History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo

Baptist mission among the Shan 86
It was reported in 1959 that Shan Baptist Church, MuSe, has won several converts who
professed Christianity against strong opposition from their Buddhist neighbors. The Church faced a
number of problems with courage and patience. It was reported in 1961 that Primary School in MuSe
had 45 boys, 54 girls, total 99, 2 teacher and 2 classes. Primary School in SeLan had 16 boys, 24 girls,
total 40, 1 teacher and 1 class. Rev. Kham Maung served the Lord in MuSe from 1915 till he passed
away on February 9, 1976 after faithfully serving for 61 years. Second pastor was Saya Nyunt Tha,
third pastor was Saya Maung Htun, son of late Rev. Kham Maung. Saya Maung Htun was a retired
schoolteacher who had no theological training. His request for ordination was turned down by ShweLi
Valley Baptist Mission many time until it was approved when requested by MuSe Baptist Church. 92 He
was ordained in October 1973. Fourth and present pastor is Rev. Shwe Htun who is ordained on May
29, 1983. He is a graduated of MICT.
Fond Memory of Rev. Kham Maung
When I was born he was already the pastor to my parents and their Church. I was baptized by
him on April 13, 1963 at MuSe Shan Baptist Church. He was a real dedicated and hard working pastor I
have ever seen in my life. He was in fact my mentor. I remember seeing him working as blacksmith,
making knife, tools for farming and crossbow for his own financial income to support the family. I used
to go, sit next to him and watched him making knife and cross bow. He worked very hard during
daytime for his earning and went out to visit people house-to-house in the evening, holding a gasoline
lamp in his hand. There was no streetlight, no electricity. He preached almost every Sunday if Saya Ai
Pan or Saya Kham Ye did not come from NamKham in exchange program. He always attended
afternoon CE (Christian Endeavor) youth meeting. He always taught us how to behave in the Church.
He used to sit behind us and gave us warning sound when we started misbehaving.
I was able to interview him in 1975 and recorded his voice on tape without knowing that he
would go to heavenly home a few months later. When he passed away on February 9, 1976 the tape was
played back again and again 24 hours at his funeral service so that thousands of mourner from all over
ShweLi Valley could hear his voice, his story told by himself. I had a wonderful opportunity of giving
him medical service in 1975 when I had just finished my medical training. What a blessing to me!
Those Who Served with Rev. Kham Maung from 1915 to 1976 93
1. Saya Hsaw (D), 2. Saya Hsai (D), 3. Saya San (D), 4. Saya Kam (D), 5. Saya Dae (D),
6. Kyaw Hal (D), 7. Chit Pwai (D), 8. Sam Hla (D), 9. Daw Gyi Khin (D), 10. Daw Am On (D),
11. Sayama Mar Tha, 12. Sayama Rutha, 13. Sayama Saw Pan, 14. Saya Ai Myat (D),
15. Daw Nyunt (D), 16. Sayama Daw Mya Nu, 17. Sayama Daw Kham Young, 18. Kyaw Win,
19. Daw Shwe Sein, 20. Saya Chit Maung (D) 21. Saya David, 22. Sai Mok Kham,
23. Maw Shwe (D), 24. Dr. Ai Lun (D), 25. Sayama Aye Hla (D), 26. Dr. Sai Htwe Maung.
*(D = deceased)
They all were honored during ShweLi Shan Baptist Mission Centenary Celebration in 1993 at MuSe.
Those who served as pastors
Rev. Kham Maung from 1915 to 1976
Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha from 1974 to 1977
Rev. Maung Htun from 1976 to 1988
Rev. Shwe Htun from 1989-
92 As interviewed with Rev. Sai Nyunt Tha on March 3, 2003, ThaCheLeik.
93 ShweLi Valley Shan Baptist Mission Centenary Report 1993