ThaBarWa
In
the eyes of visitors and foreigners
A Visit
to the ThaBarWa Center
By Rev.
Corey S. Fields,
Associate
Pastor, First Baptist Church of Topeka
CBTS
and MIT students began our second day of classes with Dr. Marshall this morning.
The class shared in some very edifying discussion based on students’ questions
that stem from our reading. One of the things I have thoroughly enjoyed about
this D.Min program is its concern for the practical; applying sound theological
thought to the realities of ministry. Our discussion this morning was no
different. My colleagues from Myanmar brought up fascinating questions such as
how to discuss the cross with children and how to preach about the Holy Spirit
in animistic cultures that believe in many spirits.
In
the afternoon, in lieu of having a lecture/discussion in our pastoral care
class, we drove 1.5 hours across the Irrawaddy River to visit the ThaBarWa
Center, a place of refuge for orphans, elderly, homeless, and the sick. It was
founded and is run by a Buddhist monk named Sayadaw U. Ottamasara (who was not
present during our visit).
It
is a 70-acre area that houses more than 2200 families. Children receive an
education here and we saw at least 4 large groups of children going through
their daily lesson. There was a striking contrast between the glowing children
who waved at us and the adults lying in huts who look very sick and despondent.
In
the large group dwellings, Buddhist sermons were playing over a loudspeaker for
the people to listen to. Although this place was significantly different from
the place we visited Saturday (especially in terms of cleanliness), I couldn’t
help but remember the many biblical injunctions to care for the orphan and
widow and those who are generally helpless. The people who have come here were
truly in need and had nowhere to go.
Our
Myanmar colleagues have expressed frustration that Christians in Myanmar, being
a small minority, are unable to raise funds for such projects and centers. It
has cultivated my own appreciation for the many resources the churches in America
still have and take for granted.
Thank
you for your interest in our experiences! Please remember in prayer today the
people at the ThaBarWa Center.
Rev.
Corey S. Fields
CBTS D.Min student
Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church of Topeka
CBTS D.Min student
Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church of Topeka
Source
…
http://cbts.edu/a-visit-to-the-thabarwa-center/