The Boardmans in Burma

Serving in Bible translation and church planting

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Lighting the Way

December 15, 1833

I am writing to you from Mawlamyine, a place that feels both familiar and new as I settle into this next chapter of ministry. After the loss of my dear George and these past years of prayer and reflection, I felt God leading me back here, not to rest, but to continue the work He has set before me. This time, my focus is on reaching the Mon people, a community with a rich culture but little knowledge of the gospel.

Returning to Mawlamyine

Coming back to Mawlamyine has been bittersweet. This town holds memories of earlier days in our mission work, but now I walk these streets without George by my side. Yet, I know I am not truly alone. God’s presence is my constant companion, and He has given me renewed strength for this new ministry.

The Mon people, also known as the Peguan, have long been on my heart. They are a resilient and resourceful people with a deep respect for their traditions. However, they remain largely unreached by the gospel. I believe God has brought me here to plant seeds of faith among them, just as George and I did with the Karen people.

Beginning the Work

The first steps in any new mission are always the hardest. Learning the Mon language is no small task, but I am committed to it, knowing how important it is to communicate the love of Christ in a way that resonates with their hearts. I have also begun building relationships with the people, listening to their stories, and finding ways to serve them practically.

I have started small gatherings where I share Bible stories and teach about God’s love. Some listen with curiosity, while others remain cautious. It is slow work, but I trust that the Holy Spirit is already at work in ways I cannot yet see.

Encouragement in Challenges

This new mission comes with its own set of challenges. The Mon people have a strong cultural identity rooted in centuries-old beliefs, and it will take time to build trust and understanding. Yet, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Each small breakthrough—a kind word, a thoughtful question, a willingness to listen—feels like a glimpse of the harvest to come.

Grateful for Your Partnership

Your prayers and support are what sustain me in this work. Knowing that there are brothers and sisters lifting me up before the Lord gives me courage and hope, even on the hardest days.

As I labor here in Mawlamyine, I am reminded that this mission is not mine alone—it is ours. Together, we are part of God’s great plan to bring His light to the nations.

Thank you for walking alongside me in this journey. May we continue to trust in His faithfulness as we press on toward the work He has called us to.
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Carrying on the Torch

March 10, 1831

It is with a sorrowful heart that I write to share news that has profoundly changed my life. My dear husband, George, has gone to be with the Lord. His passing has left a deep void, but I hold fast to the hope we have in Christ and the assurance that George is now in the presence of our Savior.

George’s Final Days

In the months leading up to his passing, George’s health began to decline. The demands of our work among the Karen people, combined with the challenges of living in this harsh climate, wore down his physical strength. Though he fought bravely and we sought every remedy available, it became clear that God was preparing to call him home.

Even as his body weakened, George’s faith remained steadfast. He spoke with peace and assurance of the work God had accomplished through him and the hope that the seeds planted here in Burma would continue to grow. His final moments were marked by prayer and trust, a reflection of the life he lived in service to the Lord.

Continuing the Work

Though I am now without my partner in ministry, I am more determined than ever to carry on the work we began together. The Karen people, to whom George gave so much of himself, are still in great need of the gospel. Many have come to faith, but there is much yet to be done to disciple these new believers and to reach those who have not yet heard.

The Karen believers have been a source of great comfort to me during this time. Their love, prayers, and commitment to their newfound faith are a testament to the impact of George’s ministry. It gives me strength to see how God is working in their lives and to know that our labor has not been in vain.

Trusting God in Sorrow

This season of grief has been one of leaning on God in ways I never imagined. I draw strength from His Word, especially the promise in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God has been faithful to provide what I need to continue this work. Every day, I am reminded that this mission was never ours alone—it is His. George’s passing has not ended the work, but has given me even greater resolve to see it through.

How You Can Pray

In this time of transition, I ask for your prayers:

  • For strength and wisdom as I continue the work among the Karen people.
  • For the new believers, that their faith would grow and that they would be equipped to share the gospel with others.
  • For God’s guidance in each step of this journey, as I seek to honor George’s legacy and serve where He has placed me.
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We've moved!

March 15, 1828

I am writing to you from our new home in Dawei (also called Tavoy), a coastal town that feels worlds apart from where we began our journey in Burma. Though the transition has been challenging, we are excited about the new opportunities God is opening for ministry here.

Saying Goodbye

Leaving our previous station in Mawlamyine was bittersweet. We had grown to love the people and were beginning to see the fruit of our labor among them. Yet, we felt God calling us to a new field, and we knew we needed to follow where He led. The goodbyes were filled with tears and prayers, but also hope that the seeds we planted will continue to grow.

Settling in Dawei

Dawei is a bustling town with its own unique challenges and opportunities. The people here are diverse, with a mixture of Burmese and ethnic minorities. Their spiritual needs are great, and many have yet to hear the gospel.

The town itself is a stark contrast to the quieter villages we’ve come from. The streets are busy with merchants and fishermen, and the sound of the ocean is never far away. We are still adjusting to the heat and humidity, but we trust that God will sustain us in this new environment.

New Ministry Opportunities

Already, we’ve begun to see doors opening for ministry. Dawei is a crossroads for many travelers and traders, which means there is potential for the gospel to spread far beyond this town. We are praying for wisdom as we navigate these new opportunities, seeking to meet people where they are and share Christ’s love in ways that speak to their hearts.

Prayers for This Season

As we embark on this new chapter, we ask for your continued prayers:
  • For strength and good health as we adjust to life in Dawei.
  • For wisdom in understanding the needs of this community and how best to serve them.
  • For open hearts among the people here, that they may come to know the hope of Christ.

Gratitude for Your Partnership

Your faithful prayers and support have carried us through every step of this journey. Knowing that we are surrounded by a community of believers who share in this mission is a constant encouragement.

We trust that God is already at work here, and we are honored to join Him in His plans. Thank you for standing with us. Your partnership in this mission is a gift we never take for granted.
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New Beginnings

January 10, 1828

It is with great joy that I write to you again, eager to share the remarkable ways God is moving here in Burma. Your prayers and support have been a source of strength and encouragement as George and I labor together to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Today, I want to tell you about Ko Tha Byu, a man whose transformation speaks to the boundless grace of God, and the beginnings of a new work among the Karen people.

Meeting Ko Tha Byu

Ko Tha Byu was not a man most would have seen as a candidate for salvation. By his own admission, his life had been marked by violence and wrongdoing. He told us that he had taken the lives of many, and his reputation among his people was one of fear and disdain.

When we first met him, it was clear he had lived a life of hardship. Yet, beneath his hardened exterior, there was a stirring—a deep need for something greater. George felt strongly that we should not pass him by, and so we began to share with him about the love of Christ.

A Life Transformed

The change in Ko Tha Byu has been nothing short of miraculous. As we shared the gospel with him, explaining that Jesus had come to seek and save the lost, his heart began to soften. Slowly but surely, the Holy Spirit worked in him, and he came to believe in the power of Christ’s forgiveness.

Ko Tha Byu’s baptism was a moment of immense joy. To witness a man, once so lost in darkness, now proclaim his faith in Jesus was a reminder of why we are here. His testimony has already begun to impact those around him, especially among the Karen people, his own community.

A New Work Among the Karen

The Karen are a people with a rich culture and history, yet many live without knowledge of the gospel. As Ko Tha Byu shares his newfound faith, doors are opening for us to engage with them more deeply. The Karen have a remarkable oral tradition, and they are eager to hear stories. We are working to share the story of God’s love in ways that resonate with their culture, using their own language whenever possible.

We have started to see small gatherings where Karen villagers listen as we read from the Bible and share the hope of salvation. There is much work to be done, but we are encouraged by their openness and curiosity.

Prayers for the Journey Ahead

As this work begins to grow, so do the challenges. We face barriers of language, culture, and distance, yet we trust that God will continue to lead the way.

We ask for your prayers in these specific areas:
  • That Ko Tha Byu’s testimony will inspire others among the Karen to seek Christ.
  • That God will grant us wisdom as we learn more about the Karen people and their language.
  • That hearts will continue to be softened to the gospel message.

Gratitude for Your Support

Every victory here is a reflection of your partnership in this mission. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity sustain us in this work. As we step into this new chapter among the Karen, we are reminded that we are part of a much larger body of believers, united in purpose.

In Philippians 1:6, we are reminded, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We hold fast to this promise as we continue to labor in the fields where God has placed us.

Thank you for walking alongside us as we share the hope of Christ in Burma. Your prayers are making an eternal impact, and we are humbled to be your hands and feet in this corner of the world.

With love and gratitude,
George & Sarah
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From Home to Burma

June 20, 1827

As I write this letter, the morning sun is just beginning to shine over the hills of Burma, and I’m filled with gratitude for your prayers and encouragement. It’s because of your faithfulness that I’ve been able to take this step of obedience, traveling to a land so far from home to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

The Journey Here

The voyage to Burma was long and challenging. Leaving family and the comforts of home was no small thing, but we felt God’s peace as we set sail. The weeks at sea were marked by moments of beauty—breathtaking sunrises over the water—and also trials, like seasickness and cramped living quarters. Yet through it all, the Lord sustained us, reminding me of His greater purpose for this mission.

When we finally arrived, I was struck by the sheer difference of this place from anything I’ve ever known. The bustling markets, towering pagodas, and the vibrant culture all point to a people deeply committed to their traditions and beliefs.

Adjusting to Life in Burma

Settling into life here has been both humbling and eye-opening. The heat is intense, the rains come suddenly, and every day presents new challenges. Learning Burmese has proven to be one of the hardest yet most important tasks before me. I want so much to speak to the people here in their own tongue, to explain God’s love in a way they can truly understand.

The people are curious about us, sometimes cautious, but often kind. Each interaction feels like an opportunity to plant seeds of faith, even if it’s as simple as a kind word or a helping hand.

Glimpses of Hope

Even in these early days, I’ve seen God’s hand at work. There’s a young woman named Mei who has started listening closely when I share stories about Jesus. Though she’s not ready to fully embrace the gospel, her curiosity gives me hope. Please pray that God would open her heart and draw her to Him.

We’ve also been able to distribute some gospel tracts in Burmese, which have sparked conversations and questions. It’s incredible to see people reading about Jesus for the very first time.

Your Role in This Work

Dear friends, I can’t overstate how vital your prayers and support are. Your letters remind me that I’m not alone, and your generosity makes it possible for me to be here. Every dollar, every prayer, every kind word you send strengthens me for the work ahead.

Please continue to pray for us:
  • For strength and health as we adjust to life here.
  • For wisdom and progress in learning the Burmese language.
  • For open hearts among the people we meet, that they may come to know Jesus as their Savior.

Though this mission is not without its challenges, it’s also filled with joy and purpose. I often think of Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” What an honor it is to carry this message of hope to those who have never heard it.
Thank you for standing with me on this journey. May God bless you abundantly for your faithfulness.
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