Flying at 32,000 feet traveling at 565 mph over the Pacific Ocean is not an opportune time to change your mind about a trip. I sat uneasy in my seat, questioning my decision to travel to a country about which I knew very little. Compounding my dilemma was realizing what little I had to offer the mission team. Although a Christian, I am not a regular student of the Bible. In fact, as best as I can recall, I had not been to church for 10 years. The details of my absence are not important; it is enough to state that despite my genuine anger toward God for how my life was progressing, there were no good reasons for such a lengthy separation. There I was, starting my journey, and I was searching for the emergency exit to put a merciful end to my anguish over allowing my emotional reaction to a presentation lead me 10,000 miles away to Burma. I had no talents and had never been on a mission trip. Of what possible value could I be to this team and their cause? What unfolded over the next 15 days changed my life. I had seen many of the same images you have seen on TV of orphaned children or leafed through articles with pictures of desperate faces. On that trip two years ago at age 58, I learned the difference between physical poverty and spiritual starvation. Despite the overwhelming oppression surrounding every facet of their daily lives, I learned much from the people of Burma. I learned what it means to share when you have so little. I learned what it means to be faithful when surrounded by evil. I learned what it means to love when there is so much sorrow. As I reflected upon my trip, I concluded that despite the thousands of miles covered, the longest part of my journey was traveling the distance between my mind and my heart. It is OK to have doubts and have faith at the same time. - Gary
 

My compassion for needy children and a personal invitation from two members of our church motivated me to go to Myanmar in 2006. The children in the orphanages and the adults who care for them stole my heart. I returned in 2007 with a commitment to help facilitate programs that will enable orphanages to work toward financial independence. The need is great and the progress is slow, but we are making a difference. - Don
 

Our Lord instructs us to go into all the world taking his word. Going on five years now I have been involved in missions around the world. I have to say the people of Myanmar are a blessing beyond words. They have such of a love for the Lord, their gentle spirit reflects it with the kindness they show. I just want to continue to do all I can for them they have done so much for me. - Lana
 

My experiences with The Burma Connection have exposed the urgency to be serving Christ in areas around the globe that are often over-looked. Witnessing the spirtual hunger in the hearts of the impoverished Burmese culture and the countless starving orphans compel me to return someday. I'm grateful for The Burma Connection's God-size vision to take the Gospel of hope to Burma. - Jared
 

When I went to Myanmar, I had no idea what to expect. I fell totally in love with the Burmese people. It has been several years since I had the privilege of visiting Myanmar, but I can tell you that the Burmese people are on my heart and in my prayers every single day. A blessing beyond my wildest imagination! - Robbie