Let’s journey to northern Myanmar to see how education and a dedicated Global Mission pioneer are sparking hope among a tribal group known for having a distinct trait: long necks!
The Long Necks
Myanmar is rich in culture, resources, and people. Also known as Burma, Myanmar has a population of almost 54 million, 90% of whom are Buddhist. Some of the hardest to reach people groups here are tribal groups. Let’s journey to the north to see how education and a dedicated Global Mission pioneer are sparking hope among a tribal group called the Kenyan.
“Hello, I am Salai Thein Kyaw Oo, I’m 35 years old , I’m working as GM Pioneer. This place is known as Kone Tha. Most of the people are tribe people, and this tribe is known as the Kenyan.”
Traditional ways of sharing the gospel are rarely effective in these communities. Perhaps that’s why Christ focused on people and their needs first. This is the example Salai follows.
“It is not difficult for me to approach them. I simply make a visitation, a house to house visit to the people, and talk to them. And also make friends with them.”
Salai’s wife Kukupaw has a nursing background. Together, they teach the children of this village and also look after the sick. In an area such as this, education is one of the best ways to introduce Christ’s principles and teachings.
“With the teaching aids that I have, I serve the children. I share with them basic education in this area.”
In the Kenyan tribe, it’s not easy to convince parents to send their children to school because they need their children to help work the fields. After Salai and Kukupaw spend time earning their trust and explaining the benefits of education for their children's future, the parents allow their children to attend school. The couple knew they would need to nurture their relationships with these parents.
“Right now, my wife teaches the preschool. As we render the services to the people, we build their confidence and their trust in us in what we are doing.”
This involves listening to the community’s concerns and being aware of their feelings. Since enrollment costs can be challenging to pay for, the Global Mission pioneer couple make sure education is available for everyone. Parents appreciate this and begin to notice that their children return home with much better attitudes.
Over time, a number of parents have wanted to know more about the power that lies behind this amazing, life-changing school. One such parent was Muo.
“The reason I wanted to become an Adventist is because of the many good things I learned from my children. The Adventist school taught them many good things like the truth of scripture and the love of God. As I learned from my children, I became convinced that I should become an Adventist like them, and now I am.”
Seemingly small but vitally important beginnings like this encourage Salai and other Global Mission pioneers like him to continue their work.
“The only reason I’m here is to share with them the love of God and the truth about God. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts so their hearts will become softer as they come close to us, and as we also approach them with the truth that we know. Thank you so much for supporting us here in Kone Tha village.”
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