How this began
The work that became Light of Burma started long before there was a 501(c)(3). For more than twenty years, our co‑founder Rev. Bawi Lian — who grew up in Chin State — has been the bridge between American friends and the children's homes, schools, and pastors he knows in Burma. The relationships came first. The legal structure came later, because the relationships had outgrown what could be done informally.
In April 2022, the founding board incorporated Liberty in Myanmar in the State of Michigan. The IRS recognized the organization as a public charity under section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) shortly after. The legal name remains Liberty in Myanmar; we operate publicly as Light of Burma, the name we use with donors, partners, and the children we serve.
We did not invent this work. We are the latest set of hands carrying something other people started.
Why "Burma"
The country has been called many names. We use Burma — in line with the preference of much of the diaspora and many democracy‑aligned voices — while recognizing that Myanmar is the official name and the one our legal entity carries. The name on our paperwork reflects the country as the world's institutions name it. The name we use with you reflects the country as our partners name it.
How we operate
We are deliberately small. Our board is unpaid. We do not maintain American staff in Burma. Funds reach the field through long‑trusted channels, with documentation kept on the U.S. side for tax compliance and on the Burmese side for partner accountability.
Three principles guide every decision:
- Local leadership, always. Every project is run by Burmese staff. We support the work; we do not run it.
- Long horizons over short campaigns. Our partnerships are measured in decades, not grant cycles.
- Quiet faithfulness. We are a Christian‑rooted organization, and that shapes how we serve. But the children at our partner sites include Christians, Buddhists, and others. We follow our convictions by serving whoever needs help, not by sorting recipients by belief.
Board of Directors
Light of Burma is governed by a small, working board. None of the directors receive compensation.
- Rev. Bawi Lian — Co‑Founder, President. Originally of Chin State; carries the relationships in Burma.
- Tim Schierbeek — Co‑Founder, Treasurer. Manages U.S. operations, finance, and compliance.
- Todd Burns — Secretary. Legal counsel and longtime advocate.
Financial transparency
We file an annual Form 990‑EZ with the IRS, available through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Our most recent 990 (tax year 2025) was filed in spring 2026.
Our 501(c)(3) determination letter and Articles of Incorporation are public documents. If you would like a copy of our most recent 990, our determination letter, or a more detailed financial summary, please email us — we are happy to share.
The basics
- Legal name: Liberty in Myanmar
- Public name (DBA): Light of Burma
- EIN: 88‑2160162
- Tax status: 501(c)(3) public charity, IRS effective date April 14, 2022
- State of incorporation: Michigan
- Mailing address: 11901 Fulton St E, Suite B17, Lowell, MI 49331
How to reach us
The fastest way to reach us is by email at hello@lightofburma.org. We answer thoughtfully rather than quickly, but we do answer.
If you are considering a larger gift, want to discuss a donor‑advised fund grant, or are exploring a recurring partnership, please write directly. These conversations matter to us, and we want to be sure you have the answers you need before you give.