Claiming No Man s Land for Christ
By Esther Louw
Can you imagine not having a safe place for your children to receive an education? On the border between Thailand and Myanmar sits a notorious stretch of land. Among the locals it is known as No Man’s Land. Here, outcasts, criminals, and refugees live in shanty towns along the Moei River. It is a lawless place where beggars roam the streets and violence and drug smuggling are the norm. Men, women, and children are kidnapped for ransom or sold into slavery and trafficked all over Southeast Asia. It is difficult to imagine a more desperate place. Despite these circumstances, there is a school for children from No Man’s Land with a vision to create hope. Naung Bo Den School was started thirteen years ago by local community leaders. Because the students are too poor to pay for tuition, the school relies on support from various sources. Several years ago, the person who was supporting the school was no longer in the position to do so. Although the community is Buddhist, they approached the Adventist church in the nearby city of Mae Sot and asked for help. Prayerfully, the church offered to do what they could, saying, “We will help you if we can operate the school as an Adventist school.” To their surprise, the community leaders agreed. Taking on the Naung Bo Den School was no easy step for the church members in Mae Sot. They were already giving sacrificially to support two other schools in No Man’s Land. It wasn’t clear how they could afford to support a third school. Despite their limitations, Mae Sot Adventist Church members stepped out in faith. That is when Pr. Jimmy Shwe, a former refugee from No Man’s Land, heard about their needs. Pr. Shwe is the Karen Refugee Coordinator for the North American Division. He had already been working to generate support for four other schools in No Man’s Land. Because he used to live there himself, he understands the impact these schools have on the students and their families. Eager to help Naung Bo Den school, Pr. Shwe reached out to ASAP Ministries for support. Through a beautiful partnership with believers in Thailand and the sacrifice and support of ASAP donors, Naung Bo Den School has been able to remain open! The teachers only receive
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“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
