Participant Introduction-Le Mu (Myanmar)

“A good leader has a sacrificial life – justice and strong determination.”

Lwa Le Mu is a hardworking and trustworthy leader, not only in the church committee, but also in the community as a whole, having invested his time, knowledge, and strength for the betterment of the local people. He is kind, patient, and honest, even if he can be shy. 

The majority of Le Mu’s community consists of peasants and day laborers, who rely on agriculture while lacking technical skills to improve their harvest. The majority of people are farming peasants and day laborers. While the people are hard-working and honest, favoritism amongst local leaders is an issue, creating disunity in the community. By living a practical way of life, Le Mu has earned the trust of locals even when they originate from different tribes. Le Mu was fortunate to spend a brief period in Norway studying theology; afterwards, he returned to Myanmar to serve his community in ministry and development.

Le Mu comes to ARI to improve his skills in connecting with people and building community ties as a servant leader, as well as learning methods of building organic agricultural systems which can last long periods of time. When he returns to Myanmar, he will return to Lay Shee Baptist Churches, implementing social development programs and improving Christian education.

Sending Body:

Lay Shee Baptist Churches Committee is one of many Baptist Churches in the Naga region of western Myanmar, overseeing many local churches in the most mountainous areas. Not simply spiritual well-being, the committee also implements social and financial development. One project for many years was an orange grove, which was stopped due to impacts of climate change on the produce. Le Mu will advise projects like these when he returns from ARI, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Men's Dormitory & Guest House

Participants and volunteers live in separate dormitories for men and women. The dormitory includes shared lounges, kitchens, showers, and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is not available.

Poultry House

The poultry facilities include free-range chicken coops and a brooding house. More than 400 chickens are raised, producing over 80,000 eggs and approximately one ton of chicken meat each year.

Pig Pen

Participants learn a variety of pig farming techniques through hands-on practice. Both deep-litter and concrete-floor systems are used, and manure is recycled into biogas and fertilizer.

Goat House

Goat milk (over 200 liters annually) and meat are used for food, while manure is used as fertilizer. During the day, the goats roam freely in the pasture.

Forest

The forests surrounding the campus are managed through selective thinning for firewood and charcoal production. Leaves and other organic materials are collected for use in agriculture.

Fields

On 2.5 hectares of farmland, approximately 100 varieties of vegetables and crops are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The entire community helps manage the fields as part of its commitment to learning and self-sufficiency.

Rice Paddies

Rice is cultivated in paddies both on and off campus. Various organic rice-growing methods are studied and practiced, including weed control and fertilization using ducks.

Workshop

The workshop is a space for repair and recycling activities. It contains machinery, welding equipment, woodworking tools, and a variety of materials.

Feed Mixing Room

Livestock feed is produced here using both manual and mechanical methods. Continuous efforts are made to improve feed quality and sustainability.

Administration Building

The first floor houses the reception area and administrative offices, while the second floor contains staff offices and the Director’s office. The Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room) is located adjacent to the building.

ARI Shop

The shop offers ARI-grown produce, processed foods, books, and handicrafts from the home countries of ARI graduates.

Farm Shop (Agricultural Training Room)

The facility serves as the hub of agricultural activities at ARI. It includes classrooms, storage for tools and farming materials, and facilities for drying and storing crops.

Oikos Chapel

Originally a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse, the chapel has been renovated into a place of worship. Daily morning gatherings are held here, along with meditation, dialogue sessions, gospel choir practice, and other community activities. Oikos is a Greek word meaning “home.”

Manna House (Food Processing Room)

This facility is used for producing and storing processed foods such as cookies and jam. The ground floor also contains a poultry processing facility.

Fish Ponds

Fish are raised for both food and agricultural purposes.

クリスマス・ウィンターキャンペーン 2025
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