| 4 September 2010 |
| Theological education seminar held in refugee camp |
The Mekong Ecumenical Partnership Program (MEPP) and the Bible School at the Mae La Refugee Camp jointly organized the first theological education seminar at the Mae La Refugee Camp in Mae Sot, Thailand.
|
Over 40 participants from eight refugee camps took part in the program.
Mae La Camp is the biggest and the oldest refugee camp along the Thai-Myanmar border. Currently, there are around 50,000 refugees living in small houses made of bamboo and roofs covered with dry leaves. Within the camp are a church, temple and mosque for spiritual service and practice. There are also schools for formal education,
According to Dr Prawate Khid-arn, general secretary of the Christian Confernce of Asia, the purpose of the seminar held on 11-14 May was to provide wider theological perspectives and understanding to church workers and leaders. It was also a time to share experiences and to search for effective ways in doing theology in one's context.
Reverend Huh Chung Jung and Dr. Prawate Khid-arn shared spoke on the theological education in Asia.
Dr. Prawate emphasized the significance of theological education and ecumenical formation that espouse and promote holistic mission of the churches in divided societies in Asia and in the global communities.
“The challenge before us is to do holistic mission as being Church together, to appreciate our different ways of living out God’s mission in our midst and to make the Word of God visible in our daily life,” he said.
Reverend Huh Chung Jung spoke about “Minjung Theology” which the Korean churches strive for being the church of the people, especially the poor and marginalized people.
Ms. Janejinda and Dr. Prawate visited the families in the camp.
One lady shared her experiences: “I came here 28 years ago. At that time, I was younger and healthy. I live here with my daughters, sons, nephew and grandsons." She was quite hospitable and friendly.
“Do you want to go back to your home country?”
“No, I have no idea. I am happy to live here. My health is not good enough to go back. I also don’t know what to do, how to live in my home village which I left behind for a long time”.
Some of the refugees look forward to going back to their home country (Myanmar) whenever peace returns.
|
|
