Naw Ruth Po Gay: New Student’s Testimony

L-R: Ps Naw Blessing (Cousin), Saw Joel Po Gay (Father), Naw Ruth Po Gay, Naw Thablay Wah (Mother), Naw Naomi Po Gay (Sister)

Naw Ruth Po Gay is a newly enrolled student of EAST who has officially started her Graduated Diploma in Christian Ministry on 3 January 2025 with an orientation at EAST. However, she has a powerful testimony of God’s workings in her life since she has arrived in Singapore last October. Her heartfelt sharing is below.

“Over the past years, God has been molding and teaching me through the most challenging season of my life, where I even doubted my existence. While working full-time in 2023, I served in outreach programs in Kwin Baw Village, a predominantly Karen community in the Delta region of Ayeyarwaddy in Myanmar. During these mission trips, I simply helped among those sharing the gospel, teaching Bible lessons, and leading songs. This is when God placed a burden on my heart to serve by reaching out to children with limited access to education, sharing the gospel, and strengthening their faith. Although I have a passion for reaching lost souls, I struggled to submit to Him wholeheartedly and was confined in my own fear. I was so focused on myself and my plans, trying to fit God into them. While my heart was in the right place, my attitude was not.

In 2024, as my country’s situation worsened, my job became untenable and I needed to resign. As my ultimate desire is to live “a life of obedience”, I sought God’s direction in what to do with life and received this verse: “Each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them” (1 Cor 7:17). Since the word “die” is at the heart of “obedience,” I chose to die to myself and all the worldly accomplishments I once desired. This led to my decision to pursue theological studies at EAST and submit to His calling for my life.

I arrived in Singapore on the 3rd of October with a heart full of gratitude and joy. I was excited to complete the course History of Missions and Current Global Missions and eagerly looked forward to joining the intensive course that followed. But on the morning of October 30th, around 5:30 a.m., something unexpected happened.

I had just woken up and went into the kitchen for a drink of water. As I drank, I suddenly felt water dripping from the right side of my mouth. Confused, I looked in the mirror and was shocked to see that I could not move the left side of my face. Panic set in, and I woke my sister, terrified that I was having a stroke. She had to leave for work, so my cousin and I rushed to Changi Hospital’s A&E. After seeing the doctor, I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis. The doctor reassured me that 90% of people with Bell’s palsy fully recover, but all I could think about was the 10% who do not. Fear gripped me—What if I’m one of those 10%?

I had always considered myself fit and healthy, so this diagnosis left me in shock. I was frustrated with the difficulties I faced—eating, drinking, and even smiling had become struggles. The first week was particularly tough. Sleepless nights became the norm, as the pain made it impossible to rest. I would lie awake, unable to close my left eye due to the paralysis. Ironically, that made it easier to keep my right eye open, so some nights I found myself locked in a strange, sleepless gaze and staring at the ceiling. In my desperation, I prayed fervently for healing.

One quiet night, as I lay in bed, the Spirit brought to mind the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:16-18. The scene of them standing in the fiery furnace played in my mind like a reel. I could almost hear their bold words to the king: “The God we serve can rescue us from your blazing furnace and anything else you might threaten us with, O king. But even if He doesn’t, it wouldn’t change a thing. We will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you’ve set up.” Then, in the stillness, I heard a quiet voice within me ask: “What if you are one of those who never fully recovers from this facial paralysis? What if there’s no healing—will you still be faithful to God? Will you continue to worship Him?”

I realized this was a teachable moment from God. As my faith was tested through this trial, the Holy Spirit, ever present, guided me to understand the deeper lesson behind my suffering. I ended my conversation with Him by saying, “Lord, thank you for nurturing my faith and teaching me to be a faithful servant. As a human, this pain is difficult to bear, but whether in pain or joy, it is all for Your glory. Help me to remain faithful, whether or not there is a miracle. Let me serve faithfully for Your Kingdom.”

I praised God for allowing me to experience this physical and financial challenge before embarking on my journey. All the pain and inconveniences were not in vain. It is worth more than the most valuable diamond in the world—truly a priceless experience. Now, here I am—99.9% recovered, with only minor side effects from the medication. Praise the Lord! He has been faithful to His promise by healing me. My heart overflows with gratitude, and I feel compelled to share this testimony with you for the glory of God. I am also deeply thankful for my sister, cousins, and family members who took care of me so closely during this time and for the prayers, encouraging words and care I received from EAST during my illness.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May peace, love, and joy fill your hearts. – written on 22 December 2024″

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