This year of 2012 provided a “first” for the Akha hill tribe people of northern Thailand as they celebrated a “Jubilee,” the 50^th anniversary of the time that the Gospel of Jesus Christ first came to the Akha in northern Thailand.  In 1962, a young man named Yaju and his wife walked over the border from Burma to Thailand, with nothing but their possessions on their backs. He was a 22-year-old Christian, about to embark on a journey that would change his life forever and impact the lives of many villages and families.  

When Yaju began his journey, the gospel had already been among the Akha in Myanmar/Burma for many years.  IM missionaries, Paul and Elaine Lewis, went to work with the Akha and Lahu of Burma in 1949.  The Akha and Lahu hill tribe people are similar to many other minority groups of Southeast Asia such as the Hmong, Lisu and Karen.  Each group of people has its own language, culture, dress, food and beliefs. The Akha, like so many of these groups, did not have a country of their own, or a written language.

Paul created a script for the Lahu and Akha and then translated the New Testament, dictionary and hymnal for these languages.  It was an amazing accomplishment!  When Paul and Elaine had to leave Burma in 1966, they went to northern Thailand to continue their work.  Paul had already sent portions of the New Testament over from Burma to Thailand to early OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship) missionaries who arrived in 1962 and were reaching out to the 7 or so Akha villages that existed in Thailand at the time.   In those days, truly primitive conditions existed in villages.  They consisted of bamboo huts with grass roofs and no electricity.  Food had to be gathered from the jungle and water had to be carried long distances.  Things have improved greatly among the villages, although some problems and difficult conditions still remain.

One of the most exciting things about our work is that we are working with people who are first generation Christians and many of them are hearing the Bible stories for the first time.  As you would imagine, because they are new Christians they face many of the problems of young Christians just beginning to grow in faith.  What a joy it was for Ruth and me to be able to be part of the week-long celebration where we heard many stories and testimonies of God’s faithfulness to this young church.

The Jubilee celebration was unique for the Akha people.  The theme of the gathering was giving thanks to God for His indescribable gift in Jesus Christ.  About two thousand people gathered for five days to hear stories of the past, important events of their history, and the preaching of the Gospel.  It was a heartwarming experience for all!  They told stories of how the Akha came in greater numbers to Thailand beginning about 50 years ago, seeking a better life away from the difficult conditions in Burma under its military dictatorship.  Over the years, the number of villages has grown to three hundred, with about 75,000 Akha people living in northern Thailand.

The various testimonies heard throughout the week were a powerful reminder to Ruth and me that our work here is built on the foundation of the work of many brothers and sisters in Christ.  One of the early OMF missionaries, Peter Weiss, was shot by a thief in search of money as he traveled by motorcycle on paths between villages.  At the time he had a wife and three children who had to return to Switzerland.  His wife, Ruth, was present and was able to share her very moving story.

Another testimony came from Zauva, an OMF missionary from India, who shared about his work among the Akha for 26 years.  His daughter and son–in-law, Asholi, are now missionaries among the Akha.  Asholi is from Nagaland, and is able to share his faith today because of American Baptist Missionaries who went to Nagaland in the 1800’s to share the good news of the gospel!  We have developed a good friendship as we have worked together on Christian education resources for young people.

Rev. Stanley Murray, the International Ministries Director for Southeast Asia, came from the US and delivered a sermon.  He expressed the desire of American Baptists to see that the Gospel continues to grow among this special people group.

This Jubilee celebration among the Akha was truly a testimony of the triumph of God’s grace and faithfulness. God is good and has been faithful.  Ruth and I felt privileged to be part of this historic event as we joined two thousand brothers and sisters walking in the procession to the worship center for the opening of the celebration!

We are grateful for the support and care we feel from so many people!  Thanks to those who have made it possible for us to serve God among these beautiful people.  Please keep praying for us and for them as we strive to serve God together in the years ahead.   

Blessings,

Chuck