I want to talk about beginnings…about the “first seeds” of getting this website and the 501c3 Seeds of Hope and Healing started. The people who helped to light the fire of my interest in helping people traumatized by the coup in Burma goes back to 2019 and my first trip to Chin State with Rev. Dr. Rollin Van Bik who introduced me to the Chin community and invited me to spend 10 days teaching workshops in pastoral care in the Hakha area of Chin State. I will forever be grateful for this.
There are also a number of people within both the Chin and Karen communities, now living in India or Thailand whose names I will refrain from sharing out of concern for their safety. They have hosted me during my last visit in April, 2024; shared their needs and ideas; and given me honest critique of the Program and the teaching modules. They know who they are and I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Here in the US, Rev Dr Ler Htoo invited me to join him in going to Thailand in April. He is a force of nature and helped me figure out how to make that trip work. He is also a member of our Board. Rev Dr. Robert Cochran, Chair of the Burma Work Group has been an invaluable source information and support. The Burma Work Group also assisted with funding for my April trip. Rev. Dr. Sanno Thuan, who is part of that Work Group is also part of our Board.
Broadneck Baptist Church in Annapolis has been my home church when I am not pastoring elsewhere for almost 20 years and has become a financial supporter of this Program (special thanks to Pastor Abby Thornton-Hailey and to Eloise Ullman). First Baptist Church of Hyattsville, where I am pastor, been a partner on this journey; keeping me always in their prayers and giving me the time to travel. Additionally, the DC Baptist Foundation has been of great assistance.
Special thanks belongs in 3 places:
The “Clearness Committee” of Rev. Maren Tirabassi, Kara Price, Jeremy Foutz, and Carole Price helped me to bring prayerful, loving discernment to bear on both the decision to travel in April and the initial thoughts about beginning Seeds of Hope and Healing. Jeremy Foutz also created the website. His company at Steamwork Group did a wonderful job.
Another member of the Board, and a dear friend, Dr. Michael Martin has been a source of information, ideas, and my go to when I need to process this work with someone who knows this region of SE Asia well.
Finally, my wife Carole Price. Best friend, straight shooter, and keen observer. Her support and her willingness to let me follow this dream is a gift above and beyond.
Why say all this? Just to do my acknowledgements? No, though I believe those are important. But these are the people who have helped to plant and nurture the first seeds. They have helped clear the weeds away, turn the soil, and sometimes supply the seeds. All of them have some ownership in this ministry. I am seriously reminded of when Paul said, “I planted, Apollo watered, but the Lord will reap the harvest.” May it be so here. And may the good done here ripple out in healing for those victims of the junta violence long after all of us are gone.
Shalom, Stephen