We all call him Monkey although his real name is K'Paw Say. He is a Karenni refugee, is co-leader of the Free Burma Rangers and is the headquarters group pastor and video man. Monkey is responsible for the training of all FBR video and camera team members and for the spiritual life of all the teams. He is a devout follower of Jesus and is close to all the team members; Christian, Animist and Buddhist.

Monkey's wife and children live in a refugee camp. In addition to their own children, he and his wife have adopted three orphans who lost their parents in the war zones of Burma. Before Monkey joined FBR, he was not sure God existed and challenged God, saying, "God, if you are real you need to prove it or I will not believe in or follow you." Not long after that prayer, he began to experience what he said was God's presence and decided to follow God.

He was afraid before his first relief mission and wanted to back out- but after he prayed, he said, "Ok, I can go because even though I am afraid, God is going with me."

Monkey is the person I turn to when I am in need of spiritual council. I trust him for his steady commitment to following Jesus no matter the cost. His calm demeanor, humility, perseverance and high standards influence all of us to do and be better. His judgment is good, and we count on it.

One time when we were surrounded by the Burma Army, it looked like there was no way out. We were leading people out of Burma and the Burma Army was hunting us. As they closed in we stopped to consider the best way to break out of the encirclement. There were old men and women who could hardly walk, an anemic mother with a three-week-old baby and many sick children. There was no way we could outrun or outfight the over 800 pursuers. As the families huddled against trees I instinctively walked over to Monkey and said, "Monkey, let us pray together." He looked at me intently and said, "Yes, and we don't have to worry, God will lead us." With multiple changes of course, confusion on the part of the Burma Army and long, hard movements, all the time aware of God's presence, we escaped the troops and made it safely to the border.

When chased by the Burma Army on a different mission, we were pinned up against a large river. When some thought we could escape the trap by abandoning the mission and fleeing, Monkey said, "I am afraid too. But then I remember the passion of Jesus and how He did God 's will even when he was to die. So, we should do that and follow His example. The people still need our help, we have to try."

After our latest mission he reminded us that, "God has given us a precious mission to be with people under attack, to help them, love them and stand with them." Monkey recently had back surgery and is now recovering but needs prayer so that he can continue to serve his people. His warm smile brings light and love to whoever he meets. We thank God for his leadership, sacrifice, bravery and faithfulness.

We love you Monkey.

Message from a relief team leader