A Snapshot of the Thailand / Burma Border
There has been an ongoing civil war in Burma (Myanmar) since the end of WW2. It is the longest running civil war in the world. The fighting began shortly after Burma regained independence after the Japanese occupation of World War II. There are multiple ethnic minority people groups in Burma, with the largest being the Karen, of which there is an estimated 7,000,000 in Burma.
The Burmese government officials have brought the strength of it’s military against the citizens within it’s borders. They have attacked the Karen, Shan, Kachin and other people groups with artillery, fighter jets, mortars, landmines and soldiers. They raid mountain villages and kill, rape, and enslave the villagers. They burn both homes and crops, and destroy the villager’s livestock, property and way of life. Many victims must flee into the jungle to escape the attacks. They live as IDP’s, Internally Displaced Person’s. NATO has set up refugee camps on the Thailand/Burma border which house many villagers. Unfortunately, this temporary solution has now been housing people for decades. Children who have been raised in the refugee camps are now raising their children there. Needless to say, the living conditions are poor. They live behind barbwire fences, as they are not citizens of Thailand. The medical, educational and living conditions are poor. NATO has attempted to solve the overcrowded conditions by resettling the villagers in other countries, including America. This has created it’s own set of problems, as mountain villagers accustom to living in the jungle, are suddenly transported to an inner-city apartment complex and dropped off. They do not understand the language, they have never been exposed to gas stoves and other “conveniences”. They have no jobs and they are easy prey for gangs.
The Burmese government officials have brought the strength of it’s military against the citizens within it’s borders. They have attacked the Karen, Shan, Kachin and other people groups with artillery, fighter jets, mortars, landmines and soldiers. They raid mountain villages and kill, rape, and enslave the villagers. They burn both homes and crops, and destroy the villager’s livestock, property and way of life. Many victims must flee into the jungle to escape the attacks. They live as IDP’s, Internally Displaced Person’s. NATO has set up refugee camps on the Thailand/Burma border which house many villagers. Unfortunately, this temporary solution has now been housing people for decades. Children who have been raised in the refugee camps are now raising their children there. Needless to say, the living conditions are poor. They live behind barbwire fences, as they are not citizens of Thailand. The medical, educational and living conditions are poor. NATO has attempted to solve the overcrowded conditions by resettling the villagers in other countries, including America. This has created it’s own set of problems, as mountain villagers accustom to living in the jungle, are suddenly transported to an inner-city apartment complex and dropped off. They do not understand the language, they have never been exposed to gas stoves and other “conveniences”. They have no jobs and they are easy prey for gangs.
Psalm 82:3-4
"Defend the poor and fatherless; Do Justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked."
Ministry Vision
Some people ask questions like, “Why are you ministering along the Thai/Burma border?” or “There are a lot of needs in the world, so why there?” or “ Why the Karen people?” The answer we give them is that the Lord has given us these Bible verses to live out for the people oppressed by the Burmese government.
"The Lord rebuked the nation of Israel for not doing these very things: 'The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost….'”
Ezekiel 34:4; NKJV
"The Lord rebuked the nation of Israel for not doing these very things: 'The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost….'”
Ezekiel 34:4; NKJV
Outreach Overview
Calvary Chapel of St. George is active in the Thailand Burma area. Currently there are long term missionaries there that are showing the people the love of Jesus. Sharon Porterfield, Dorothy Kahn, Michelle Wilson, Pastor Edmond, and the Free Burma Rangers all strive to minister to the Thai and Burmese people as they are led by the Lord. You can view more information on each of them by selecting their image below.
Short term missionary outreaches occur on an annual basis. Three dorms filled with children, and the Family Home which is for children with physical disabilities are financially and prayerfully supported by Calvary Chapel of St. George.
Short term missionary outreaches occur on an annual basis. Three dorms filled with children, and the Family Home which is for children with physical disabilities are financially and prayerfully supported by Calvary Chapel of St. George.
