A Shan Who Shares And Cares

When we meet with people who are in need, some of us may think, " What will happen to me if i help this person?" Others may think: "What will happen to him/her if i don't help?"This article is about a man who chooses the second type of question and delivers love & help to those who are in need.

Sai Htwe, a medical doctor from Burma who is currently living in the United States, often travels to Thai-Burma border and China-Burma border to support refugees. Majority of these refugees are from ethnic tribes. They have become victims of human right violations such as rapes,forced relocation, tortures and killings, committed by its own government. Although they have done nothing wrong or against the government, the reason behind all these human right violations is only because of their identities. The fact that they are from minorities is good enough to be forced to relocate according to the  government's ethnic cleansing policy. Sadly enough, most of them are women and children. 

Sai's activities in brief:  

• Volunteer Missionary Medical Doctor. 
• Daily Gospel Radio Broadcasting from FEBC, Philippines, one hour daily in Shan language, since 1989 to present. 
• Producing Gospel in Shan language broadcasting from Thoed Thai Cable TV daily in Thailand.
• Book Written: "History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001"
  "Christian Discipleship in New Testament Perspective" in three languages.
  "New testament in new Shan writing"

Giving blankets and milk powder to women and children.

Being a Shan, one of the minorities in Burma, Sai  can not ignore the sufferings of his people. He uses the teaching of Jesus Christ ( to love others, to help those who are in need of help, to care for the sick and feed the poor) as a motivation in doing these good deeds. I have got a chance to interview Sai as follows:

Could you please briefly explain about your project/ group's activities?
Sai: I have found Shan Missions in 1994. Our main project is to assist the Shan, especially refugee camp in Loi Kaw Wan at Thai-Burma border. The team members of our missions are all volunteers. Our group travel to the refugee camps distributing basic needs to free health care. We donate rice, foods, clothes, water, blankets to elderly, milk powders and note books for children, health education talks at schools, free medical and dental care. 

 Who are the targeted populations?

Sai: Our target groups are refugees of all ages. We have been helping Shan refugees since 2003. We extend our help to Kachin refugees this year. 

The Clinic at Na Nawang Pa Kachin Refugee Camp (photo: Sai Htwe)

Among your activities, which one is your favorite? Why?

Sai: Providing medical service is my favorite. It is the most important service to the sick people, especially as these refugees have no chance of seeing doctor to get proper treatment. I enjoy serving for them. 

What are the challenges?

Sai: There are may challenges but nothing can stop me of helping them. They live in areas with limited access to transportation and i have to walk or use any type of transportation available to reach them. Some areas are dangerous to travel. During my 9 years of services to them, i have overcome all challenges.

The mobile free clinic at a Refugee camp in China

Where did you get the support from (from organization or from individuals’ donation)?

Sai: Well, our group receives support in different forms; physical, material, spiritual and financial. Some of my friends physically join me in my trip.Some generous donors contributed foods and materials. In terms of spiritual, family and churches are praying for us. We all are volunteers and we have to pay for our own trips. At times we also got some financial support from friends and churches to buy medicine and other things we need.

Being a person who gets a chance to witness the differences between a democracy country like the USA and the country ruled by a dictatorship like Burma, what come across your mind first?

Sai: All human beings should enjoy their lives and freedom. In a democratic country like America, people have all rights to enjoy their freedom.But in a dictatorial country like Burma, its citizens have to live under FEAR all the time. They have no freedom at all, no human right and no joy at all. 

You have been to refugee camps many times. Do you think there are some progresses there? If no, what do you think need to be done?

Sai: There have been some improvements in refugee camps. They get some support for education, health care and basic needs to live. However, they still need to know how to survive without outside help. They need to learn how to be self-supported.I believe the most important thing is to have a good management/administrative system there. They need good leadership and administer the camps properly.

 What is your future plan?
Sai:  My future plan is to continue helping those who are in need of help. I will try to make myself available for the service to the poor and needy 24/7.

What is your message to Burmese/ Shans living overseas?

Sai: Whether you are a refugee or a student or a person from any working classe, don't forget your mother land. Try your best to help and maintain the culture. God has created us and the land for us. We have to try our best to bring peace and work for the betterment of our country. 

What is your message to Shans living inside Burma? 

Sai: Always remember you are Shan. Try your best to protect Shan culture and identities from extinction. Speak in Shan language and learn to write in Shan. Unity is very important. Cooperate and unite with each other. Don't forget, our land SHAN STATE is the largest state in Burma and full of natural resources. This is a RICH LAND.

                                                                                    

Provide Health education at a high school

No desk, as long as they have something to put on their books, they are ready to learn.

 Giving milk powders to babies and children at Shan refugee camp. Sharing your blessings to unfortunate and poor people is the most enjoyable act of love. 

Sai Htwe with Shan musical instruments (long drum is a very unique musical instrument for Shan people) 

If you are interested to support, please contact Sai at:  saihtwe@shan-missions.com 

My sincere thanks to Sai Htwe for this interview and photos.

                                                                                        littlevoicefromburma