Work

 

Rev. San Doh is a devoted pastor, of the Kayah tribe working in the village of Daw Ta Hay as well as surrounding villages in the region. Daw Ta Hay was relocated by the government, which means the people had to start over again completely, with little government support. Most farmers grow rice, corn, peanuts and sesame, relying on shifting cultivation methods, which are very labor intensive. The area is very remote with little access to education and health services. In order to cure a serious sickness the people have to travel far to see a doctor and a real hospital is almost out of reach. The literacy rate of adults is 30%.

 

In order to improve the situation Rev. San Doh shares the gospel, preaches regularly and teaches his people ways to provide for themselves. He holds sessions in his church for parents about the physical and psychological needs of children drawing groups of 70 or 80 parents from the whole region. Additionally he supports several agricultural projects such as corn cultivation in Daw Ta Hay. Since most of the congregation is poor it is only natural to grow extra crops in a garden or a nearby field. Kitchen gardens and small farms such as these are a necessity of life. “Since I was young,” he explains, “I have been growing jackfruit, coffee, mangos, rice and pepper with my father. My father is a good example for other farmers. He freely shares his knowledge and experience.”

 

Sending Organization

 

The Kayah Hpu Baptist Association is a religious association which was founded in 1983 with the goal of promoting fellowship and spiritual growth within the community. Today the organization consists of 43 churches and about 6000 members. In addition to providing various classes like making handicrafts, food processing and sewing programs the Kayah Hpu Baptist Association takes care of orphan children who lost their parents due to the village relocation. Other development activities are: agricultural training, animal husbandry, income generation programs, and water supply. Some of these projects are supported by UNICEF and World Vision. Their Motto is “To live in harmony with nature and to grow spiritually and physically through God’s will.”