Into the Jungle
In January 2026, I was assigned to travel deep into a remote area of Karen State for a three-month fieldwork mission at Raintree Clinic (RTC), one of Earth Mission’s field sites. Our team’s responsibility was to support the staff and families on the RTC campus and collect information for ongoing projects.
My name is Boris, and I work as a project engineer for Earth Mission based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I call this story “Into the Jungle” because it is not only about work, but also about the culture I learned from the Karen people. As a Chin man from Myanmar, it became a meaningful opportunity to explore a remote Karen community and learn from its people.
Before leaving, I carefully prepared my equipment, including a headlamp, a multitool, a knife, and medicines. Colleagues offered different advice. Some suggested bringing extra supplies, while others said not to worry because the organization already had what we needed. Their advice reminded me that preparation is important, but so is trusting God.
As soon as I entered Karen State, I was amazed by the beauty of God’s creation. The mountains, seas of clouds, streams, flowers, giant trees, and wildlife were breathtaking. Along the way, I even saw a giant elephant. The beauty of the landscape refreshed my spirit and gave me new energy.
After more than eight hours of travel, we finally arrived at RTC around 9:00 p.m. Although I was tired, I felt relieved. It felt like arriving home — a place where I could rest, eat, and sleep peacefully.
The next morning, many people came to welcome me. One thing I immediately appreciated about the Karen people was their respect and kindness. They often greeted me with “Waw Leh A Gay, Thara,” meaning, “Good morning, sir.” These greetings were always accompanied by genuine smiles. Their kindness and hospitality left a lasting impression on me.
The meals at RTC were simple but meaningful. Some days we ate meat, while on other days we had cucumber dishes prepared in Karen style. Regardless of the menu, everyone always offered their best.
Throughout my time at RTC, we worked on construction, maintenance, and renovation projects. I was deeply impressed by the staff. They were hardworking, humble, and always willing to help one another. During my three months there, I never heard people speaking badly about others or assigning blame. Instead, they viewed their work as serving Christ through their different responsibilities.
Before joining Earth Mission, I told my mother that I would be working among the Karen people. Rather than expressing concern, she encouraged me. She reminded me that Karen missionaries were among the first people who came to Chinland to share the Gospel. She said she was proud that I could now help Karen communities in return. Her words filled me with gratitude and thankfulness to God.
One of the biggest challenges during my work was the limited availability of construction materials such as sand, gravel, and timber. At times we became frustrated when projects did not go according to plan. Yet these experiences taught me the importance of trusting God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.”
In February 2026, I participated in the hydroelectric generator project. Although the system was small, generating only about 6.5 to 7 kWh of electricity per day, it provided electricity for Plan B house usage and reduced the need for generators during emergencies.
One memorable experience occurred while we were installing pipeline connections through steep cliff areas. A staff member named Lah Poe advised me not to join because of the risks involved. However, I wanted to experience the work firsthand. Standing among the cliffs, I remembered Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Life at RTC was not only about work. Most evenings, we gathered for worship services where adults, youth, and children participated by singing, reading scripture, and sharing God’s Word.
One worship service remains especially vivid in my memory. An airplane appeared overhead and began circling the campus. The lights were turned off, yet no one left the service. Instead, everyone continued worshipping and praising God. Their faith challenged and inspired me. It reminded me of Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
When I left the jungle after three months, I realized the mission had been about far more than completing projects. It was a journey of faith, patience, and learning to trust God in every circumstance. I returned with a tired body but a stronger faith, a grateful heart, and a deeper appreciation for the Karen people who welcomed me so warmly into their lives.