, Brigade, and so forth. These volunteers serve in the name of Jesus and make a wonderful difference in our community.
On Sunday, May 18, we are having a Mission Lunch following our worship service to recognize those involved with mission outside of our church doors. We are asking those of you who volunteer in our community to briefly share about your ministry. This is an opportunity for all of us to see and hear the difference our church makes in our community through our members who serve in some way. We’re looking to learn about the various ministries our church family is involved in, the responsibilities of the ministries, the kind of commitment it requires, the way it blesses the volunteers, etc.
The Mission Lunch is for the whole church family. Meat will be provided – please bring a side dish, a salad, or a dessert.
Tree Farm News
Time to get out of your rocking chair! Join us at the Tree Farm for a day of fresh-air; food; and a little bit of muscle workout and some fun!
· Date: Saturday, May 17th
· Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
· Bring: rakes, cleaning supplies, and your energy!
· Reservations are helpful. Email or phone: dmentink@centurytel.net; 920-787-3455. If you plan to camp overnight, contact the Mentinks so power and water would be turned on.
You Know You Are Having A Bad Day When…
· It costs more to fill up your car than it did to buy it.
· You wake up to the soothing sound of running water…and remember that you just bought a
waterbed.
· The bird singing outside your window is a vulture.
· Your income tax refund check bounces.You put both contact lenses in the same eye
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