Bridging Generations Among Refugee Communities

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Every week at Chicago Zomi Bethel Church (CZBC), Rev. Chingboi Guate Phaipi (McCormick ‘11) inspires children through her thoughtfully crafted curriculum while leading the church's Christian Education team. Her deep commitment to these children motivated her to pursue—and successfully earn—the Pastoral Studies Project Grant from the Louisville Institute. It's a true testament to her passion for nurturing young minds in faith!

CZBC is a vibrant community primarily made up of Burmese refugees and their families. Chingboi’s inspiring project, “Toward Mending the Alarming Generational Disconnections Among Refugee Christians from Burma Residing in the U.S.,” highlights the importance of understanding their unique experiences and cultural heritage. Her dedication to this cause blossomed during her time at McCormick, where she was encouraged to adopt a Christlike perspective, fostering a sincere understanding of those around her. This project symbolizes a heartfelt commitment to nurturing connections and ensuring the rich stories of these communities receive the attention they truly deserve.

Chingboi arrived at McCormick following the completion of her theological education at Tokyo Christian University in Japan. Eager to deepen her understanding and build upon her call to ministry at the Evangelical Baptist Convention Youth Conference in her birthplace of India, she sought to strengthen her beliefs and explore various church traditions. Reflecting on her enriching experience as a student from 2009 to 2011, she shared, “McCormick was exactly what I needed to enhance my knowledge of theology, the Bible, and Christianity. More importantly, it helped me grow in my understanding of God, God's ministry, and my personal life journey.” Embracing the vibrant diversity of Chicago and her time at McCormick, Chingboi actively engaged with local faith communities as she stepped into vocational ministry. She was deeply inspired by witnessing God’s work among migrants, and her involvement with the CZBC congregation became a powerful testament to her experience of God’s presence in action. Chingboi’s story radiates hope and passion for nurturing faith in community!

Over the years at CZBC, Chingboi has gained valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by the families she serves. She observed a notable disconnect between parents, who grew up in military junta Burma and came to the U.S. as refugees, and their children, who were raised in a very different environment. “There are differences in faith experiences,” she shares, noting how some young people have drifted away from the Church. Many from the Burmese community bring with them unaddressed trauma, often overshadowed by the need to adapt and thrive in American society. This can lead to stress as they navigate the complexities of raising children who may not fully grasp the journey their parents endured. Addressing this generational gap is essential for fostering a stronger community and enriching personal faith, and Chingboi’s commitment to bridging this divide offers hope for a united future.

Thanks to the generous grant from the Louisville Institute, Chingboi is excited to connect with Burmese communities in the U.S., engaging both those involved in church ministry and those living in vibrant Burmese neighborhoods like Tulsa, OK. This opportunity will also allow her to participate in conferences and visit churches, where she will observe and document effective practices and inspiring models of growth and healing. The valuable insights she collects will create a robust resource of successful strategies to share with these communities. Chingboi is optimistic that by identifying foundational issues and providing reliable information, her work will pave the way for future researchers and support her ongoing efforts to empower these communities, guiding them toward brighter, more promising futures.

With the support of the Pastoral Study Project grant and her heartfelt commitment to ministry, Chingboi is eager to see these communities thrive. She beautifully expresses her vision: “I hope both parents and younger generations can connect with God in genuine ways, growing in understanding and acceptance of one another.” It’s evident that God has guided Chingboi’s journey, positioning her to positively influence countless lives through her dedication. With the grant from the Louisville Institute, she is poised to take meaningful strides toward realizing her divine passion and making a lasting impact.