Battle Creek Enquirer - Burmese philanthropist honored

Battle Creek Enquirer - Burmese philanthropist honored
Barrett Newkirk • The Enquirer • April 12, 2009

Battle Creek's sizable Burmese population began three decades ago with one family. Its patriarch, Edward Thawnghmung, has since helped hundreds more Burmese make the same 8,000-mile journey.

Thawnghmung, 64, has been an active spokesman for the local Burmese community since coming to Michigan in 1980. Last year, after Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma, Thawnghmung organized a vigil at The First Baptist Church of Battle Creek. The event raised $7,000 for those hurt by the cyclone.

For his work helping area Burmese and those in Asia, Thawnghmung is a winner of the 2008 George Award.

"I appreciate very much the award," he said recently while sitting in his living room surrounded by photos of his family and trips back to Myanmar.

First Baptist Church sponsored the Thawnghmungs' immigration to Battle Creek, and Edward is still an involved member of the congregation as leader of the church's Burmese Christian Fellowship.

Rev. David Laisum, First Baptist's associate pastor, said Thawnghmung's work goes far beyond himself to impact the entire Burmese community.

"I believe his kind spirit and sacrifice is what our community needs," Laisum said.

Even in tough economic times, Thawnghmung said many Burmese are still trying to move to the United States.

"Our economy is bad," he said. "Over there it's worse."

After arriving in Battle Creek, Thawnghmung landed a job as a machinist. His family eventaully opened a video rental store and then a jewelry store, which his daughter still operates.

Thawnghmung now works as an interpretor, but along with helping at his church, his other passion is the orphanage he founded in Myanmar.

The Lal Vum Children's Home, named after Thawnghmung's father, has housed and educated children for 20 years in northern Myanmar.

Back in Battle Creek, Thawnghmung raises money for the orphanage by selling produce he grows in the garden and greenhouse behind his home.

And last year, Thawnghmung helped start a English-language program for Burmese refugees through the Battle Creek Cultural Learning Center.

It's a program that Thawnghmung said would have helped him 30 years ago. Instead, he has learned the language with more informal help from his community.

"The First Baptist Chuch is an all-English church," he said. "They speak with us, so I'm improving a little."