The weather was hot but very welcome considering the winter most of the board members had experienced. Fourteen of the Fifteen executive committee members met at West Dunlap Baptist Church to discuss and approve projects in Burma (Myanmar). ALL of these men and women volunteer their time. ALL pay their own way and expenses to attend this meeting. 
Newly elected President (he actually founded FOB in 1985), Dr. Neil Sowards reported that FOB has become a major if not the largest US contributor towards Missions projects in Burma. 2007 saw over half a million dollars go to support such causes as orphans and orphanages, Seminary education, Evangelistic efforts, Building projects, Medical Clinics, Pastoral Support and even humanitarian causes such as eyeglasses and retired Pastor’s support. What makes these efforts so critical is that a system of Social Security, Medical Care, Government Funded Social Care is non-existent in Burma. The average wage ranges from $100 to $140 PER YEAR! Inflation is running rampant due to the poor economic policies of the military government. Burma is a country isolated from the world, yet the 2,000,000 or so Christians in a predominantly Buddhist country are determined to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. Friends of Burma is actively supporting Christ-Honoring projects for the Burmese Christians who are predominantly Baptist due to the efforts of Adoniram Judson 200 years ago.
Several projects were discussed and monies allocated, but there is so much more that needs to be done. One project which saw MATCHING funds approved (FOB encourages the Burmese to raise as much local funding as they can) is the vision of Pastor Karry Htoo, pictured on the left along with some of his staff. Pastor Htoo is a one of the visionary leaders that FOB partners with in reaching the lost of Burma. He is
the Senior Pastor of Karen Baptist Church in Taunggyi. The church has 370 members and is committed to evangelism. They are reaching out to two rural, remote villages for the cause of Christ. Mine-Shu and Ku-Pyin are villages of poor farmers. Medical care is non-existent, and education is only offered through the fifth grade. Along with starting Baptist Churches in the villages, members from Karen Baptist Church who are medically trained go up regularly to offer medical care. They have also hired two Seminary graduates to assist with teaching the students. They have discovered many bright, intelligent students who are desiring high school education. However, the parents are unable to send their children away to the schools that they need.
Pastor Htoo’s vision, which has already begun, is to build a Youth Boarding House to provide housing for these
bright students to allow them to attend the local schools in Taunggyi. His hope is that as they grow in Christ, as well in education, they will make better equipped evangelists for Jesus Christ. Many will return home and win others to Christ. Many will go on to Seminary to become teachers and Pastors. The cost of this building including the first year of support and expenses for the boarding master and students is under $40,000. Such a pittance when compared with what US churches spend on sound systems alone. This building will enable and empower Pastor Htoo’s vision to reach the lost for Jesus Christ. If Burma has a hope, it is in Jesus Christ. Friends of Burma needs people who will partner with Pastor Htoo and other Men of God in reaching this forgotten country for Jesus Christ.
Remember - 100% of your money goes toward these worthy projects. All administration is done by volunteers.
