By Rev. Karyn Carlo PhD, volunteer theological educator serving in Myanmar

Kay-zu tin-ba-deh (phonetic English spelling) means thank you in Burmese. Sa Kote Sa Tar (also phonetic spelling) means thank you in Karen. My vocabulary in both languages is EXTREMELY limited, but these words I know because the deepest thing I feel every day here is gratitude. I give thanks to my gracious hosts for their radical hospitality, in helping me feel welcome and cared for every step along the way. No matter what challenges I face of health, language, “culture shock” and more (and there have been a few!) their tender care for this “foreigner” always brings a smile to my face and helps me see more clearly the kind of deep love God has for each one of us. Every day I also give thanks to God for bringing us together for this extraordinary teaching-learning partnership. I have been profoundly blessed in many ways and I will be unwrapping this special gift for some time to come.

For the past two months, I have been living at the Pwo Karen Theological Seminary in Yangon, Myanmar with a community of faithful Christians whose relationship with the American Baptist Churches dates back to the era of the Judsons. It is humbling to play a small part in this legacy! Soon I will return to the states but, before I go, I want to share some reflections with you.

While here, I have been serving as a guest professor, teaching Introduction to Systematic Theology to the first and second year Master of Divinity students. Together we have explored many of the basic theological questions of the Christian faith such as Who is God?; Who is Jesus Christ?; Who is the Holy Spirit?; What is the Trinity?; Who are we as human beings before God?; What is the Church?; How are we saved? and What will happen in the end? We have also talked about many Baptist distinctives such as scriptural authority, local church autonomy, the associational principle, soul freedom, the Priesthood of all Believers, the ordinances and more. While these may be familiar concepts to many of us, they take on new meaning in different cultural contexts. My “students” (really co-learners) have helped me to at least begin to understand what this all means to them in their own unique situation. Finally, since Myanmar is a 90% Buddhist country, we have given lots of prayerful thought to the ways in which Myanmar Christians might talk to their Buddhist neighbors about their beliefs and work together with them to make positive changes in their country.

Honestly, I think I learned more than anyone. What is more, I learned to trust God more deeply. The Spirit is at work, doing extraordinary things throughout the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ is speaking through every language and culture, bringing the good news of healing, hope, justice, and love to all people. We are all called to be part of it.

My friend, Rev. Dr. Soe Thiha, President of the Pwo Karen Theological Seminary, and the entire faculty and staff are VERY welcoming and eager to work with volunteers in many areas. If you feel the Spirit may be leading you to voluntary service in Myanmar, I urge you to give it prayerful thought. Please contact Angela Sudermann. She has been amazingly helpful to me on my journey. I am sure she will help you too. Only the Lord knows where the journey will lead, but I am a witness, it leads to a place of sheer gratitude. Kay-zu tin-ba-deh, Sa Kote Sa Tar, Thank you.