Rev. Naw Pa Saw Wah was appointed as the District Superintendent of the newly formed Myanmar Southeast District. She is the first local woman to serve in this role in Myanmar and Southeast Asia Field, a remarkable achievement in the region’s leadership.
Her appointment signifies a significant step forward for the church, highlighting the growing role of women in ministry and leadership. May she be blessed and empowered to lead and serve her district for God’s glory as she steps into this new responsibility.
In recent heartfelt testimony, Naw Pa Saw Wah, a dedicated servant from Myanmar, described the transformative journey of her faith and her commitment to ministry over the past 17 years. Coming from a family deeply rooted in faith, Ma Wah credits her upbringing as a significant blessing that laid the foundation for her spiritual journey.
Ma Wah’s journey significantly changed in 1998 when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. This decision ignited a strong desire to serve God and share His love within her community.
“My life changed dramatically the moment I opened my heart to Christ. The peace and joy that filled me were indescribable, prompting a lifelong commitment to ministry,” she remarked.
To deepen her theological knowledge and respond more effectively to her calling, she graduated with a Bachelor of Theology degree in 2018. This educational background gave her the tools and understanding to fulfill her mission and share God’s message more effectively. Her ministry began in earnest in 2008, focusing primarily on local community service.
Ma Wah’s early pastoral experience started at the 13-Mile Church, where she served from 2010 to 2013. During this time, she enhanced her understanding of the Bible and her relationship with God. “Serving at the 13-Mile Church was foundational for my faith. I grew spiritually and learned about the importance of community,” she reflected.
Following her time at the 13-Mile Church, Ma Wah took on a pastoral role at the Pyasakan Church from 2013 to 2015. Here, she emphasized the importance of relationships within the Church and the wider community. “Building strong relationships was a cornerstone of my ministry there. It was essential to connect with people personally to lead them closer to God,” she explained.
In 2015, Ma Wah transitioned to pastor at the 4-Mile Congregation, significantly influencing her spiritual growth. “This Congregation offered me the opportunity to engage deeply with the community. It has been an incredible chapter in my life and ministry,” she enthused. Her ordination as an Elder in 2013 also catalyzed her intensified passion for serving God wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on her almost two decades of ministry, Ma Wah expressed immense gratitude for witnessing lives transformed by God’s grace. “There have been countless moments of joy when I have seen individuals find their faith and purpose in Christ. Discipleship is not just a duty; it is a profound joy,” she noted, highlighting the emotional rewards of her role.
After nine years of leadership experience as a Zone Leader overseeing a network of churches, Ma Wah recently stepped into the District Superintendent (DS) role. “Taking on the role of District Superintendent is both a humbling and exciting responsibility,” she acknowledged. “I strive to lead with Christ’s love and grace, identifying new opportunities for growth and outreach in our communities.”
As Ma Wah embarks on this new chapter, she remains committed to nurturing faith and encouraging others. “With Jesus, all things are possible. I truly believe that when we rely on His strength, we can accomplish amazing things,” she stated with conviction. Her vision includes expanding outreach programs and enhancing support for existing congregations within the district.
Ma Wah’s story inspires with the power of faith, dedication, and community service. Her journey underscores the belief that every individual has a unique role in God’s plan and the impact that can be made by serving others with love and compassion. “I hope my testimony honors God and encourages others in their faith journeys,” she concluded.
By Christine Jotiz