There have been many challenges for those in the area served by Karen Border Ministries in northwest Thailand, specifically in Mae La Camp and at Noh Bo Academy. The internal military conflict in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, which began in 2021, sadly continues.

In March 2025, a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar; the effects were far-reaching, yet military attacks persisted. Earlier this year, there was heavy fighting just across the nearby river border, resulting in about 400 people crossing and camping on the church grounds near the school. Though they have been able to return home as conditions calmed, there is still fear of a resurgence.

Numbers that had decreased in the camp before 2021 have now risen, as have applications for school places. These people have had to cope with trauma and sadness, but despite the many difficulties, there have also been sources of encouragement.

• An international team of seven YWAM volunteers worked at the school for 3 weeks in February, which benefited both sides as they grew in cross-cultural friendship and faith in the Lord.

• The kitchen and dining facilities have been improved.

• A staff and students agricultural sustainability initiative has continued with chickens for egg production and crops of coriander, cucumber, morning glory, lady’s finger, eggplant, pumpkin etc to help cut food bills and generate income by selling the surplus locally,

• For school use only, there are fruit trees on the campus yielding guava, coconuts, rose-apple, pomelo, bananas, etc, and pigs are reared throughout the year.

Thank you for your support, and please continue to pray for:

• God’s people to be true faithful witnesses

• Peaceful conflict resolution

• Safety and success for this next academic year 

• Good conditions for the sustainability projects to thrive