Alonzo Bunker, D.D.
Author of "Soo Thah"
An excerpt from the Chapter I - EXPLORATION OF THE LOIKAW MISSION"
"In the beginning of the year 1866 the writer, with his wife, landed in Burma for missionary work. He was designated to the Red Karens, or Karenni tribe, then a practically unknown people. Having acquired his missionary knowledge largely from Wayland's "Life of Dr. Judson," he settled down to a life work among the frontier tribes of Burma. Though ultimately changed to the Karens of Toungoo, our first love for the Red Karens was not forgotten. Through long years of labour for the Karen tribes about Toungoo, we never ceased to pray and plan for the good of our first love. So, late in the year 1868, an opportunity arising, Dr. Vinton, of the Rangoon Karen Mission, and myself planned a survey of the Red Karen country. This was the beginning of the work which finally took shape in the Loikaw Mission. The journey was, at the time, regarded as specially hazardous, since it was undertaken among unknown, wild, and savage tribes. The country was also reported to be in the throes of feudal warfare. It was, therefore, with some misgivings that we set out from Shwaygeen, with three elephants and a large company of followers (native pastors and servants), for this unknown land.
Our course for the first few days was directly eastward, toward the Salwen River, through dense forests and jungle, inhabited by wild tribes of Karens. Four days brought us to the town of Papoon, on the Yoonzalen River. Here were the headquarters of the district magistrate, under the English government. We found here, also, a few Karen Christians.
The remaining journey must be pursued through an absolutely unknown country, lying along the Salwen River, and extending hundreds of miles to the north. This region included the Karenni tribes, which we had undertaken to visit. Refitting our expedition at Papoon, we sought guides to conduct us through the country, but without success; for the people were in great fear of the savages, and naturally the most dreadful calamities were predicted, if we should persist in our purpose. For not only was the country unknown and poorly mapped, but it was peopled by numerous tribes of Karens which, although of one common stock, were at constant feudal warfare with one another, and especially suspicious of strangers. However, gathering all possible information of the country, we were able, with the aid of the rough maps we had secured, and some astronomical instruments, to set out hopefully. On the second day we saw signs of war in demolished houses, ruined villages, and obstructed roads. Though we were following a road which in times of peace was travelled by large companies of traders, yet for several days we met no one. A great fear seemed to reign over the whole land.
The third day we found our way obstructed with bamboo spikes, arranged to prevent travellers passing to and fro. These spikes were a cruel weapon, about a foot long, their points hardened in fire, and so planted as to be invisible. One of our bearers was badly injured by them..."
Contents:
INTRODUCTION
I. EXPLORATION OF LOIKAW MISSION
II. EXPLORATION CONTINUED
III. FOUNDING LOIKAW MISSION
IV. THE FIRST CHRISTMAS IN LOIKAW MISSION
V. STORIES OF KAREN CHILD-LIFE
VI. K'SURDO
VII. ENCOUNTERS WITH WILD BEASTS AND SERPENTS
VIII. STORY OF THE YAHDO CHAPEL
IX. THIRTEEN WITCHES
X. PERILS AND PLEASURES
XI. THE MIRACLE OF SENITE
XII. PROVIDENTIAL CARE
XIII. THE MAGIC DOUGHNUT
XIV. A NOTABLE MISSIONARY JOURNEY
XV. THE GOSPEL AND THE SAVAGE BRECS
XVI. HOW WE CAPTURED THE MYANGYOUNG PONGYI
![Sketches from the Karen Hills [Photos and ATOC included]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/2940013230637_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg)
![Sketches from the Karen Hills [Photos and ATOC included]](http://img.images-bn.com/static/redesign/srcs/images/grey-box.png?v11.7.4)
![Sketches from the Karen Hills [Photos and ATOC included]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/2940013230637_p0_v1_s600x595.jpg)
