On Saturday, April 28^th, the Kawthoolei Karen Baptist Bible School and College next to the Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand completely burned down.  Rebuilding is to begin the second week of May, but funds are needed to buy bamboo, wood and other building materials and supplies.  The library, computers, chairs, tables, etc. were also destroyed and will need replaced.  The idea is to build a temporary building in the hope that they will be able to rebuild within Karen State inside Burma next year. 

Blooming Night Zan, associated with the school, shares "Many of you will remember the place where you sleep, you eat, you worship, you tell the words of God, the place where more than 300 students gather and study, now was destroyed by fire. The school will reopen in June normally, and the students will be back next month. How could we rebuild this building within a few weeks and receive these student? But God will provide what his children need."

At this time, volunteers teams to help reconstruct are not necessary, however, volunteers continue to be welcomed at the school to help teach English and Biblical Studies.

If you are interested in giving funds to help the school rebuild, you can do so through the American Baptist Churches, contributions are being collected through the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering at http://www.abc-oghs.org/.  Contributions will also be accepted by International Ministries.  Mail your check made payable to International Ministries (Mark Mae La Fire on the memo line) and mail to PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851.

If you are interested in teaching at KKBBSC, or volunteering somewhere else around the world, contact BIMvolunteers@abc-usa.org or call 800-222-3872 ext 2366