VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 03/25/08) - Saw Spencer Zan, longtime member of American Baptist Churches USA, an active member of First Baptist Church, Lansdale, Pa., and advocate for Burmese refugees, died February 28 with his family at his side. He was 84.
Born into a Christian family in Paan, Burma, in 1923, Zan's relationship with American Baptist Churches USA began in 1964 when he, his wife and their two sons escaped to Thailand from their native Burma. Zan, an ethnic Karen, had a successful career in the shipping business prior to a military coup d'etat in 1962 when businesses were nationalized. He tried to use his influence and network of associates to restore democracy in Burma until he was targeted as a political dissident.
Zan and his wife, Nu Nu, became house parents in Bangkok for missionary children whose parents, sponsored by American Baptist Churches USA, worked in the field. During this time, Zan and his wife were instrumental in helping countless political and economic refugees flee Burmese persecution. Those refugees relocated all over the world, from Australia to the U.K. and the United States.
In 1969, Zan and his family moved to the United States and settled in the Philadelphia area where Zan was involved with various organizations that assisted those fleeing Burma and Thailand. Remembering his own experience, he was determined to ease transitions for the displaced.
The Rev. Florence Li, National Ministries' national coordinator for Asian Churches, says, "Saw Spencer Zan was an outstanding man of God. He dedicated his whole life to his people-teaching, writing and speaking about justice for the Burmese. His footprints leave a significant impact on the Burmese people and all of us."
Zan's autobiography-"Life's Journey in Faith: Burma, From Riches to Rags" (Author House, 2007)-tells the story of his family's struggles, beginning with life in Burma under colonial rule and ending with the flight to Thailand in 1964.
A service of memorial celebrated the life and work of Saw Spencer Zan at First Baptist Church, Lansdale, on March 9. At the familiy's request, memorial contributions may be sent to World Aid -- Thai/Burma Mission, 2442 N.W. Market Street #434, Seattle, WA 98107.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/