The story of Sunshine Orchard Learning Center
Paul and Lena Adams and their four children left Montana in 2008 on a journey that took them to the border between Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). At the time they had no idea why God had called them to an area marked by ongoing ethnic conflicts and violence. In the following interview they highlight how God has led.
Paul and Lena, take us back to the beginning of your family’s mission service and tell us how Sunshine Orchard Learning Center became a reality.
We felt stirred by a call to serve God for a year of mission service. It was a year of unexpected twists. At first, we planned to go to India but instead started working near the Thailand-Burma border.
Maria, our 17-year-old daughter, began teaching at Lay Klo Yaw, a little mission school in Karen State, Burma. And Emily, our eldest daughter, had just settled in to teach as well when we received tidings of an impending attack.
We could hear echoes of mortar fire in the distance as the Burmese army advanced. Together with the school staff, we decided to evacuate the children across the river to Thailand where we had rented a small home.
Through a series of providential events, in 2009 we purchased land adjoining our rental property—a piece of land known as the lime orchard.
We dreamed of providing a place where we could care for the children and continue their education. Everyone said this would be impossible, but we prayed and moved forward. Our prayers were answered. Against all odds, permission was granted, and Sunshine Orchard came into existence. It’s a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, God’s intervention, and love for the least of these.
Amidst the tumult of war and uncertainty, Sunshine Orchard emerged as a haven of learning, love and hope for the children.
How did Sunshine Orchard get its name?
After the Lay Klo Yaw school was evacuated, it was renamed Sunshine Orchard to prevent the Burmese from discovering the school’s location and endangering the children.
A visitor suggested the name, and it resonated with everyone. The original school property has abundant lime trees, so locals call it Lime Orchard, and the school is often called Sunshine School.
What prompted you to push forward with this school?
It was simply God moving upon our hearts as a family, recognizing the need of these children. The plight of the Karen people and its children moved us to tears and gave us the desire to help.
How has the school grown?
When Maria began teaching at Lay Klo Yaw, she had 44 kindergarten students. Our family vowed in faith to nurture that school, committing to meet its every need from the Thai side of the river.
On June 9, 2009, when the school faced imminent danger, we helped evacuate 120 children, ranging from kindergarteners to sixth graders. During the most intense fighting across the river, we found a more sheltered location for the children on higher ground.
Pencils and books in hand, students are ready to learn.
In early 2010, as the conflict subsided, the lime orchard had been miraculously purchased, and the children returned to what is now known as Sunshine Orchard.
Just as our retirement savings were depleted, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency brought in a donor who provided a school building, kitchen, toilets and eventually dormitories. As more war-torn children crossed the river for shelter, our student body increased from 120 to 360.
In 2011 and beyond, various missionary families and volunteers came to assist the school. The year 2013 marked the graduation of the first batch of 10th-grade students.
In 2017, a new chapter unfolded as grades 11 and 12 were launched. After nearly four years of waiting, Sunshine Health and Education Foundation finally gained official recognition, and the center obtained migrant school status under the Thai Department of Education.
Since 2017, Sunshine Orchard and Sunshine Health and Education Foundation have flourished under the stewardship of the Adams’ youngest daughter, Anna, pictured here with her husband, Naing Win, and their children.
In 2023, there was an increase from 350 to 650 students due to the coup in Burma. Further growth occurred in 2024 as the number of students increased to around 850.
What subjects and grade levels are taught?
Grade levels range from kindergarten through grade 12. Subjects include Bible, Karen, Thai, English, Burmese, science, health, mathematics, history, geography, social studies and computer science. Vocational training programs are also offered. Students learn to weave, sew, garden, bake or gain skill with computers or music.
Sunshine Orchard operates a work-study program. All students participate in daily tasks across the campus, including cooking, maintenance and other chores.
What are the biggest rewards for being involved with this school?
Seeing the children and youth learn about Jesus, grow in their faith and accept Him as their Savior as they choose a life of service.
What’s unique about the proximity of the school to the border with Myanmar (Burma)?
God has placed Sunshine Orchard in a remarkably strategic location. It is easily accessible to those from Burma and from Thailand, situated centrally along the Thai-Burma border.
How has the school been a faith-building experience for all involved?
We have seen God’s clear guidance and providential care. Despite a small donor base, God miraculously supports Sunshine Orchard and its affiliated mountain schools month after month.
We have lived within God’s care and love all these years. Most recently, He’s sent Gospel Outreach to support the teachers and Child Impact to assist in sponsoring students.
Beyond Sunshine Orchard, what are the mountain schools and what need do they fill?
Baw Tha Raw mountain school was started by a close friend, Merciful, who serves as the school’s principal. He carried a burden for his village and asked that the school be brought under the umbrella of Sunshine Orchard.
Initially it started as a small elementary school but has expanded to encompass eight grades. It has 130 boarding students and nearly 200 students in total.
Tee Gay Poe school was established by Sunshine Orchard in response to a request from the village headman in a small Buddhist village.
These mountain schools not only provide education but also serve as platforms for service and employment opportunities for Sunshine Orchard graduate students. The graduates can serve their own people while sharing their knowledge about God. They create a ripple effect of positive impact within their communities.
How has Sunshine Orchard opened doors to share the gospel?
We estimate that more than 300 students have committed their lives to Jesus through baptism during the school’s existence. Many former students work for God at Sunshine Orchard and other schools, serving as principals and teachers. Some have taken pastoral roles or become Bible workers employed by the Thailand Adventist Mission.
A significant number of graduates are employed at a nearby hospital, serving as medical professionals in various capacities such as nurses, laboratory work and office administration.
Our two mountain schools are primarily staffed by former students.
There are also reports of spiritually dormant churches experiencing revival as former students return to serve. And several villages that previously had no Seventh-day Adventist presence now have Adventist youth returning to live out their faith. Nearby churches benefit from students who conduct Sabbath School classes, sing and preach. Our choir also performs at churches and events. Finally, teams of students and teachers provide community service in the surrounding area.
What are biggest challenges and needs at Sunshine Orchard?
Meeting the monthly budget, particularly providing nutritious food for the numerous boarding students.
There is also an urgent need to expand the church to accommodate students during morning and evening worships and to have room for villagers during Sabbath worship.
We also need a multipurpose building to host assemblies and church-related meetings, such as youth camps, family camps and training for teachers.
Other urgent needs include additional classrooms, a sick house and volunteer housing.
We also need volunteers who love God to serve as high school science teachers, vocational training program instructors, music and art instructors. We need people to improve our gardens and help maintain the campus. We are seeking individuals who love young people and are willing to engage, tutor, nurture and show God’s love.
In what specific ways can we pray for the school?
Please pray that the school will be everything that God planned and that all of us will be true to God’s calling. That each teacher and staff member will reflect God’s love, sharing Jesus with students and in the community. That God will continue to provide volunteers and funding to meet the needs. Finally, for peace in Burma.
