Serving Christians and Churches
Karen Ministry (USA & International)
Information
The Karen are a wonderful people from the hills & deltas of Burma & Thailand. Because of persecution in Burma, many have been granted resident status in the US & several European countries. Join in helping the Karen integrate into their new cultures.
Members: 17
Latest Activity: May 3
News & Events
------------
Karen Ministry at Agape Baptist Church in Ft Worth, Tx
Karen Ministry at Agape Baptist Church in Ft Worth, Tx. During the summer of 2008 the presence and interaction with the Karen people began revitalizing a traditional hymn-singing church in more ways than we can count. CBF FP just happened to be in Fort Worth when the Karen started coming, and were able to help people understand what was happening. The church has responded beautifully. Church people have taught the older Karen women to quilt, and a carpenter wants to make looms so they can do their traditional weaving. A craft fair was held at the church with over $500 in sells. One lady commented how incredibly grateful she was that God had sent the Karen to Fort Worth. The youth group has doubled in size, with some college kids really reaching out to the Karen teens—taking them to a water park! Of course, the Karen choir is very popular, and now the Sunday AM services often include Karen Bible reading and prayers. When members of the church travel to Thailand they take letters and other things to Karen relatives still in the refugee camps.Mae La Refugee Camp - a "bamboo city" where tens of thousands of refugees await relocation.
Video of a Baptist Karen group singing during a worship service at the Mae La refugee camp, Thailand.
Video of orphans in Mae La refugee camp, Thailand singing.
Comment Wall
Comment
-
Comment by Allen Williams on April 30, 2012 at 3:07am
-
Kowthelei Karen Baptist Bible School and College (Karen Refugee Camp, Mae La, Mae Sot, Thailand) burned.
---
Dear All,
sad news i received today... Kowthelei Karen Baptist Bible School and College (Karen Refugee Camp, Mae La, Mae Sot, Thailand) burned down--everything was turned to ashes... Dr. Simon and his wife were not on campus when it happened. No one was reported hurt. everyone is still groping in the dark... no further information was given...
Saw Alwyn (PBTS alumni and ABGTS student) called me today, he was not able to save anything -- even his books and materials. i do not know how to comfort him... please for God's leading and wisdom for the leaders and teachers that they may receive guidance on what to do next.
shalom!
Nori Dela Paz - Lacquian 19 Tacay Rd., Guisad Valley, 2600 Baguio City Philippines
-
-
Did you read the article about CBF Field Personnel who are ministering among the Karen refugees who are resettling in the United States? You can read the article on-line .Click here to be redirected to the October/November issue.
-
-
The focus of the Binkleys' work is shifting to a training ministry for Karen church leaders. They are working in conjunction with Central Baptist Theological Seminary to launch this education ministry.
-
-
Is it the Karen themselves who have expressed interest in the bi-lingual hymnal? If the Karen are the driving force behind this idea, or if they have embraced the idea I would think that the chances are better for it to be a worthwhile and successful effort.
I like the idea for the sake of the churches also. It might be a good bridge for a "mixed congregation."
-
Comment by Duane Binkley on November 13, 2009 at 8:49am -
Yes, a good article. Resettlement has its effects on both sides of the ocean and the saddest reality is that it doesn't do anything to change the root causes that drove the people from their homes in the first place. We need to keep praying for Burma.
On another matter, some people here in the US have recently started talking about a new Karen hymnal, possibly going to a bi-lingual, Karen/English version. The idea would be to take the current hymnal and maybe add some other songs that are now well known by the Karen that weren't around when the original was made. A bi-lingual version would seem useful for churches having mixed Karen/English speaking congregations and seems particularly interesting to me. Would there be support and interest for such a project?????
-
Comment by Steve and Annette on November 12, 2009 at 7:10pm -
Thanks, Allen for sharing the article from the Bangkok Post. It was excellent and accurate. Our experience is that the fears adults come with to the United States are too often based in reality. Solid relationships with American Christians make all the difference in the lives of Karen refugees. If we can remember that our first task is to meet the spiritual needs of refugees, we will be more successful in seeing all their needs are met. Do justice, love mercifully, walk humbly.
-
-
Here is an article from the Bangkok Post about the Karen refugees that gives some information about what they experience on the Thailand side before leaving. Bangkok Post Karen article.pdf
-
Comment by Duane Binkley on October 21, 2009 at 2:29pm
-
If interested inconnecting with the Karen in KC on the Missouri side, contact the Grace Baptist Church there. They have been involved with the Karen for the past couple years.
-
Comment by Rev. Brittani Bair on October 21, 2009 at 12:27pm -
I'm so amazed at how many places the Karen are arriving, and very encouraged that CBF is continuing to look for ways to help and relate to them. Blessings on the growing ministry possibilities in Missouri!
-
Comment by Jeff Langford on October 20, 2009 at 4:43pm -
CBF of Missouri is exploring some new mission engagement opportunities. Apparently, there is a Karen community in the Kansas City area, and there are a number of good connections between Myanmar/Thailand and KC area ministries and ministers. Anyone want to give me some tips, advice or encouragement as I begin to explore this new possibility?
Groups
-
India Network
7 members
-
Latino Network
18 members
-
North Korea Relief Missi…
2 members
-
Cambodia Network
8 members
-
Triad Ladder of Hope Min…
2 members
© 2012 Created by Lance Wallace.
Powered by 
.
You need to be a member of Karen Ministry (USA & International) to add comments!