By Pastor Kenneth H. Suanzanang and
Professor Pastor Suak Khaw Ngin, Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary (MUAS).
Early life
Lian Za Dim was born on August 21, 1946 to Pu On Cin and Pi Ciin Kam at Thuklai, Northern Chin State, Myanmar. She was affectionately called with her nickname ‘Dimno’ by friends and loved ones. Younger generations lovingly called her ‘Nu Dim – Aunty Dim’ or ‘Pipi Dim – Granny Dim.’
Her father Pu On Cin was one of the 946 Labor Corps who went to France during WWI. He was also one among the 19 Siyin and Sukte leaders including Captain Rundal.
He was a headman of Thuklai village, a very influential community leader of the Siyin Valley and the neighboring villages. He was the motivator to construct a vehicle road with a distance of six miles and 5 furlongs from Fort White Junction to Thuklai. Besides, he was the main persuader of the community to implement a telephone system to connect ten villages of the Siyin Valley including Fort White, greatly enhancing communication in the area. Courier on foot was eliminated. His invalid daughter, Niang Za Ciang (Niangkok), became the operator.
April 21, 1955 was the grandest historic event ever and never expected to be happening again in Thuklai. General Ne Win paid his official visit to Thuklai. Almost the entire populace gathered at Thuklai. Five Commanding Officers of four battalions of the Chin Rifles and 15th Burma Regiment, the Brass Band Platoon of the 3rd Chin Rifles, the decorated retired officers and other ranks of the Chin Hills Battalion were in full uniform. Earnestly they waited for the arrival of the VIP. Pu On Cin welcomed the General at about 100 yards beyond the Gateway. He escorted him to the awaiting mass of thousands. Upon arrival at the Welcome Gateway, Honorary Captain Pau Cin, Naib Commandant (OB, KSM, KPM) gave the Word of Command. The General was honored with 21-gun Salutes by cannon. The General was greatly impressed by the well-planned ceremony. When he became head of State, he ordered Thuklai for a full-fledged township but the Chin State leaders then changed it to a sub-township. All sub-townships were dissolved by the 1974 Constitution and remained just a village. He suggested Union Day in 1968 be celebrated at Thuklai but a negative report was given: “Infeasible due to Water Scarcity.” The highest decorated officer was Honorary Captain Pau Cin, next was Honorary Captain, Subedar Major Ngin Zam (OB, BGM) and then Subedar Thuam Cin (KPM, TDM, IDSM, Jungi I Nam, Mansion) who became one of the first Adventists in 1957 in Siyin Valley. Captain Pau Cin was the father-in-law of Subedar Thuam Cin, the father of Pastor Do Hen Pau, the former Myanmar Union Mission (MYUM) treasurer. Capt. Ngin Zam and Subedar Thuam Cin were the cousins of Pi Ciin Kam, mother of Pipi Dim.
Her mother was a daughter of Chief Lian Vum of Khuasak. Pipi Dim was the eighth of eleven siblings: Ciin Khaw Hau (Pastor Mang Cin Pau, RCM), Captain Suang Khaw Lian (Lun Man Cing, Blue Staff), a good footballer and Captain of the Southern Command Team that won against the Northern Command in 1958. The trophy was presented by General Ne Win himself to the Team Captain. He was an officiating major when he was killed in action and was saluted as a major at the funeral (Lun Man Cing, Blue Staff), Nuam Za Cing (Lt. Colonel Khai Mun Mang, Chairman of the 3rd Chin State People’s Council), Niang Za Ciang (Khai Nang, headmaster of State Post Primary School, the best goalkeeper in the Siyin Valley), Colonel Ngo Cin Pau (Niang Za Hau), Sister Vung Za Huai (Reverend Dr. Hau Khaw Pau, former District Commissioner), Police Captain Ngo Khaw Zam (Lun Man Cing, Blue Staff), Lian Za Dim (Pastor Kenneth H. Suanzanang), Dr. Thawng Cin Pau (Wendy Ciang Za Neam, Managing Director of ChuChu Recycle Myanmar, a recycling business in Dala, Yangon), Dim Khaw Huai (Captain Lian Khan Khai, Assistant Director, Myanmar Customs) and Uap Khan Dim (Cin Sau).
Education and Marriage
Lian Za Dim studied from KG to 7th Standard at State High School, Thuklai, Chin State. Then, she studied 8th Standard at No. (4) State High School in Mingalardon, Yangon Region. She studied High School Final (HSF) and Matriculation at No. (16) State High School, Mandalay, Mandalay Region. She completed HSF from Mandalay and attempted the Matriculation Examination.
When she was born, parents named her Thang Za Neam. However, her first name was changed to Lian Za Dim because of her poor health. When her husband asked for her hand in marriage, he was told, “You love each other but Dimno is not in good health since her birth.” To this point, he told the parents and her sister Niangkok, “I love Dimno. If she is sick, my wife is sick. If she dies, my wife dies.” Confidence was built firmly by this saying.
She was married to Kenneth H. Suanzanang, an Adventist Minister on January 5, 1970 at Siyin Adventist Church (SAC), Gyothobin Block 1, Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region. It was officiated by a widely respected Credential Minister, Pastor Zakhuma. They were graciously blessed with two daughters and a son, Lian Huai, born on August 28, 1970; Kam Uap, born on December 9, 1971 (died as a malaria victim at 4 years and 7 months), and Thang Pau, born on July 2, 1973. Lian Huai is married to Soe Thura Htwa and has two daughters: Jennifer DimSaan Htwa (DOB: June 18, 2003), G-12 at Yangon Adventist Seminary (YAS) and Angela PauSaan Htwa (DOB: February 28, 2007), G-9 at YAS. Her son Thang Pau is married to Esther Po and has a son and a daughter: Samuel Nang Pau (DOB: August 7, 2002), first-year College at Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary [MUAS], Rhoda Dimdimhuai Pau (DOB: January 7, 2009), G-6 at YAS. Therefore, she was a mother of two daughters, a son, and a grand-mother of four.
Life Career
In 1969, Kenneth was stationed as a pastor-evangelist at Buanman village, Siyin Valley, Tiddim Township. Kenneth was transferred to Mualbeem to nurture the new converts. Pau Za Khan filled the vacancy at Buanman. But Kenneth and Pau Za Khan worked together hand in hand. They conducted a series of evangelistic meetings at Thuklai. At the end of the evangelistic meetings on August 9, 1969, nine precious souls including Dimno were baptized by Pastor Ngul Khaw Pau, the district Pastor of Tiddim and Tonzang townships.
During 1975-76, Lian Za Dim served as a teacher at Upper Myanmar Adventist Seminary (UMAS), Siyin, Gyothonbin Block 1, Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region. Throughout her husband’s service term of 12 years at UMAS, she was known as a genuinely loving and caring Mother to many students especially to the poor and the needy. Before the Maranatha Pathfinder Club was organized at UMAS in 1975, Pipi Dim had already joined the Progressive Classes from 1969 until she received the Master Guide insignia. Together with her husband, she gave Progressive Classes to members of the Maranatha Pathfinder Club.
Granny Dim was praised as a Model of Ministers’ Wives for her tireless activeness in the local churches. And it is her generosity and hospitality beyond measure shown toward both friends and strangers that is most fondly remembered and talked about. Wherever her husband served, she was actively involved in the departments of 1) Children’s Ministries, 2) Women’s Ministries, and 3) Family Ministries at the local church level. Therefore, at the Upper Myanmar Mission (UMM) constituency meeting in December 2001, she was elected as a Director for the three departments of the Mission for the term 2002-2005 while her husband served as President.
However, Pastor Stephen Sein, Secretary of the Ministerial Association of MYUM died before the term ended. Therefore, a reshuffle was necessary. Pastor Suanzanang, her husband, was elected as the director of the departments of Communication, Legal Affairs, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty [PARL]. Therefore, they transferred to Yangon, which terminated her service as a director in UMM.
Whether being paid or unpaid, she was determined to serve the church as life permits. The couple served the church of MYUM headquarters in Yangon known as Yangon Central Church [YCC]. Her husband served as the church elder while she served the church in the capacities as one of the deaconesses, head deaconesses and director of the Family Ministries for more than a decade without interruptions until Covid-19 pandemic. Why such a long term? Because of her exemplary life. Besides, Pipi Dim was also active in Women’s Ministries and Dorcas Society. She made sure she never missed any of the church activities including home cells.
She encouraged every family of the Chins to save big or small donations for emergency purposes: in case of hospitalization or death of a member of Adventist families. She did what she could for the local churches. She stood by her minister husband and assisted him hand in hand. Hence, it goes perfectly well without saying that “50% of her husband’s success must be credited to Pipi Dim.”
Pipi Dim wanted to follow her Master as instructed by Sister White. A week after their marriage, they read together about Flesh Foods. She wanted to discard the meat right away. But Pupu Ken said they would go slowly. After four years, her New Year resolution included discarding flesh foods effective from January 1, 1974. Pupu Ken followed her good example eight months later. He attended a seminar from August 28 to September 4, 1974, in Rangoon (now Yangon) conducted by Pastor W.G. Lowry and Helen Lowry, the beloved missionaries to Mizoram State in India. At the Commitment Service on September 4, 1974, Pupu Ken accepted Pastor Lowry’s appeal to discard all flesh foods.
Many times, Pipi Dim tried not to cook on Sabbaths but it was not easy for them because the refrigerator, rice cooker and microwave oven were unheard-of during Ne Win’s rule. She never used even a hot plate in Mandalay, the second capital city, where electricity power was excellent during 1977-1982. Pipi Dim used sawdust stoves only. She alone often cooked and served for almost two dozen members of the UMM Committee. However, breakfast, lunch and dinner were served on time. The committees were more often held in Mandalay than in Pyinoolwin Mission Headquarters because it is more convenient to travel to Mandalay.
Because of Pipi Dim’s motivation, Pupu Ken finished two books: 1) The Gospel Echo from Genesis, and 2) The Gospel Echo from Exodus that covers Exodus to Joshua. Both of them are in Siyin-Chin. On September 6, 2021, Pipi said, “Pupu, if you are free today, let’s continue the Life of Jesus Christ.” “Okay dear, I will,” answered Pupu. Despite of her frailty and pain of her left shoulder and arm, Pipi sat beside Pupu reading her daily study plan to finish the Bible once a year and to finish two books: Christ’s Object Lesson in Tedim-Chin and the Desire of Ages in Myanmar before year-end 2021.
As Pupu Ken’s travel companion, she visited Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore but her most satisfactory trip was to participate at the 57th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventists Church convened in Toronto, Canada in 2000. At the Parade of Nations, 229 countries participated. Pipi Dim and Daw Nang Bu held the printed placard MYANMAR representing Myanmar while Pupu Ken proudly held up a pole that hoisted the flag of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Later life
After retirement, Kenneth H Suanzanang and Lian Za Dim stayed at 304, Thazin Condominium, 56 Boyarnyunt Street formerly known as Sandwich Road, Dagon township in Yangon. It is close to the former Rangoon Seventh-day Adventist Hospital and just ten-minute walk to the Union headquarters.
She was suffering from hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes since her teen days. She had a mild stroke in 2001. She was treated five times at Bangkok Adventist Hospital [BAH] in Thailand. Although she recovered from heart trouble, she remained frail since the Covid-19 period. On September 6, at the dinner table, her condition rapidly deteriorated. She could not eat. Her BP was 245-150 and her glucose level was only 70. She said, “I want to sleep.” Within a few hours she became unconscious, never to regain consciousness. Special prayers for her recovery were offered on zoom twice by loved ones around the world. On September 9, during the zoom prayer, she breathed her last peacefully at 9:48 pm. It was only 18 days after her 75th birthday.
On her 74th birthday, Lian Huai told her, “Mom, I wish you would live until 85th birthday.” She said, “If God permits, I would be able to see the future of my grandchildren then.” But the family never expected her to live such a long life. It was just a wish because Pipi Dim’s health was already impaired. Every member of the family loved Pipi Dim so dearly but they humbly submitted to the Lord’s will saying, “God is good to us. Though we love Pipi, God knows the best for us to let her sleep. But we will miss Pipi. She will be in our hearts forever until we meet her on the Sea of Glass.” Instead of shedding his tears, Pupu Ken prayed to thank God for lending him such a nice wife like Pipi Dim more than 51 years and to let her live for 75 years. He also blessed the descendants of Pipi to meet her in heaven.
Legacy
Lian Za Dim was born with a good heart. That was why she had chosen to be a minister’s wife. She loved to collect used clothing to distribute to the poor and needy. She loved to feed the hungry. She invited students and guests to her house. Once she accommodated 23 guests. The house is 24’x24’ only. Some of the family members had to spend the night in the kitchen. Many times, the family had to sleep without pillows because they were shared with guests. She was a foster mother to many poor children and youths. Some of the children became successful businessmen, some ministers, and some became citizens in the USA, Australia and European countries. She founded PSK Education Fund. She motivated Pau Suan Khai, one of her sons, to sponsor students. Some had graduated and served in the frontier areas. At present three are studying at MUAS. She acted as a Mother in Israel. Through her counseling, seven couples were married.
Her minister husband testified thus: “Dimno and I were schoolmates until 1962. She was about three years younger. During summer vacation in 1965, we met again. We were interested in each other. We exchanged photos. She studied in Yangon and Mandalay. I was a teacher in Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region. There was no letter. But we met again in 1969. She asked me, “When will you get married?” I answered: “When I find a nice girl like Dimno.” She was happy. I said, “I love you so much and want to marry you but I feel pity on you. Because you come from a rich family. I am a poor evangelist.” She said, “That’s no problem. If only love exists between us, I can endure every hardship or poverty.” The next year she became my wife and proved her words. She stood beside me in joy or in sorrow. We endured hardships together for more than 51 years. When she died many people mourned with me because firstly, “She was a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7). Secondly, “She was a wife with noble character. She became my crown” (Prov 12:4). Thirdly, “She was a favor from the LORD” (Prov 18:22). Fourthly, “She was prudent from the LORD” (Prov 19:14). Fifthly, “She was worth far more than rubies” (Prov 31:10).
As Pipi Dim’s life was ebbing away, Lian Huai mourned, “Mom, I love you so much. You are the kindest mom. Mom, my heart aches for you because you have lived for others but never for yourself. You are the humblest woman who showed kindness to those who love you as well as to those who never accept your kindness with an appreciation nor even with a smile. Mom, I am proud of you. Mom, you told me. You never ever fight, shout, blame, nor speak harsh or impolite words; even if people fight you, you never ever retaliate against them but only shed your tears. Mom, I am proud of you but pity you. Thank you, mom. You never ever let us sleep on the floor or on mats. You prepared mattresses for us with your own hands that we can sleep on. Mom, you are the most wonderful mom I have ever known.”
She came from a noble family known as “Sahangte – the Tigers” because of the alertness of Pu Kip Khai (grandfather of Pu On Cin), head of the family. Once the enemies tried to kill him in a house surrounded by high barricades which was a protection from the enemies. But Pu Kip Khai jumped over the barricade and escaped. He retold this event. “I acted like a leopard, like a tiger.” That is why their family is known as Sahangte.
During the construction of Fort White–Thuklai vehicle road, many were against the proposed road construction project. They said, “Even if the ravens become white, the project is an impossibility.” A retired army officer threatened him with a knife. The sharp pointed knife almost hit him several times. Many people watched the episode with breathless anxiety. But no one dared approach them to rescue him. What will happen next? Pu On Cin did not move an inch backward. With a soft voice, he said, “Na tu zei – it will be painful.” At this point the officer put back his knife into its sheath. Why was he not afraid? With a smile he said, “He’s a coward by using a knife. I know he would not dare to harm me.” Like father, like daughter.” Pipi Dim never, ever was rude nor spoke impolitely.
Edited by Pastor Do Hen Pau, former treasurer of MYUM on 11 Dec 2021 and Professor Lalchhanhimi Sailo, MUAS on 20 Dec 2021. Last Modified by KHS on 31 May 2022.
