Guided by Grace

Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Eh Yel’s early life was shaped by conflict and displacement. Now in his second year of a Bachelor of Theology at Trinity, Eh Yel is preparing for a life of ministry shaped by his past and fuelled by a hope-filled vision for the next generation.

From Conflict to Safety

Eh Yel was born in a refugee camp on the Thai-Myanmar border—the middle child of nine children. His parents had fled Myanmar the year before, escaping the conflict and persecution that made everyday life dangerous, especially for Karen people like them.

Life in the camp was all Eh Yel knew for the first seven years of his life. Then, in 2008, his family arrived in Sydney. They eventually made their way to Albany, where they’ve lived ever since. Christianity was always part of his life growing up, but for Eh Yel, faith felt more like family tradition than something personal. 

A Turning Point

After graduating high school, Eh Yel’s dad invited him on a short-term mission trip to Thailand to help with translation. What started as a practical trip to support others quickly turned into a pivotal moment in Eh Yel’s own spiritual journey. He sensed real spiritual opposition—but also witnessed the peace and power of God in a way he hadn’t before. Eh Yel returned to Australia changed.

Soon after, he joined the internship program at Albany Baptist Church. This turned out to be a decision that would deepen his understanding of the gospel and begin to shape his sense of calling. Through intentional discipleship, Eh Yel’s faith began to take firm root. 

 ”While doing the internship I realised I actually do enjoy diving deeper into God’s Word and actually sharing it as well,” Eh Yel explains. “It kind of kick started my journey into wanting to go into ministry.”

He enrolled in a Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology online, but eventually paused study to gain broader life experience. He worked first as a locksmith, then found purpose-filled work at Alta-1 College, mentoring at-risk teens. At the same time, he continued serving in youth ministry at church. That season—marked by both hands-on service and gospel growth—expanded his vision for how God might use him in the future.

Equipped For What’s Next

As Eh Yel continued to grow in faith and ministry experience, conversations with his pastors introduced him to Trinity Theological College. The idea of studying in a community committed to gospel-centred training resonated with him—especially after the challenges of studying online in isolation.

In 2023, during Trinity’s Mission Week in Albany, he met several Trinity students and saw firsthand the impact of their training. Their example and encouragement helped confirm his next step.

Eh Yel moved to Perth and began studying at Trinity full-time at the start of 2024. So far, God has been growing Eh Yel in both his love and knowledge of the Lord—especially through the theological units he’s studying. This semester, the unit on Grace and Eschatology has had a significant impact, helping him grasp more deeply how salvation works and giving him fresh assurance of his own.

Alongside this, the support and encouragement of the Trinity community have also played a key role in his spiritual growth.

“Getting to study God’s Word every day is such a great blessing and privilege,” Eh Yel reflects. “The gospel is kept at the centre of everything that is being taught at Trinity.”

As for the future, Eh Yel hopes to head back to Albany post-graduation. He looks forward to the privilege of pastoring the Albany Karen Baptist Church, God-willing.

Please pray for Eh Yel as he prepares for upcoming exams and assignments, that he would not see them as tasks, but rather as a joy and privilege to study God’s Word. Please also pray for Eh Yel as he leads his current church youth group at Gosnells Baptist Church—that he would continue to serve both the team and the teens well.