God brought Klay to Hartland so that he can help heal the wounds of war in his homeland.
by Iosif Sacuiu
“My first war experience was when I was nine months old,” Klay begins
his story.
Klay’s country, Myanmar, has witnessed more than 72 years of ethnic cleansing, rape, torture, murder, high- rank corruption, and forced displacement of civilians. Klay comes from one of the thousands of displaced families and has a fervent desire to go back and minister to his people—the Karen.
“I remember when I was nine years old, I became a Buddhist monk. I desired to know and do what is right so I could be good and worthy of heaven. At thirteen, I attended a Seventh-day Adventist high school, and I was convinced that there is truth in Adventism. I wondered how I should tell my father that I had become a Christian.” When Klay’s father found out, he grabbed a big knife in rage. “I thought I might die for Jesus at that time, but instead of coming toward me, he struck the pillars of the house in anger.”
Despite the opposition he faced for following Jesus, for Klay there was no turning back. After high school he volunteered for three years as a missionary teacher, praying continually that God would provide him an opportunity for further education. He almost gave up the idea, until one day a friend sent him a link to Hartland’s website. Then God worked miracles to answer Klay’s prayers.
Getting his citizenship to apply for a passport could have cost Klay his life, for he had to transit through enemy territory under cover of darkness during a time of intense war, but God made the rough places smooth so that he could come to the US.
“My sponsors [who were missionaries themselves] struggled to raise funds for my tuition, but they were only able to cover my first year. So, with much prayer, I applied to the Missionary Training Fund program. This enabled me to continue my studies.”
Klay is pursuing a health ministry course enriched by Bible classes so he can bring a wholesome education to the Karen people. “I want to open a school to help our church members fall in love with the Savior and better understand our beliefs.”
To MTF donors, Klay says, “You are the answer to my prayers!” Because of your gifts, many people will be reached by Klay’s faithful ministry. He is eager to go back and share Jesus in that land of death and darkness.