PUZO

Fort Wayne refugees from the Zo tribes in Myanmar will soon have worship services in their own language. Starting Aug. 2, a group at Simpson United Methodist Church, 2501 S. Harrison St., will begin offering services in the Zo's native language. The Rev. Matthew Stultz of Simpson United Methodist made the official announcement as part of a sermon Sunday, in conjunction with World Refugee Day.

The Zo is a group found in areas throughout Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma. A group of about 10 Zo refugees attended Stultz's sermon Sunday, which focused on hospitality and reaching out to others. Stultz said the group approached him about partnering with the church. Zo refugees in Fort Wayne didn't have anywhere to worship, he said, and couldn't attend Burmese services because they don't speak the same language.

The Zo services will feature prayers and hymns similar to Methodist services, said Thang Boi, a refugee. He added that he expects about 20 to 30 people to attend the services. Simpson United Methodist Church has been reaching out to various community groups in the past year, Stultz said.

A Russian Orthodox congregation conducts services on the church's second floor on Sunday, he said. And it's not just Simpson United Methodist that reaches out to different cultural groups in the city - the church partners with other congregations in the city that also allow a variety of cultural groups to come in and use their facilities.

Stultz stressed that the church's goal is to provide a welcoming atmosphere for groups of various cultures in the city who need somewhere to conduct church services. "We're not concerned what denomination your religion is," he said. Along with providing a space for different groups to have services in their native language, the church partners with the Fort Wayne chapter of World Relief, which has its offices with local churches to reach out to people escaping from unstable conditions in countries around the world.

The organization especially works to reunite families who have been separated by immigration laws, Stultz said. Throughout Sunday's service, Stultz reminded the congregation that hospitality means helping guests find their own lifestyle rather than forcing them to behave a certain things. His welcoming words for the Zo refugees echoed the sentiment. "We will host them, we will nurture them, we will love them," he said.

In relevant to the upcoming ZO CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Z.C.C.) inauguration's ceremony (Aug 2, 2009), we are preparing to have a grand celebration with banquet. There are some kind-hearted and free-will givers for the said feast of the Z.C.C.
The Good Samaritans' givers were as follow:-

Donation for Inauguration
(Inaugural Day: 2nd Aug, '09s)
 
Name                                                    US Dollars

Khup Lian Nang (Khup Bawih)                      500.00
Vung Dei Cing                                            380.00
Mang Min Thang                                        350.00
Gin Za Thang                                              300.00
Am Khan Thang                                         150.00
Thang Tung Mung                                      103.00
Lang Khen Mang                                        100.00
Thang Khua Suan                                       100.00
Khup Suan Khai                                          100.00
Lam Sian Thang                                          70.00
Vum Lian Tung                                            50.00

Total Estimated:       $ 2,203.00

NB: Those who have a mind to donate, please do not hesitate to contact:

Pa Vum Lian Tung:                          260-422-4340
John Khai Nou      :                          260-422-9806

Donation last date (Deadline): Before end of July, 2009

Source:Johnkhainou (PUZO NET)