We first knew Samahn as a child in Mae Sariang.His family was one of the first Christians among the Pwo Karen in the area.Samahn's parents were open to sending their son to school, so Samahn came to stay at the student hostel (boarding home) in Mae Sariang where Marcia was involved.Samahn's family had to sacrifice to help send him to school.In addition, Baptists in Sweden and America were helping support the hostel and scholarship program that enabled him to receive an education.As time went on, Samahn completed high school, and with a heart for the Lord and for his Pwo Karen people, he went on to get further Bible training.Now he is helping train evangelists and other church leaders in the Pwo Karen churches.

It is challenging work.The New Testament of the Pwo Karen Bible was only completed in July of 2000 through the efforts of several mission organizations.But the Bible is only of value if it can be read and most Pwo Karen are illiterate.So, the Swedish Baptists and others have been active in helping villagers learn to read their own language.Most leaders in the churches are dedicated, but have only been Christian for a short time, live in remote areas, have little or no education, and are extremely poor.Earlier this year we went on a trip to help dedicate 3 new Pwo Karen churches.No road reached any of the 3 villages and two of the three had no electricity.For one village, it was only the second time in their history that "white" people had come to visit.The remote locations present many challenges to the people.

Samahn is an example of how the Lord works in mission.American Baptists, Swedish Baptists and several other mission organizations have sent missionaries and supported programs that helped Samahn and the Pwo Karen churches.Doors were opened and opportunities were provided for Samahn to come to know the Lord Jesus and to develop his potential.The Karen Baptist Convention based in Chiang Mai is the parent organization of the Pwo Karen churches.In the past they received the same kind of help the Pwo Karen are currently receiving.Now they help give training and advice to Samahn and other Pwo Karen leaders.They also provide fellowship and encouragement for the believers in isolated places.

Samahn and the Pwo Karen are beginning to take on more responsibility.Samahn is still supported in part by the Swedish Baptists but is striving to help the Pwo Karen churches support themselves.American Baptists and others help support the parent Karen Baptist Churches while it likewise, strives to be more fully self-supporting.People and groups from several countries have worked together, linked by the Lord to work in the life of Samahn.He is the product of many people around the world following the Lord's will, filling their purpose helping him change and be the person the Lord would have him to be here in Thailand.

Samahn is not alone.There are thousands of others.The Baptist Churches in Thailand, especially among the tribal groups, are just now enjoying the first generation of leaders that have much formal education.Your support of the World Mission Offering in the past has worked in the life of Samahn and many others.Your support of the World Mission Offering today will work in the lives of countless more.

With the financial difficulties International Ministries is facing, there have been many cuts to the support offered Church leaders and projects in Thailand and around the world.While funding cuts challenge the people and organizations toward more self-support, the down side is that fewer people are reached.International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches has operated with a deficit for the past several years.Last year, across the denomination, $4.2 million was collected for the World Mission Offering.Just to maintain the number of missionaries and support our overseas partners at the current level, an offering of $5.7 million is needed.That is an increase of 36% just to stay even.It is a huge challenge, but with the Lord's help it can be met or exceeded, making a huge difference in the lives of people like Samahn.Thank you for your help.

Yours in Christ,

Duane & Marcia Binkley