History Record of the Fort Wayne United SDA Church

 History Record of the Karen-Myanmar Adventist Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Origins and Early Years (1999–2004)

The Karen-Myanmar Adventist Church acknowledges with gratitude its steady growth under God’s divine grace. This humble beginning started in December 1999, when an Adventist family from Myanmar (formerly Burma) migrated to Fort Wayne, USA, and found a spiritual home at the Fort Wayne First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

During these early years, the small group worshiped under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Carmelo Mercado, who served until 2004. As more Myanmar families joined the community, the ministry continued to grow organically.

Expansion and Dedicated Leadership (2004–2022)

Pastor Ramon Ulanga provided leadership from 2004 to 2013, demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique needs of immigrant members. However, for the Karen-Myanmar group specifically, the primary spiritual leadership and pastoral care were faithfully carried out by dedicated pastors from within their own community:

• Pastor Joe Naing (Silas) (2005–2020, deceased)

• Pastor Samuel Ngala (2019–2022)

During this period, while Pastors Victor Jaeger and David DeRose served as the senior pastors of the English-speaking mother congregation, the direct pastoral leadership and nurturing of the Karen-Myanmar group remained under the guidance of the pastors listed above.

Official Organization as a Church (2022–Present)

By God’s continued leading and significant growth, the group took the historic step of officially organizing as a Company. The establishment date was May 18, 2024, with the status now recognized as a Church.

Current Leadership and Contact Information

• Current Pastor: Pastor Suan Lian Kham (2022–present)

• Phone: 269-362-1152

• Email: suanliankham@indysda.org

• Address: 228 Lexington Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 48607

Membership and Language

The church has grown to a vibrant congregation with:

• Baptized Members: 107

• Sabbath School Members: 159

• Languages Used: Myanmar (with English & Karen)

Spiritual Growth and Evangelism

The Lord has richly blessed the evangelistic efforts of the church. In 2022 alone, a total of 38 individuals joined the church, including 16 baptisms and 22 by Profession of Faith. In the preceding year, 18 individuals were added (16 baptisms and 2 professions of faith).

The church continues to prioritize evangelism, setting goals in harmony with conference direction. Special programs, including evangelistic meetings and family seminars such as the “Christian Home and Marriage” seminar, have contributed to a sustained spiritual revival and numerical growth.

Stewardship and Financial Growth

The faithfulness of the members is clearly reflected in the church’s stewardship. From 2022 to 2023, tithe increased significantly from $64,642.70 to $87,838.00, evidencing God’s abundant blessings. Currently, 17 members are committed to regular tithe returning, with a vision to increase this number to 30 faithful stewards in the coming years.

Media Ministry and Attendance

The media ministry has expanded its outreach, sharing sermons and messages beyond the local congregation and blessing many viewers. Attendance growth has been steady:

• In-person: from 71 (2022) to 90 (2023)

• Online: 72 (2022) and 66 (2023)

Church records show 33 households, encompassing 144 total individuals, including family members.

Organization and Leadership

To guide this growing ministry, monthly meetings are conducted in person, usually during the last week of each month, where church board members and officers meet to plan and guide the work in harmony with the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.