Portrait: Thawng Pao, Refugee and LIRS Donor

Almost 10 years ago, Thawng Pao fled his home in Burma and came to know the important work and ministry of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

As a member of the Chin ethnic group, Pao faced extreme persecution under the ruling military regime. He was one of a thousand refugees from various Burmese ethnic minorities who escaped their homeland in 2000. They had learned that they could travel to Guam without visas, and fled to the U.S. territory in hopes of finding safety and peace.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service was on the ground in Guam, ready to guide Thawng Pao and the others through the process of claiming asylum. “While I was on Guam,” Pao says, I had a lot of problems and LIRS helped me. So in return I cannot forget to remember that when I was in a serious, bad condition, they lifted me up.”

Pao lives now in Maryland and works as a forklift operator at a retail distribution center. He is a regular donor to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and has also made arrangements for a planned gift to the organization—leaving a legacy for those yet to come.

Knowing firsthand the transforming impact of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s work and ministry, Pao shares, “I give to LIRS because they gave me opportunity. I give to LIRS because they give other refugees this same opportunity. Most of all, I give to LIRS because they do God’s work.”

Please join Thawng Pao in supporting our work of welcome. When you give to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, you share your blessings with those whose lives we touch each and every day.