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 Our Story

@ The Malden Historical Society

The Adoniram Judson Heritage Foundation (AJHF) is a U.S. based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Adoniram Judson, the first American missionary to Asia and 

a lasting role model for Christian missions.

Our key role is to safeguard Judson’s birthplace home as a historic museum and education center—managing daily operations and long-term planning of the Judson Heritage Center to ensure its cultural and educational value is shared with the present and preserved for future generations.

AJHF also supports initiatives that continue his work in Myanmar and beyond, including humanitarian aid, education, woman empowerment, cultural preservation, and Christian literature translation, continuing Judson’s impact and strengthening connections across global Christian communities.

Mission Statement

The Adoniram Judson Heritage Foundation (AJHF) preserves the birthplace of Adoniram Judson as a historical and educational site. We honor his life’s work and legacy, and the sacrifice of other missionaries who served in faith. We celebrate the cultural and spiritual ties between the Burmese Christian community and Judson’s mission, and strive to pass his missionary spirit on to future generations.

Vision Statement

​The Adoniram Judson Heritage Foundation (AJHF) envisions the birthplace of Adoniram Judson as a learning center that inspires and empowers to serve.

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Why it matters

 

Adoniram Judson (1788–1850) was a trailblazing missionary to Burma (Myanmar) and the first American to be commissioned by a foreign mission board. His life and work inspired generations of missionaries and helped lay the foundation of the modern missionary movement.

 

Restoring his birthplace to the Judson Heritage Center allows us to:

  • Celebrate American religious heritage

  • Educate youth and scholars on missionary history

  • Provide a space for spiritual reflection and historical tours

Our People

Our team is made up of passionate and dedicated individuals who share AJHF's vision and values, contributing their individual strengths and talents to reach a shared goal.

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President

Rev. Saw Ler Htoo

Rev. Saw Ler Htoo, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, is dedicated to spreading the gospel globally and uniting people in Christ. As President of the AJHF, he honors the legacy of missionary work. Residing in the DC area with his wife and two sons, Rev. Htoo’s life reflects selfless service, humility, and unwavering faith.

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Secretary

Arthur Zawwynn Chen

Arthur Zawwynn Chen serves as General Secretary of AJHF, where he leads restoration efforts at the historic house, to operate as Judson Heritage Center. A former pastor at Overseas Burmese Christian Fellowship in Allston, MA, he brings a strong commitment to faith, service, and preservation. He lives in Melrose, MA, with his family and enjoys tennis, gardening, and peaceful walks in his "Grace Garden."

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Treasurer

Thaung Myat Soe

Thaung Myat Soe is dedicated to serving his faith and community, holding key roles as Secretary of the Oversea Burmese Christian Fellowship and Treasurer of the AJHF. With a professional background in accounting, he is committed to preserving the legacy of Adoniram Judson while supporting Burmese Christians in the U.S. His leadership reflects both passion and reliability.

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Director

Rev. Dr. Clifford Htwe Maung

Rev. Dr. Clifford Htwe Maung (Maung Maung Htwe) is a pastor at the Overseas Burmese Christian Fellowship in Allston, MA, known for his warmth, humor, and signature Mohin Gha dishes. A former BCANA president, he brings a prophetic voice and generous spirit to his role as Director of AJHF. Deeply committed to missions, he inspires with integrity and compassion. He lives in Bedford, MA, with his family.

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Assistant Treasurer

Christine Ong

Christine Ong is a former Church Secretary at OBCF, actively involved with Burmese churches along the East Coast. Bringing skills in administration, finance and event planning combined with a passion for community service, she now serves as Assistant Treasurer for AJHF. Based in Waltham, MA, Christine enjoys participating in marathons and crafting specialty desserts.

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Heritage Preservation Chair / Trustee

Frederick Thetgyi

Frederick Thetgyi migrated to the USA in 1977 with his wife Eunice Thetgyi and worked as a
mechanical engineer in the electric power generation industry. The book “To the Golden Shore” impressed him so much that he followed the footsteps of Rev. Judson in Yangon, Inn Wa (Ava), Mandalay, Aungpinle, Moulmein, Kyaikkhami (Amherst) and Dawei.
He also sponsored the translation of the book in Burmese and English, and distributed it to
seminaries and churches. 

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Trustee

Rev. Samuel Saw

Rev. Samuel Saw, founder of Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Los Angeles, traveled across the U.S. uniting Burmese churches and sharing Christ through music. He served as BCANA President and now sits on the AJHF Board of Trustees.

 

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Trustee

Adam Htoon

Adam Htoon applies his leadership experience to drive innovation and excellence, guided by his strong faith and commitment as a board trustee. Based in Melbourne, he brings a global outlook to his work and strives to make meaningful impact.

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Trustee

Sandra Pyu-Lee

Sandra Pyu Lee was born in Burma, and educated in Burma, Singapore, and Australia before settling in Southern California 24 years ago. She is the Vice President of a real estate and mortgage company. Among her many volunteer roles, she served as Executive Director of the Claremont Youth Symphony Orchestra for three years and currenly serving on the Board of Directors for the Claremont Community School of Music. Sandra is also active in humanitarian efforts along the Thai-Burma border. She and her family enjoys traveling to explore different cultures and new cuisines.

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Trustee

Rev. Htwe Din Nyut

Rev. Htwe Din Nyut, Pastor of Burmese Christian Church in West Covina, LA since 2006, is known for his humble and gentle approach to preaching the gospel. He also serves as a Board of Trustee member for the Burmese Christian Association of North America (BCANA). Rev. Nyut resides in Covina, CA with his family.

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Trustee

Saw Myat Oo

Born and raised in Karen State, Myanmar, Saw Myat Oo migrated to the U.S. in the late 90s and settled in Philadelphia. With a background in marketing, he became an integral part of the local Burmese community. Passionate about Judson legacy, he played a key role in the formation of AJHF, leading Burmese communities in Philadelphia, Buffalo, and D.C., while actively seeking global financial support. He currently serves as the Vice Financial Chair for the foundation.

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Trustee

Dr. Cherry Waing

Dr. Cherry Waing, a Maryland resident and trustee of AJHF, contributes her financial and fundraising expertise. An active member of Calvary Burmese Church in D.C., she founded the Orphanage Support Committee, aiding over 25 orphanages in Burma since 2007. With over a decade in international development, she also leads humanitarian relief for displaced and disaster-affected communities. She and her family are devoted to serving God through ministry and mission.

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Trustee

James Thawnghmung

James Thawnghmung, originally from Chin Hill, now resides in Lowell, MA, where he is actively involved in church life and community support, especially mentoring young immigrants. With a background in building construction and renovation, James serves as Chair of the Property Management and Maintenance Committee. Known for his warmth, humor, and love for sports, he brings dedication and heart to everything he does—especially cheering on his children’s teams and supporting friends.

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Trustee

Gam Seng Mashaw

Gam Seng Mashaw is a former teacher at Network International School and Yangon Kachin Church Sunday School. Now based in Boston, he serves as Youth Director at the Overseas Burmese Christian Fellowship and remains active in church and community life.

our partners

The Judson Heritage Center is deeply grateful to our partners whose support, guidance, and contributions make our mission possible. We rely on this shared commitment to preserve Judson’s legacy and

inspire future generations.

Judson Heritage Center
 

1-781-307-3160

info@judsonheritage.org

145 Main Street

Malden, MA 02148

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©2025 by Adoniram Judson Heritage Foundation

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