As a steward

From Left to Right: Suan, Konrad Raiser & Samuel Kobia

Meet Hau Sian Suan, steward at the WCC Central Committee

Name: Hau Sian Suan

Country: Myanmar

Church: Lawibual Baptist Church

Function: president of the Youth Department

Participating as: steward

Age: 27

First ecumenical encounter: this one.

The role of church in situations of conflict: To build up the community in the country and the church. We do missionary work in our own tribe but to send missionaries to other tribes in the country. Baptist leaders try to engage Myanmar leadership in conversation about the country but it’s very difficult. I was a student at the time of the demonstrations led by Buddhist monks and we students participated in that movement.

Environmental issues central to our church, particularly deforestation, which has had terrible effects on our climate. Through councils of churches, we can cooperate, for instance to create central cooking places which reduces the use of fire wood.

Main challenge is migration. My friends have all gone away from my country so there are not enough youth in my church and not enough talent in my country. Another issue for us is drinking water, so the churches’ advocacy for water rights and purification are crucial.