Sponsor a Student 

Stephen is one of the main leaders of the JDS music and worship team. When we are in a village doing a kids program, Stephen is often front and center as he leads the kids and the team. Not only that but Stephen is a gifted chainsaw operator and has milled all the lumber for our JDS-2 building projects with his chainsaw (which is nearly the same size and weight as he is!). Stephen is a joy to be around and can be trusted with any job. 

It was such a joy to baptize Wah Moo last year - but an even greater joy to watch Jesus get ahold of his life and transform him into a new person. Wah Moo has become a big asset to JDS and when he isn't serving, he is encouraging with his smile. Wah Moo brought us to his village, deep in Karen State last year, where we were able to share the gospel and give 200 bilbes to his village. Wah Moo is a bridge for our Karen students, and when he came back to JDS-2 he brought eight new Karen students with him! 

JDS-1 was tough for Wah Ra Sax (WRX) because he didn't speak Burmese, he only speaks Karen. After the first week I pulled him aside and asked him if he wanted to go home. He said no, he wanted to stay and try to learn. By the end of the year WRX was everyone's favourite because he always had a smile on his face and slowly tried to learn and use Burmese. Not only that but he also taught us more Karen. We are happy that WRX is back for JDS-2 and we all chuckled as he introduced himself (in Burmese) to all the new students. 

There was a day I nearly died in Burma a few years ago. I got ambushed by the Burma army and then pinned down by snipers and mortar fire. During that battle, unbeknownst to me, a young medic ran to assist a wounded commrade and stepped on a landmine, losing his leg. I wouldn't meet that young man until several months later when I went to a hospital in Karen state looking for another friend - and that's when I met Jue Aung - also in recovery. Jue Aung doesn't let his prosthetic limb slow him down. He walks with us on mission and continues to serve as a medic, in Burma and to JDS staff and students. 

Eh May Phaw and Eh May Htoo are best friends - and it took me about 3 months to tell them apart. They are both sweethearts and so kind. Eh May Phaw stayed at JDS all summer and helped with our special summer training. She volunteered to take on the cooking duties for over 50 people and did such a great job. 

Shar Shar is one of our super-girls. Thoughtful, kind and caring, she is a blessing to everyone she meets. She is a fun-loving and thoughtful team member. We are thankful she came back for JDS-2, because she has stepped into leadership and is doing such a great job welcoming and leading the new students. 

K'chaw Poe is another one of my younger brothers. I have started to write a book about his story, one day I'll finish it - but his story is book-worthy. K'Chaw is from Karen State and has been a big bridge for us between the Karen students and the Burmese-speaking students. K'chaw also takes care of all our motorcycles (which are constantly broken). He is super valuable to JDS and dearly loved. K'Chaw is married, and his wife is studying inside Burma, he hopes to bring her to JDS one day. 

Jala was my right-hand-man during JDS-1. Even before JDS opened up, Jala was with me, helping me plan, recruit students, arrange meetings, find land, and solve problems. Jala wear his heart on his sleeve. He is so passionate about life, his people, and seeing them achieve the best they have inside of them. A JSMK trained medic, Jala has been helping treat patients all over Burma. He is loyal, brave, and has been my number one translator during JDS-1. 

LawReh (Like "Lawrence" in English) has a quiet candor about him, but has such a good heart. He goes by the nickname, "Zero", but he is anything but a zero, he is super helpful and intelligent. As he steps into a leadership role a senior student in JDS-2, I have seen him step up and lead, add to conversations, and constantly have good ideas. 

Mar Ri (like "Mary" in english) is one of our senior girls who has returned for JDS-2. She is fun, has a brilliant smile and can keep up with the boys when it comes to sports and PT. She also knows how to plant seeds and take care of the JDS farm. Despite how tough she is, she has a really gentle, caring spirit and we're lucky she's part of the JDS family. 

Boe Meh spent much of her childhood in the Karenni refugee camp as a refugee. Her parents fled and Boe Meh has grown up in the life of a refugee. She is a firecracker. She is spunky, fun, and outgoing - she isn't afraid to give the boys a punch when they're being dumb, and when we do a kids program she brings all her energy to bless the villagers and put a smile on their faces. 

Thamada is a hunter at heart - and yet, he is a big-time animal lover. During JDS-1 there were several times Thamada came up to me like a kid with a kitten, puppy or a bird and said, "can I keep it?" He now has a couple dogs, a couple pigs, and a pet monkey. His love of animals reflects his tender and compassionate heart. Thamada grew up in the Karen refugee camp Mae Ra Moe. He attended JDS-1. 

Beh has been like a younger brother to me for nearly 9 years. I have been so proud of him as I've watched him grow over the years and especially as God has got a hold of his life in the past year during JDS-1. Beh is a fun loving guy that enjoys leading children's programs and playing the drums. Beh grew up in the Karenni refugee camp. 

J-Main and I have been journeying together for several years now. He attended a short FBR ranger training and then stayed connected with me over the years. J-Main served in the KNDF and has spent several years fighting on the front lines. He is interested in leadership and growing as a leader. J-Main attended JDS-1.