Who Are the Karen?
The Karen are an indigenous people from southeastern Burma (Myanmar) and parts of Thailand. Due to decades of war and persecution, many have fled to refugee camps along the Thai border, with thousands resettling in countries like the U.S. Since 2004, many Karen families have made their home in North Carolina, including Guilford County. While traditionally animist or Buddhist, a significant number are now Christians—thanks in part to early missionary work by Adoniram Judson.
Friendly Avenue Baptist Church began serving the Karen community in 2007, helping resettle a refugee family. In 2009, the Friendly Avenue Karen Church was launched. Today, it’s a growing community of faith offering:
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Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m.
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ESL and children's classes at 9:30 a.m.
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US citizenship classes, service projects, and more
Led by former IMB missionaries and a church planter, the church continues to grow and serve.
To equip leaders for the Karen church in the U.S., Karen Bible Institute was formed. KBI offers theological training through Gateway Seminary’s ADVANCE program. Classes meet on Saturdays, and graduates earn a Diploma of Christian Ministry.