When I first started teaching English to Tum Bik Cem from Myanmar

When I first started teaching English to Tum Bik Cem from Myanmar, I looked on Amazon to see if I could find books about his tribe, the Chin people. In our first class, Tum talked about the pioneer Baptist missionaries, Arthur and Laura Carson, who came to his area in 1899. Fortunately, I was able to find this wonderful autobiography of Laura Carson immediately. The book is full of coincidences for me. For example, the Carsons came from Furnas County, Nebraska just over the border from Decatur and Norton Counties in Kansas. I really recommend reading this book for introducing Lindsborg people to Tum’s background. Everything in it happened 100 years ago, but I can tell you

that the names of Arthur and Laura Carson remain fresh in the minds of the Chin people of Myanmar When my family first arrived in the United States 11 years ago, I was a teenager who thought my life would change as soon as I walked in to the American school. I used to think that my family life will be changed completely since we now live in the United States. I used to think that I will forget all the hardships that happened to my family, friends and people in Burma because of the dictatorship government. However, it’s is not easy as it seems. As soon as I walked into the school, new challenges started. I remember I was the only person who stayed in the classroom because I didn’t know it

was lunch time and I missed my lunch that day. I remember I used to run in to the restroom and cry because I did not understand what my teachers said. I am sure I am not the only person who felt like this. There are a lot of parents wondering around to get help for their children’s homework. Some parents will drive around the community to get help with their children homework but come back home without getting help.

And this is still happening in our Burmese Chin Community. Not only for children, there are a lot of Burmese/Chin parents who never become an American citizen just because they do not have people who will help them with English. I want to give them hope and help them the best I can. That is how Hope for Tomorrow became reality. Because of your generous gifts and volunteers, we will be able to continue helping the Burmese/Chin kids and parents that need help. I am so grateful to all of you and we are so blessed to be

the recipients of your Lenten almsgiving Project. To change the world, you do not need to be a millionaire or Hollywood star. You just need to start with yourself, your family and your community. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of hundreds of Burmese/Chin refugees in Indianapolis! Let’s keep fighting for the people who can not fight for themselves. Let’s keep giving hope for the people who do not have hope. Thank you and May God bless you all.