24TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

KTP, MIZORAM SYNOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHAMPHAI VENGTHLANG - 1

CHAMPHAI VENGTHLANG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH : THE STORY

T
he first ever ChamphaiVengthlang Presbyterian Church was erected in 1911 between
September and October at AwmpuiVeng. The church holds a significant place amongst
the people as it was established through faith and with prayers. There were no proper
seatings available during that period wherein all the members of the church and the leaders sat
on the floor under one roof making the fellowships coming to fruition .
Within a span of 8 years, the Second and there will come a time when modernization
Third Church buildings were erected in 1913 will reach the people and they will all wear
and 1918 respectively. The Second Church was shoes one day. Hence it came to conclusion
build in 1913. It was shifted from AwmpuiVeng that the church had its first ever concrete floor
to a new location ; the place where the present since its inception. The Sixth Church Build-
Church is located. ing was then completed in 1969.
The third Church built in 1918 was led The Seventh Church Building prosposal
by Pastor Vanchhunga. He was the first ever was bought up by the church elders . On 7th
Pastor of ChamphaiVengthlangPresbyterian February 1982, a Building Committee was
Church who also carried a bundle of Tin held at UpaLalchungnunga’s House where it
(Rangva) from Hmunhmeltha to Vengthlang to was unanimously decided that all the pillars
use it for the Church’s roof which has led to a and the floors should be of concrete struc-
remarkable milestone for the church to be- ture (RCC) and with the extension of a new
coming the first ever church to have a Tin Roof Sunday School Building on the upper east side
in Mizoram. A stack of Hays were used for of the land. With the continuous and the col-
the church’s roofs from 1911 - 1918. lective contributions of labour, funds and
As time passes the need for a bigger prayers from the church members, the project
church was felt which is evident from the of a new church building was put forth and
growing number of members from time to worked upon. On 1st March 1988 the first ever
time. Therefore after 15 years of fruitful fel- community service for the church was held
lowships, a new church was set up in 1933 be- with the laying of a new building foundation
coming the Fourth Church of on ground. In 1991, the first part of a three-
ChamphaiVengthlang. The church had grown storey building called ‘MizoramKohhran Cen-
drastically to a point where it needed renova- tenary Hall’ was completed which was used
tion and on the first month of 1956, restruc- by the Senior Department and the church alike
turing and restoration of a new church began for fellowships and other purposes. In 1992
with the disassembling projects of the church’s the proposal for the extension of the building
structure leading the building of a larger and was carried forward .
more stable one . Hence the supposedly Fifth 1994, the year of Mizoram Gospel Cen-
Church came into existence and was fondly tenary. The proposals of a new church build-
congregated from 1955 – 1969. ing has been fervently worked upon, had gained
On 5th February 1969, the church was a solid structure and remodeling of the dif-
again disassembled in need of a bigger build- ferent compartments and rooms to a more vi-
ing to hold as many people as possible. Hence brant and appealing look leading to the cur-
the project of constructing a new church build- rent Church that can allocate 600-700 people
ing began. It would be essential to mention that which is continuously running till date.
from this point on, the Church elders along Till date the church has been a great hosts
with the youth leaders held a meeting regard- of certain events of Church Gatherings and
ing if they should construct the floor of the Conferences alike .With God’s providence and
church with a concrete cement or just plain guidance throughout, Champhai Vengthlang
sand. This was raised to give awareness to the Presbyterian Church is truly Blessed !
elders from the youth leaders as to where
 KTP, MIZORAM SYNOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHAMPHAI VENGTHLANG - 2
REPORT FROM 24TH
EDITORIAL PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (PYF)
Greetings to all the delegates BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2023
and participants of the 24th Biennial ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Conference of the Presbyterian Youth
Fellowship in the name of our Lord 24th Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Biennial
and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Conference 2023 host Church, Champhai Vengthlang
The host church is bringing Church set up a body designated as Organising Com-
out a special bulletin on this occa- mittee as follows
sion in order to provide the delegates, Chairman : Rev K. Laltlanhlua,
standing choir members and partici- Pastor in - charge
pants with various informations per- Vice Chairman : Rev John B. Hmar,
taining to the host Church and the Counsellor FG&CC
profile of the Office bearers of the Secretary : Upa Dr C. Laldawngliana
PYF. As we all are aware, the Presby- Asst. Secretary : Upa C. Lallianzauva
terian Youth Fellowship (P.Y.F) com- To set up a proper monitoring system for the
prises of 14 units hailing mainly from preparation, 14 Sub Committees had been formed with
the North East India. There are,no the leaders as follows.
doubt, differences among the differ- 1) Prayer Sub Committee
ent units of the PYF in terms of lan- 2) Pandal Sub Committee
guage, culture, dresses, tastes, pref- 3) Reception Sub Committee
erences, etc. Inspite of all these, we 4) Ushering Sub Committee
must remember that we are one in 5) Refreshment Sub Committee
Christ. The blood of Jesus Christ 6) Banquet (Ruai) Sub Committee
bonded us together and transcended 7) Sound Sub Committee
all barriers and differences. As lead- 8) Light Sub Committee
ers of youths, we must not lose sight 9) Decoration Sub Committee
that youths today play a pivotal role 10) Media Sub Committee
in every society. At the same time, 11) Traffic & Security Sub Committee
many of them are facing turbulent 12) Medical Sub Committee
times such as western consumerism, 13) Sanitation Sub Committee
worldly passions, HIV/AIDS, sub- 14) Praise Group Sub Committee
stance abuse,ungodly living,general The Committee had proposed the budget Esti-
apathy to spirituality and turn away mate amounting about Rs 21 lakh for the Conference
from listening to the truth.They give and put up to Church Committee who had made the
attention to legends. final approval.
In order to lead them to The Sub Committees had sort out the action
greener pastures, a dedicated leader plan and they are authorized to take necessary steps
is bound to be ready to adapt to for executing their action plan under the aegis of the
changing circumstances. He/She Organising Committee with the approval of the Church
should be spiritually helpful to the Committee. The Church members are actively partici-
needy. As leaders we sometimes may pating in all the arrangements made to materialize the
feel desperate and forsaken. We may action plan made by the Sub Committees with whole
see ourselves unworthy servants. Let hearted and dedications. The host Church members
us not be tempted to think this way. are ready to offer a warm hospitality from their end
The Holy Spirit is wiling to help us. to all the delegates. The beautiful and challenging ac-
So, let us put on all the armours of tivity made by the Church was conducting the Prayer
the Almighty God to fight against the meeting after every Worship Service since the begin-
wicked spiritual forces. Our Lord ning of March 2023 which would bring showers of
Jesus Christ has been going to pre- Spiritual blessings during this Conference. It is our
pare places for us in his Father’s hope and Prayer that God will guide us and reveal him-
house. Then he will come back some- self to every individuals within the Conference to
day and take us to his place to re- strengthen our faith in Christ so as we may be the liv-
ceive a crown that will last forever. ing witness of the Gospel in this dimmed World.
KTP, MIZORAM SYNOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHAMPHAI VENGTHLANG - 3
HISTORY OF CHAMPHAI
Champhai is located in the North eastern side of Mizoram. It is not far from the border
of India and Myanmar. From the record of the British government (who ruled India at that
time,) from 1500-1800 AD the Mizo people who came down first from the east to Mizoram
were Fenngo clan. So they called their village as their clan name like Chawnchhim, Lawihmun
and so on. We can also see the ancient heritage of the Mizo in Champhai areas like: Erection
of big stones, Chhura Farep, Chawngchilhi kai, Mura puk and Sikpui lung.In the year 1864,
Vanhnuailiana came to Champhai with his pasaltha Vanapa (Thangzachhinga) and his compan-
ions. Then Vanhnuailiana became the chief of Lawihmun, his mother became the chief of
Chawnchhim. In the year 1871 when Vanhnuailiana died his wife Rolianpuii ruled over
Chawnchhim as a chief.
In 17 February, 1872 Deputy Commissioner of British as Captain Cookesly
Cachar Deputy Commisioner Mizoram made the unique ad- set up the British flag at
and General Bourcher came to ministration of Champhai in Champhai on 17.2.1872
Lawihmun to make treaty with 1909. In that administration all On 18.2.1872 Gen.
Vanhnuailiana. But they did not the chiefs in Champhai were Bourchear and Cachar D.C.
see any people in the village the members of Panchayat, Edger came to Champhai and
then on the next day they went they became chairman of made treaty with Champhai
to Chawnchhim and they made Panchayat year by year. In chief and elders.
treaty with the elders 1923 one army company left After Independence,
(Khawnbawl upate) of Champhai and their place was Champhai occupies an impor-
Ropuiliani In 1879 the sons of occupied by Thangvela Chief tant position under erswhile
Vanhnuailiana named the place and is now called Lushai Hills District (later
Dothiauva, Liankhama, Kahrawt. There were four known as Mizo District) which
Lalburha, Buangtheuva and chiefs in Chawnchhim hill, is one of the District in the
Chinhleia tried to settle down they were: state of Assam. The first po-
to the western side of 1) Luseia Chawngthu litical Assistant was posted at
Mizoram but the place where (Thangseia) – Vengthlang Champhai in 1956 who is the
they planned to migrate was al- and Chhungte representative of the Deputy
ready occupied by Mangas’ 2) Thangtea Chawngthu Commissioner, Mizo District
descendants, because of that (Thangvela) - Kahrawt under undivided Assam State.
the famous war in Mizo his- 3) Sing Bir Bai - Jamadar Champhai was then upgraded
tory broke out which was 4) Thangthiauva Chawngthu - to the status of Civil Sub-Di-
called Chhak leh Thlang Indo Vengsang. vision in 1976. Champhai area
(war between the east and the Champhai is one of the used to be economically back-
west). After that British Mili- oldest place which Mizo ward. However, the trade ac-
tary group occupied people occupied. We can say tivities with Myanmar which
Chawnchhim. Half of the vil- that Champhai is more than flourished since 1970s
lagers were near to the police 100 years old, from different changed the economic senario
quarters so they became the poems. At first, one of Mizo of the area. There is a vast
one who knew foreign clan Hmar occupied scope of further development
language.The British Govern- Champhai, after they moved due to the implementation of
ment made an order to have away, Ralte clan occupied Indo-Myanmar border trade,
gun license to those who have it.After Ralte, Sailo clan came Rih Sector which is being set
gun. But the Mizo people did to ruled, The Sailo period was up at Zokhawthar.
not understand the exact mean- came to an end and the Lusei Champhai District is
ing. They sold their guns to clan was begun and occupied abundant with flora and fauna.
Pawi who lived in Myanmar. it. Among Mizo people there Flowers of rare species like
Then Thenzawl Pasaltha are so many clans, they had their the beautiful Rhododen dron
Chengaia took back ten guns own chief, they moved from (Chhawkhlei in Mizo) and
from Pawi because of that one place to another as a no- Parry are naturally grown here.
Deputy Comissioner was very mad. There are so many his- Varieties of Pine trees are also
glad to him. So Chengaia was torical monuments at champhai naturally grown in this area
appointed as chief in like – Mangkhaia lung, which are hardly found in
Vanlaiphai (N). But Chengaia Lungverh, Chhura farep, Mura other parts of the State.
chose to be the chief of puk, Sikpui lung etc. which can From Horticulture
Champhai instead of be seen till now. point of view, there are wide
Vanlaiphai(N) and he became After Mary Winchester varieties of fruits grown here.
the chief at Hmuntlang then he was taken back from Mizo Among them Grapes, Passion
was the pioneer of having chief by Lt.Col.T.H.Lewin on fruits are grown in bulk quan-
Champhai field as paddy 21st jan 1872. Champhai is tity and they are the pride of
field.H.W.G. Cole the 11th also under the ruled of the Champhai District.
KTP, MIZORAM SYNOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHAMPHAI VENGTHLANG - 4

Name : Rev. D.F. Dkhar

PYF Designation : Leader
Home Town : Dkhiah West, Khliehriat, Megalaya
Home Church : Pymbai Presbyterian Church, KYP Synod Mihngi
Involvement in Church: Serving as a Pastor of the said Church and at the same time as
the Principal of the Higher Secondary School run by the Church.
Short Message : Unity in Diversity through our Lord Jesus Christ. Greeting to you
all from the Office of the PYF.
Name : Lalrempuia
PYF Designation : Assistant Leader
Home Town : Aizawl, Chanmari West
Home Church : Chanmari West Presbyterian Church
Involvement in Church: Leader - Senior Department, Vice Chairman - Music Comt ,
Leader - Branch KTP, Ministry.
Short Message : In our surroundings we can become the light for our fellow youths
who are in the bondage of evils and besides, let's become the light in our own
respective churches and local unit/branches for our God.
Name : Rev. P. Sohmat
PYF Designation : Secretary
Home Town : Pyndensohsaw Village, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya
Home Church : Mawpdai Presbyterian Church, District War Sepngi Mawphlang
Involvement in Church: Serving as a Pastor in Charge in the District War Sepngi. Fi-
nance Secretary of District War Sepngi. Currently is the General
Secretary of Mawphlang Presbytery.
Short Message : I would like to give special greetings to CKTP who is the host unit
and especially to Champhai Vengthlang Presbyterian Church for hosting the 24th
Biennial Conference of PYF. I pray that God will be with the Church in all its
preparation and I hope it will be the blessings to the PYF Family. God bless you.

Name : Rev. Michael Zoramdina Nampui

PYF Designation : Assistant Secretary
Home Town : Haflong
Home Church : Presbyterian Church Fiangpui, Haflong
Involvement in Church: Pastor looking after Thingdol Pastorate under Biateram Synod
Short Message : Greeting you all in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It
is a great joy for the PYF as we are going to gather together at the 24th
Biennial conference at Champhai Vengthlang Mizoram Synod. I hope and
pray that this Biennial conference will be a blessing for the PYF. Let us come
together as the PYF family and serve the Lord with gladness and extend the
kingdom of God here on earth for His glory! Thank you.
Name : Miss Manbhalyne Kharlor
PYF Designation : Treasurer
Home Town : Umsning, Meghalaya
Home Church : Umsning Presbyterian Local Church
Involvement in Church: Secy. Umsning Local church PYF and PWF; Fin. Secy., Mawbuh
Pastorate and Mawbuh Sarikrai Presbytery PYF and PWF; Stat-
istician Ri Bhoi Presbyterian church Synod PYF; Secy., Bible
Society of India, Nongpoh Branch; Choir Member of the Local,
Pastorate, Presbytery, and Synod
Short Message : With a thankful heart I am very happy and feel extremely honoured to
be part and parcel of the 24th Biennial Conference of the PYF PCI hosted by Champhai
Vengtlang CKTP. This Conference can be a great time of uniting and rejoicing with the
Lord's favour. It is a time to reflect and take into account our progress as well as to
look forward with hope and vision. It can also be a bonding experience for the host
church that can have many lasting benefits for the congregation. In this Conference let
us encourage each other and thank God for His blessings. May the Lord's love and
joy fill our hearts as we gather for business sessions, Worship and services.
PUBLISHED BY : PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF INDIA, CHAMPHAI VENGTHLANG