Nuambawi’s Story
Your mother will see you graduate
Nuambawi held her mother’s shaking hand as she tried to contain her tears. Tears for her mother’s lost strength and independence because of a stroke. Tears for her new role as caretaker. Tears for having to leave seminary.
Before rising to resume her chores, Nuambawi felt her mother’s grasp and heard her murmur. Leaning in to listen, her heart leapt as she comprehended her mother’s words: “Nuambawi, I want to see you graduate before I die.”
While still a teen, Nuambawi met a group of seminary students who came to preach at her church. After this encounter, she knew she wanted to know God on a much deeper level. With a determined conviction, Nuambawi pursued Biblical studies at a theological seminary in Myanmar.
She had already finished her first year with flying colors, and was about to start her second year, when her mother had a life-altering stroke. And now her mother’s words left Nuambawi conflicted. She knew she should be at home but desperately wanted to continue her studies. After a time of prayer and fasting, Nuambawi heard a clear answer: “Go back to school. Your mother will see you graduate.”
Nuambawi returned to school, but she struggled. Because of her mother’s deteriorating health, money was needed for medicine and extra care. Tuition became a burden. When Lian—our International Missionary Partner in Myanmar—visited the seminary, Nuambawi confided her dilemma and asked for guidance. Lian confirmed that there was little she could do for her mother by being at home. Rather, he advised that she should continue pushing into her studies, and he would do what he could to find donors to defray her tuition costs.
Nuambawi left her conversation with Lian hopeful, saying, “If God did not have a plan for my life, He would not have sent Pastor Lian.”
Our “Word” work spreads the Gospel in so many ways. We are able to help Nuambawi, and seminary students like her, with tuition assistance. We are able to support pastors who share the Word with unreached people, provide Bibles for those who have never held one, build churches for those who have no place to gather, and so much more!