Why Burma is Special
to APC

About Louisa, and Esther & Bill Michel

—Bev Anderson Explains

Several years before I moved from Concord’s First Presbyterian Church and started attending Auburn Presbyterian Church, I was involved in an organization that recognized people from various countries now residents of the US and making a difference in the world.  I attended an event with area religious and civic leaders as well as consulate staffers at the top of the Kaiser Center in Oakland to hear a lady from Burma.

She was introduced as a leading figure in the fight for peace, freedom, and safety in Burma, especially in the area where she was born, in Karen state.  She herself had served in the local armed forces trying to hold off the troops of the government headed by a cruel dictator bound to kill her people.

She was introduced as Louisa.  I was spellbound as I heard about the terrible situation in Burma and how hard the people were trying to survive. 

When I came to APC, I met a lady named Esther Michel, her husband, Bill, and their two children, Gracie and Theo.  When Esther and I were talking one day, she mentioned that she was from Burma and mentioned some about what was happening there.  I asked if she knew a lady I could only remember as Louisa.  Esther looked at me curiously and said, "Louisa is my sister."

I learned at that time and later that Louisa is considered a major figure in the fight for freedom for the Karens and other tribal groups in the north of Burma.  When she left Burma on what was probably her last trip there over a year ago, she was highly honored.  One of her honors was the presentation of a painting by a highly acclaimed Karen artist.  She felt it should be seen by people helping the Karens in Burma.  She gave it to our church and it now hangs in our hallway.

Esther Michel died in 2000.  Her husband, Bill, and her children honor her memory, and that of her father who lived with them for a time, by leading our congregation and others to look at what is happening in Burma and to do something to help the people.

Recently, we found out that Merced’s Central Presbyterian Church is also praying for Burma.  They sent four men there several months ago, including their senior pastor.  Part of the team worked to help the people of Burma.  The pastor went into a refugee camp and taught in their Bible School.  He reports that it was a great blessing to him to teach several short term courses and that the people in the school were delighted he came.

We at Auburn Presbyterian Church are investigating ways we can continue to be involved with Burma, and to increase awareness of the need.  We may be able to work with Central Presbyterian Church and involve others from our presbytery.