23 July 2009

Myanmar’s pioneer school keeps Bible reading a lifestyle

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in once called Burma, now Myanmar, traces its roots to the work of pioneers in the early 20th century. One of these pioneers was Eric B. Hare who was very well known to grade school readers as ‘Mr Rabbit.’ In fact, Eric B Hare established an academy in 1916 where the youths of the then young church in Burma can gain an education that harmoniously develop their physical, mental, social, and spiritual powers. This academy later was named in honor of him—the E.B. Hare Memorial Academy.

The present leadership of Myanmar, also known as the country of the golden pagodas, wanted to keep the fire of faith burning in the hearts of the church members by initiating programs that bring them back to the Bible.

Such obsession of the school leadership brings about a strong program of the four-fold development with strong emphasis on faith as a foundation for wholesome lifestyle of every church member. And one of the ways to rekindle the love of reading the Bible was the Follow the Bible (FTB) exercises that have become a new way of life of the students.

The FTB exercises include regular Bible study, quizzes, conducting Branch Sabbath Schools, and youth to youth friendship activities at nearby villages. As a way of life of the faculty and students, such programs have been producing good results. Last school year 2008-2009, 18 of the students were baptized to the Adventist Church.

In retrospect, the E.B. Hare Academy was first established in Ohn-Daw, Kamaaung, Papon Township, but in 1997 it was moved to its present site at Yay-Bu, Hlaibe Bwe Township, about 24 miles away from the capital city of the Kayin State, Hpaan.

E.B. Hare was also known for his love of missions. His feats for the Lord in this foreign land were recorded in his book entitled “Jungle Flower.” It was in this publication that E.B. Hare Academy became known around the world as he penned what the pioneer missionaries had done in Burma.

The Academy has done through the years what was envisioned to do. It has produced several missionary workers in the country, Pastor Kalee Paw, the first national president for the Church in Burma, being one of them.

Today, the Academy has 293 students from various parts of Kayin and Mon states. Of this number 108 come from non-Adventist homes and are potential members of God’s community of Adventist believers in this part of the globe.

“Even if we do not have a chapel to congregate in every Sabbath to learn of the Scriptures, our learning exercises take us to understanding and knowing Jesus more and more,” students said. And a non-Adventist student expressed his impression, “I like to know more of Jesus, this way.”

And at morning and evening devotional sessions, the hostel residents follow the FTB readings regularly. “I am very proud to be a part of this prestigious Academy for His services and through these activities I feel my ministry is well deserved,” John David, Boys’ hostel dean, said.

“We are so proud to be a part of an institution that is rooted in God’s word as we continue to produce leaders to serve the needs of the church,’ concluded Cally Thein, academy principal.