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Welcome to the Family
Written by Jacquie Pinder
The Karen (pronounced kuh-ren) people are a very special group. Because of the political persecution in Burma (that is still going on today) many were forced to live in refugee camps, just over the border in Thailand. You would think in the despair of such harsh conditions one would lose all hope. However, the opposite happened. In addition to other religions practiced throughout the camp, the Seventh-day Adventist church and its message was established. Adventist academies sprang up and the Karen people thrived on this education. By the time an opportunity came for many to flee, third and fourth generation Adventists were making their way to the United States. They may have been new to this country, but they were all too familiar with the gospel. If you listened to the Eric B. Hare Stories as a child, some of this may sound familiar. Through these tapes, Hare shared the adventures of his missionary work in Burma.
When a group came to the Chapel Hill area a few years ago, Pastor Claude Steen of the Five Oaks church, began ministering to the Karen people and helping to meet their needs. Eventually Jim Schwe, who is Karen, and his wife who is from Thailand, came to help. They currently worship in the Durham Five Oaks church each Sabbath afternoon, where Schwe serves as their pastor. Through prayer and faithful dedication, the Karen people hope to become an organized company in the Carolina Conference. Schwe is also helping to minister and organize groups in High Point, Greensboro, New Bern, Raleigh, Texas, Minnesota, and New York.
When a church family comes together, the gospel mission establishes them as a church and moves them forward, but it is their history that ignites faith and inspiration. It is a testimony to show where God has brought us from. For the Karen group their history is one of severe mistreatment and displacement of their people throughout Burma and Thailand. Yet the group in Chapel Hill is one of many rays of hope. Their struggles and strength created the foundation for God to work as the Cornerstone in the lives of their people.
Photography by Bonnie Davidson
