2023 Goals of the Burma Work Group

By Rev. Dr. Robert D. Cochran

The Baptist Work Group (BWG) exists “…to raise the awareness and interest of congregations in the D.C. Baptist Convention and within the U.S. government in the Baptist work among the varied ethnic peoples (specifically the Chins, the Kachins and the Karens) within the country of Myanmar (Burma), resulting in both increasing spiritual and physical resources focused on that country, its people, and its government and strengthening the spiritual growth of congregations in the D.C. Baptist Convention.” During the past three years of operation, the COVID-12 pandemic and a government coup that began in February 2021 has limited the work of the BWG in Myanmar. Currently, 19 people participate in the BWG, which was established in 2018.

For 2023, the BWG plans to continue development of several of projects. One such project is the development of a Sunday School curriculum for children. This is under development with one year of the curriculum now in service with churches and their children, while other lessons are to be written.

Another project this year is to provide teachers to the Chin Christian Institute of Theology, located in Falam, Chin State, Myanmar. This assistance was planned for early February, but pressure from the government of Myanmar has affected the academic year there. We hope to provide two courses before the end of 2023 through digital connection in coordination with the professors at the Chin Christian Institute. Our third project is to develop among the Baptist congregations a digital system of education for children and youth under the age of 19. A grant proposal is under review for this project, and similar grant proposals are under development. The effort to develop this tool for education will be implemented through the Baptist Conventions of the Chin, the Kachin and the Karens.

In pursuing God’s call to involvement, believers often discover unintended, positive results. For example, several pastors involved with the BWG have become leaders across the United States and within the American Baptist Churches USA. These leaders help coordinate the efforts of congregations of immigrants from Myanmar and other congregations dismayed by the tragedy experienced in Myanmar. DCBC, through these leaders, has assisted American Baptists and Baptists throughout the United States to address these concerns.

The BWG continues its work on these projects as well as to provide prayer support and civic concern for Myanmar and its people. Congregations or individuals within the DCBC interested in the work of the BWG may request additional information. Please coordinate any such requests through the offices of the DCBC (202-265-1526).

Rev. Dr. Robert D. Cochran, former Executive Director/Minister of the D.C. Baptist Convention.