Maw La: Saying good-bye to a hero, a leader and a friend

Pu Maw La

Karen State, Burma

One of the oldest Free Burma Rangers, Pu Maw La, passed away in September, at 84 years of age. Maw La was our dear friend, uncle, example, encourager, advisor, enabler and a man of God. He grew up during World War II, and as a young boy helped his father fight the invading Japanese army in Burma. His father, Saw Digay, was a leader of the northern Karen and worked closely with the Allies and Major Hugh Seagrim, “Grandfather Longlegs.” Maw La helped his father do his part in the liberation of Burma. After World War II, the Karen and other ethnic groups were attacked by the Burma Army and war broke out between the dictators of Burma and the Karen and other ethnic people of Burma.

As he grew up, Pu Maw La became one of the most respected leaders of the Karen freedom movement. He gained renown as a brilliant fighter and protector of his people. He was also a master hunter and on two separate occasions killed an attacking tiger and bear with only a spear and knife. He was one of the first to help us as we formed FBR and his sons were some of our most outstanding leaders. One of his sons, Digay Htoo, died on a mission.

Now we have lost Pu Maw La and this is a great loss for the Karen people and all of us. He helped his people survive years of attacks and his own village was burned three times by the Burma Army, but he never left. He said, “I would rather die here in the land God gave me, than live as a slave somewhere else.” Pu Maw La helped rebuild his village, school and church each time they were attacked and never gave up hope. He prayed for all people and led us all at each New Years’ worship ceremony to pray for the Burma Army and all our enemies. He never stopped loving – us at FBR, his people, his land – even when there were many reasons to give up, he never did. He was an example of perseverance and strength, of hospitality and care, and of irrepressible joy and love of life. We thank God for him and all that he has shown us of our Father and how to live in the world, through both good and bad times. We pray for his family and his people, and look forward to seeing him in heaven where all that joy of life can fow and fy unweighted by the gravity of earth.

Pu Maw La inspired us to obey God at all costs, to love all who come our way and to live boldly and with care for others. Once, when a journalist asked Pu Maw La if FBR was good or not, he answered, “If FBR follows God it is good, if it does not follow God it is not good.”

Maw La helped us follow God and we thank God for him.