Burma Christian Diaspora in Indianapolis

Pum Za Mang, educated at Luther Seminary (Ph.D.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (M.A), is associate professor of world Christianity at Myanmar Institute of Theology. He is presently a visiting scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ.

His writings have appeared in Asia Journal of Theology, Christianity Today, Church History, Journal of Church and State, Church History and Religious Culture, International Review of Mission, International Bulletin of Mission Research, International Journal of Public Theology, Studies in World Christianity, The Review of Faith & International Affairs, and Theology Today, among other journals.

Rev. Hrang Hlei, PhD came to the US in 2006 as a seminary student, and currently serves as the Congregational Care Pastor at Indiana Chin Baptist Church, Indiana. He also holds a leadership role as Associate General Secretary for Chin Baptist Churches, USA, which connects over a hundred local congregations across the country. He did his doctoral research among the Chin immigrant churches and published it as The Formation of Chin Immigrant Congregations in the United States: Discovering Their Ecclesiological Identities. Rev. Hlei is passionate about helping and nurturing immigrant churches in God’s calling to preach the gospel and make disciples here in the US and beyond. He is an ordained minister of American Baptist Churches, USA, and in his free time he enjoys watching historical documentary movies.

Tansy Kadoe, LMFT was born and raised in Burma and immigrated to the United States in 1993, following the pro-democracy uprisings of 1988 that disrupted education and intensified civil conflict. She belongs to the Karen ethnic group, one of the largest minority communities in Burma, and remains deeply connected to her people through church, counseling, and storytelling ministries. She and her husband were part of the group that started the Arizona Karen Baptist Church, which now has more than 400 members. Beyond her local community, she has worked closely with the network of 133 Karen Baptist churches across the United States.

Professionally, Tansy initially trained in business, earning an undergraduate degree in finance and economics and an MBA in business leadership. At age forty, motivated by the suffering and needs of resettled Burmese refugees, she pursued a second career in counseling. She earned her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2016 and has practiced as a licensed therapist in Phoenix since then. She is now pursuing a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller, focusing on developing models of lay counseling and peer counseling within ethnic churches.

Joseph Cheah is Professor of Religious Studies and Theology at the University of Saint Joseph. His areas of research are in the field of Asian American religions and race, Burmese Catholicism, and the sub-area of Asian American theological studies. He is the author of three books, including Race and Religion in American Buddhism: White Supremacy and Immigrant Adaptation from Oxford University Press. His third book, Anti-Asian Racism, Myths, Stereotypes, and Catholic Social Teaching, was released in 2023 by Orbis Books. He is the co-editor of the Palgrave Macmillan series, Asian Christianity in the Diaspora. He is a recipient of two awards from the State of Connecticut for his work with Asian Pacific American communities. He is also a co-sponsor of an orphanage in Kyauktan, Myanmar (Burma).

Theodora Eddison is an educator and youth ministry leader of Burmese heritage from the Bamar and Karen communities. She previously served as a youth ministry director and currently coordinates a faith-based youth camp, where she enjoys walking alongside young people as they grow in both learning and faith.

As a first-generation Burmese American, her work is shaped by story, community, and a commitment to creating spaces where youth can belong, ask honest questions, and deepen their spiritual lives. She is grateful to take part in conversations that honor Asian American Christian histories and imagine faithful futures together.

Tansy Kadoe, LMFT was born and raised in Burma and immigrated to the United States in 1993, following the pro-democracy uprisings of 1988 that disrupted education and intensified civil conflict. She belongs to the Karen ethnic group, one of the largest minority communities in Burma, and remains deeply connected to her people through church, counseling, and storytelling ministries. She and her husband were part of the group that started the Arizona Karen Baptist Church, which now has more than 400 members. Beyond her local community, she has worked closely with the network of 133 Karen Baptist churches across the United States.

Professionally, Tansy initially trained in business, earning an undergraduate degree in finance and economics and an MBA in business leadership. At age forty, motivated by the suffering and needs of resettled Burmese refugees, she pursued a second career in counseling. She earned her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2016 and has practiced as a licensed therapist in Phoenix since then. She is now pursuing a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller, focusing on developing models of lay counseling and peer counseling within ethnic churches.

Lun Kham Pieper is an Indiana attorney, mediator, and founder of the Law Office of Lun Kham Pieper, LLC. Licensed since 2009, she focuses her practice on immigration, family law, and criminal defense, and serves as a registered domestic mediator.

Prior to opening her firm, Lun worked as a consultant to the United Nations on complex international criminal investigations and human rights documentation. Her public service experience includes serving as a Deputy Prosecutor and Director of Burmese Outreach in Marion County, Indiana, and as a staff attorney for the Indiana Supreme Court. She also worked in Thailand with an intergovernmental organization, gaining additional experience in international law and human rights.

Drawing on her diverse legal and public service background, Lun brings a unique perspective on immigration, refugee issues, community engagement, and access to justice.

Justin Thang is a visionary leader, refugee advocate, youth mentor, speaker, trainer, founder, and cultural bridge-builder. A proud Chin American, he integrates heritage, faith, and hope into his work. Born in Falam, Chin State, Burma, Justin was raised in a spirit of resilience that continues to shape his life’s mission.

A member of the Chin ethnic group, Justin fled religious persecution with his parents and brother to Malaysia, becoming a refugee at a young age. After resettling in the United States, he navigated language barriers, cultural adjustment, and the challenges of transitioning from life under a military dictatorship to American society. These formative experiences inspired his
commitment to service.

Justin is the founder of Hope For Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization serving Burmese and Chin refugees in Indianapolis through youth programs, mentorship, and community education, including English conversation and U.S. citizenship classes. His impact extends globally through Hope International Projects, providing education and humanitarian aid to refugees and students impacted by conflict in Burma.

As President of Chin TV International, Justin connects Chin communities worldwide. In recognition of his leadership and service, Justin Thang has received multiple honors, including Outstanding Youth Leader from the Burmese American Community Institute, Chin Youth of the Year from Chin TV, and The Chin Times.

Bawitin Par currently works as a home-based case manager, supporting individuals and families through compassionate care and advocacy. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling and Clinical Counseling in Mental Health, integrating faith-based principles with professional counseling practices. In addition to academic and professional responsibilities, Bawitin serves as a Ministry Assistant for the High School Ministry, where she is passionate about mentoring and encouraging young people in their spiritual growth. Through her work, studies, and ministry involvement, she is committed to serving others with empathy, integrity, and Christ-centered guidance.

Ciin Kham is a Licensed Minister and LMFTA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate) serving the southside community of Indianapolis. With a deep passion for supporting the Burmese diaspora facing mental health challenges, Ciin offers holistic care that integrates clinical expertise with faith-based counseling. Their work fosters emotional healing and spiritual growth through culturally sensitive support, practical teaching, and accessible resources. Rooted in compassion, clarity, and hope, Ciin equips individuals and communities to thrive in both faith and life.

Ma May Si, also known as Maysi, is a passionate Matu Chin leader in the community. She obtained her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with an emphasis in Promotion and Policy, and recently moved to Indiana to reunite with family and to better serve the Burmese community. Maysi currently serves as the Vice President for the Matu Affairs Organization USA, volunteers at the Chin Center, and is a youth leader at her church in Indianapolis. Through the OSOF Fellows Program, she hopes to amplify the stories of the Burmese Christian diaspora and highlight the profound role God has played in the lives of community members.