ABHMS announces 2024 recipient of prestigious Daniel E. Weiss Scholarship

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 09/19/2024)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is pleased to announce that Saisih Nawnkahr has been named the 2024 recipient of the Daniel E. Weiss Scholarship, a distinguished merit-based award that supports theological education and ministry leadership. Nawnkahr will use her award to offset tuition expenses as she pursues a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of three years.

Born and raised in Myanmar, Nawnkahr grew up in the Baptist church there, which shaped her faith and sense of purpose. “I’ve always been inclined to learn about the Bible—its history and theology,” she reflected, while also admitting that “going to seminary was not one of my dreams.”

Saisih Nawnkahr of Glendale Heights, Illinois, recipient of the 2024 Daniel E. Weiss Scholarship, a prestigious award bestowed by ABHMS.

However, as the Glendale Heights, Illinois, resident immersed herself in ministry as a lay preacher and teacher at the Milwaukee Myanmar Christian Church in West Allis, Wisconsin—a congregation Nawnkahr considers her “spiritual home”—her desire to pursue a formal theological education deepened. “Looking back, the process leading to this path was almost involuntary,” she mused.

Nawnkahr describes receiving the Weiss Scholarship as a blessed and humbling experience that “not only enables me to go to seminary but more importantly, affirms my calling.” With a goal of serving in ministry focused on teaching and counseling, she will apply the scholarship funds to her graduate program “and some courses on pastoral care and counseling.”

While clearly excited about her future, Nawnkahr acknowledges a daunting academic road ahead. “Going to school full time is a great commitment, and I do not expect it to be easy,” she said, “but I am praying for strength and guidance.”

The Daniel E. Weiss Scholarship is a highly competitive award. Applicants must be nominated and then demonstrate that they have fulfilled eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, matriculating in an accredited seminary, and being a member in good standing at an American Baptist church. They must also show their commitment to the growth and sustainability of the American Baptist denomination.

The award is provided through the Weiss Fund of Excellence, established by the late Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Weiss, who served as general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) from 1988 to 2000. Weiss, who passed away on August 22, 2020, left a legacy of Christian leadership. His fund continues to support emerging American Baptist leaders in their pursuit of theological education and ministry.

For more information about scholarship opportunities and continuing education grants available through ABHMS, please visit Education & Scholarships at abhms.org.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.