Influence: Tell us about the Burmese population that is immigrating to the United States and the unique struggles they face.
Chin Khai: According to the Burmese American Community Institute, the population of Burmese refugees in the U.S. was 146,037 in July 2015. The majority of those refugees are Christians, while some are Buddhists and Muslims. The Burmese face serious culture shock, having migrated from an undeveloped country. The language barrier, lack of knowledge and skills, communal identity, law and order and different ways of seeing things are just a few of the challenges they face. The government aid for their arrival settlement did not last long. They have a hard time finding jobs. When they are hired, they receive only minimal wages for their labor. Many Burmese cannot afford to buy health insurance, pay funeral expenses, and so on. Children and young people are adjusting and adapting to the culture faster than their parents, so there is a rising social gap within the family itself. 

How are you helping the Burmese population acclimate to U.S. culture?
Most of the questions I’m asked center around buying cars, banking and saving money, buying insurance, etc. In my preaching, I include how to adjust the Burmese way of life to American culture and systems. In our small group meetings, the discussion often turns to cultural concerns the Burmese have. In our ministers’ conferences, we teach financial and health matters along with lessons from the Bible. When I find good articles, I forward them to individuals and groups so they can read and get information.

Today, the vast majority of Burmese Buddhists in America have not been reached with the gospel of Christ. 

You have helped plant over 20 churches specifically for the Burmese population. What has made these church plants successful?
We plant churches where Burmese people are receptive to the Pentecostal message. Ninety percent of the Burmese immigrants I minister to are Christian refugees, which include Pentecostals. They are hungry for the Pentecostal message. We plant a church only where a Burmese worker is available. Fortunately, the workers we recruit were committed ministers before they came to the U.S. However, to obtain a ministry credential in the U.S., they have to pass the exam. I assist them in preparing for the exam and also by connecting them with local district councils. 

I’m indebted to Rev. Malcolm Burleigh and his team at Intercultural Ministries. I’m also indebted to district leaders for their assistance in the credentialing process and for helping to make the Burmese church plants successful.

Please share a challenge you’ve had through this process and how you’ve overcome it.
The requirements for credentialing are written in and for English-speaking people. Furthermore, the credentialing process is very long. We know that America is a mission field today, so it is very important to recruit Burmese leaders to minister to the Burmese-speaking people groups. As a local pastor, I have limited time and support to do this great task. If I have strong financial support, then I can recruit more workers to reach out and minister to more Burmese immigrants.

Today, the vast majority of Burmese Buddhists in America have not been reached with the gospel of Christ. Many of them brought their Buddha statues animated with spirits when they immigrated to this land. It is our responsibility to reach them with the Pentecostal message, which alone can penetrate and liberate their hearts. We need to recruit more Holy Spirit-filled workers.

Chin Khai is a U.S. Missionary Associate through Intercultural Ministries. He coordinates the Burmese works in America, including administering a course to assist Burmese pastors to obtain AG USA credentials.