Thailand, Part 2, October 16, "Pray for Them"
Truly God has embraced me through the arms of the Thai people. Every step of the way, God is with me. And the journey continues.
We had barely landed on Monday night in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and were driving in the dark to the International Guest House at Payap University when the subject of Burma came up. Chiang Mai is within 100 miles of the border. Rob Collins, a long-term mission worker, now retired but still working full time with the Christian Communications Institute (CCI), spoke of the humanitarian efforts going on in the face of oppression, including work by a group called the Free Burma Rangers, whose activities were recently described by Newsweek. This group trains medical and aid teams, who are working with compassion and at considerable personal risk with the Karen people in Burma. I learned that more than 1 million Karens are classified as internally displaced people. After their villages were burned, and villagers were forcibly removed, many Karens fled to Thailand, where they are now in refugee camps. A 2004 estimate put the number at 142,000 in 8 camps for Karen and Karenni refugees. The number is now expected to be higher.
Later in the day we met a seminary student, who has been involved in humanitarian work for the Karens. "Pray for them," he asked. "That's what they ask for most." This young man had come to Thailand several years ago as a volunteer, found a calling here, and is now enrolled at the McGilvary College of Divinity. He describes the richness of being in classes with students of many different Southeast Asian minority groups and nationalities.
Rob Collins, like several other missionaries we met or had heard of, came to Thailand for a short time that has unfolded into a several decades' long life of service here. Rob came to Thailand in the early '60s, first on a 4-year assignment out of college. He returned to the United States, to Pittsburgh Seminary, then returned, and has lived in Thailand ever since. We didn't meet Rob's wife, Esther Wakefield, because she is one of the PC(USA) mission workers who are currently itinerating in the U.S. as part of Mission Challenge '07. Rob did share with us some of the work that they do together with marvelous drama and dance groups who tell ethical and Christian stories with traditional Thai performing arts.
How did this start, we asked. Rob described how, some 30 years ago, a bus accident occurred outside of a Presbyterian church. Longtime mission worker with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Alan Eubank, went outside of the church and found a young woman had been injured, with a shard of glass in her eye. Eubank and others saw that she was taken to the hospital and given medical care. She lost the sight in her eye, but came to Christian faith. Eventually, her whole family became Christians. They were performers of Likey dramas - traditional melodramas performed by actors in extravagant costumes. Thirty years later, this is a ministry that is flourishing. Over 30,000 students in high schools - 90% of whom are not Christian - see these dramas every year. The group travels, including in the United States. They were last here in April, and have plans to come next spring. For information about performances, contact Rob through his homepage on Mission Connections.
Presbyterians have a long history in Chiang Mai, Thailand's second largest - and a fast-growing - city. In 1889, McGilvary Seminary was begun by missionaries. In the 1920s, Mrs. Cyrus McCormick of Chicago provided funding for the establishment of what is now McCormick Hospital, and a nursing school. The seminary and the nursing school were the foundation for Payap University, that began in 1974. An elementary through high school, Prince Royal's College now has 6,437 students, 89% of whom are Buddhist, 9% Christian, 1% Muslim. All of these institutions are highly regarded, a living legacy to faith and mission and a vibrant Christian witness in Thailand and the region.
We were joined at lunch by Presbyterian mission co-workers Scott Satterfield, Annette George, and newly-arrived Brett and Shelly Faucett. The faith, dedication and witness of each of these missionaries is inspiring. Scott and Annette have been here for many years, and are obviously highly respected by the Thais with whom they work. Brett and Shelly have some harrowing stories about their first weeks here, but are unwavering in their sense of call, and optimistic and positive about their life and work. I'm glad to report that Annapurna, their adorable, unstoppable, blue-eyed, curly-headed four-year old has not only recovered from a frightening dog bite, but was eager to join my husband, Chris (who has an unstoppable fondness for children) petting a rather lazy, mangy dog outside Payap University. Shelly was nervous. To see why, read the Faucetts' letter of September 26, 2007.
Rev. Dr. Pradit Takerngrangsarit, President of Payap University, has dreams that he is bringing to reality in new buildings, institutes, programs and initiatives at Payap University. One is the Institute of Religion and Culture, to which he added "Peace," whose mission is to foster mutual appreciation and cooperation and understanding among the world's different religious communities and to contribute to peace building and reconciliation efforts in Thailand and throughout the world. Presbyterian missionary, John Butt, is a founder and senior advisor to this most important endeavor.
Dr. Pradit proudly showed us the extensive new library, an impressive new law school building complete with wood-paneled moot court room, and the newly-opened International Guest House, all the while emphasizing the importance of the Christian identity and holistic mission of nurturing the body, mind, and spirit of its students.
Even as I vow to come back to Thailand, we now find ourselves traveling on to Shanghai. We thank you for remembering us - and all of our brothers and sisters in Asia - in your prayers.
What an exciting time for your family. Our family enjoyed our 6+ years in Chiang Mai greatly. You have met some great folks. In particular, it seems obvious that you have met Austin. Austin, if you weren't aware, is a product of our own PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer Program. He continues to truly follow his passions. I hope that we can begin to listen more to these folks whose passions have been and continue to be God-honoring in their commitment to Burma. Thanks for taking the time to visit.
Glen Hallead,
PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker
West Africa Regional Liaison
Posted by: Glen Hallead | October 18, 2007 at 05:10 PM