History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo

Analysis 209
As reported in August 1867 by Rev. Bixby, “On July 22, Sau Quala baptized for me six
converts, one Geckho, one Saukoo (slave boy), one Dana and three Shan. Two of the Shan are orphan
girls belonging to the family that came out from Moonay (MuongNai) a year ago because they had
heard some of their friends had found the way to heaven and were happy.” 42 In July 1871, “A Shan
was baptized, who gives promise of great usefulness in the mission. He is represented as a highly
intelligent young man who came out from his heathen associations from deliberate convictions of the
truth of Christianity and the necessity of pardon through Christ. He recognized the certainty of trial
and persecution but his heart seemed to be fired to serve God.” 43 In July 1873, “Two young men
recently from the Shan State were converted and Baptized.” 44 In July 1876, “Five Shan girls have been
taught in their own language in connection with Mrs. Eveleth’s girls’ school and by the grace of God
three of the persons baptized by Mr. Eveleth during the year and reported in connection with the
Burman mission are Shan.” 45 In 1910, “Twenty-four baptisms are reported on the MuongNai field;
the largest number for any one-year in the history of the station. Eleven of those baptized were pupils in
the MuongNai School and two were from the school at LoiLem.” 46 In 1910, KengTung, “Many
hundreds are asking for baptism in sections of the field not yet visited. Mr. Antisdel, in his report, states
that several hundred have been baptized in the regions already evangelized.” 47
Rev. Young returned from furlough early in the year and his report covered some ten months of
service. On his journey up to KengTung he held a two-days’ meeting where a large number were
gathered together during which he baptized some twenty-five persons. The total number of baptisms for
the year was 936 and the membership of KengTung was 9,800. (reported in 1911) (They all were not
Shan alone) In the early years of mission work in Shan States there was quick response with baptism.
However not all the reported numbers were Shan converts. Eight Shan baptized within one year and ten
months of Bixby’s labor in Toungoo. It was reported from Eastern Shan State that more than one
thousand baptized within 10 years of mission. All the baptism reported were not be the Shan because
there were many tribes living in Shan States. When it was reported 936 baptism in KengTung in 1911,
most of them would be Wa, Ahka and Lahu tribes because hill tribes respond in mass, even the whole
village. Some requests for water baptism were rejected. The missionaries did not give water baptism
lightly. They interviewed the candidates, tested and kept them under observation for months before
giving them baptism. We don’t know what kind of interview and observation they had done. The first
Shan baptized in Northern Shan State was Kham Maung in 1896 and in Eastern Shan State was Phak
Ka Sai in 1902.
Present
Water Baptism is a sacrament of the Baptist Church. It is also a testimony of faith. It is a
“Happy Day” as we always sing “O Happy Day” at baptism. According to Baptist doctrine no one can
become a member of the Church and allowed to partake the communion without taking water baptism.
The Church use to give the number of membership of the Church as baptized members and nonbaptized
members. Sometimes it is quite difficult for a Shan to be baptized even though he/she has
believed because of certain requirement. Baptist do not give infant water baptism. Children dare not to
take water baptism unless parents agreed. Most of the people baptized in the Church are second
generation Christians who are born from Christian parents.
Shan Churches seldom have pre-baptismal classes or Biblical teaching lessons given to
baptismal candidates prior to baptism. Some people take water baptism without knowing basic
42 53rd Annual Report, August, 1867, American Baptist Missionary Union
43 58th Annual Report, July 1872, American Baptist Missionary Union
44 59th Annual Report, July 1873, American Baptist Missionary Union, By Rev. J.N. Cushing and Wife
45 62nd Annual Report, July 1876, American Baptist Missionary Union, Rev. J.N. Cushing and Wife
46 96th Annual Report, 1910, American Baptist Missionary Union
47 96th Annual Report, 1910, American Baptist Missionary Union