RAHSIVENG LOCAL
About this Local and its office bearers (O.B).
About RAHSIVENG LOCAL
Early Pioneer Minister in Lunglei Town: Before the church was established, UPC Pastor Lalthianghlima had already been ministering here, supported and warmly welcomed by many. He frequently retreated to the outskirts of town for private prayer, and his fervent solitary prayers moved the hearts of many people deeply.
Establishment of the Church: Thereafter, the existing church members sought to attend a conference, searching as far as Hauruang. Eventually, around 1958, they made a start under the name 'Lungleh Church'. In March 1958, Pi Lalsikhupi served as a delegate representing Lungleh Church at the Circle Conference held in Lunglawn. As time passed, Pu Hrangmawia and others, who were already active ministers in the Baptist Church, joined them. According to church records, the official establishment of a fully-formed church took place on March 15, 1959.
First Leaders:
Chairman : Elder Hrangmawia
Secretary : Saiengliana
Treasurer : Saikhuma
Elders : Elder Hrangmawia, Elder Chhawntluanga, Elder Dengsaia, Elder Laiveta
Church Workers : Bro. Saiengliana, Bro. Lalzaruaia, Sist. Lalsikhupi, Sist. Sapbawii, Bro. Lalbela, Bro. PC. Thansanga, Sist. Hrangliani.
Initial Worship Services:
At the inception of the church, worship services were organized immediately, being held at the homes of Elder Hrangmawia, Elder Chhawntluanga, Elder Laiveta, and Elder Dengsaia. Although members were not formally registered initially, the congregation was known to number between 80 and 100. Additionally, many interested visitors attended the services.
Even before the church was formally established in this manner, Bro. Hrangmawia felt a strong desire to receive baptism. Disregarding humiliation or shame, and without hesitation regarding potential difficulties in his existing (Baptist) church, he went to Chhim Mualcheng to receive baptism, thus becoming the very first convert to be baptized. The news of the newly established church caused quite a stir, and understandably grieved his former (Baptist) church, leading to rumors of complete ostracization; however, no actual ostracization occurred.
Rahsiveng became the first UPC local church established in Lunglei town. Spirit-filled believers from various localities gathered here, turning Rahsiveng into an important spiritual headquarters. After congregating together for a period, members eventually branched out into different localities, causing the UPC Church to spread continuously.
THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING:
In 1960, a request for land for a church building was submitted to the Village Council. Fortunately, the site where the current church stands was granted. The congregation was filled with great enthusiasm, gathering for voluntary labor late into the night under Petromax lights to clear the building site. In 1960/1961, UPCI General Superintendent Arthur T. Morgan and General Secretary Wynn T. Stairs from the USA visited Mizoram. Designation Rahsiveng as the Headquarters Church, they purchased corrugated iron sheets for the roof and covered the transportation costs, which brought great joy to the church members. Sawing timber to economize construction, the congregation served with boundless joy. Police personnel posted from Aizawl during that period also contributed significantly to the construction. Pu Sainghina (Police Dahrawk) and his wife contributed Rs. 1,000/-, which was used to purchase 72 sheets of ACC Plain Sheet tiles.
The first church building, measuring 48'x24', featured a sawn timber frame, tile walls, and a corrugated iron roof. It was occupied on December 17, 1961, and officially inaugurated by Rev. Harry E. Scism on March 3, 1962.
SECOND CHURCH BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: 24 years after the inauguration of the first church building, initial steps and voluntary labor for a new church building commenced on October 10, 1986. Section Pastor Rev. PC. Lunghnema offered the opening prayer for the work, and on October 17, 1987, Section Pastor Rev. PC. Doliana laid the foundation stone and dug the pillar foundations. Rev. Lalthima initiated the first ceremonial digging. During the construction of the second church building, the church faced immense challenges; however, through God's presence and guidance, a 60'x30' RCC structure was successfully completed, being ready for inauguration 12 years after foundation digging began. Following thorough preparations, it was officially inaugurated on November 14, 2004, by Rev. K. Satinvela, then General Superintendent of North East India Unit, celebrated with a grand feast and spiritual joy.
THIRD CHURCH BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: Plans to construct a new church building were initiated again in 2013, designed as an 80'x40' multi-story RCC structure, with the main church hall on the upper floor and a fellowship hall below. The first voluntary labor day for construction took place on April 26, 2014, with 12 distinct groups carrying out foundation digging on that day. Throughout the construction, the church demonstrated remarkable unity and oneness of heart; individuals and families contributed generously in finances and labor, and all departments worked together steadfastly without exception. The Lord answered the hard work and zeal of the congregation, completing the building for occupation 3 years and 8 months after construction began. On Wednesday, December 20, 2017, the opening service for the new church building was observed, with day-long worship, singing praise to God, accompanied by refreshments.
STATUS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS:
1. SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT : The Sunday School Department is considered to have been established concurrently with the founding of the church. In earlier times, Sunday School was conducted on Sunday mornings. As resolved by the Church Board, starting in 2019, Adult Sunday School and Children's Sunday School were separated in accordance with the Manual.
2. MISSIONS DEPARTMENT : The exact date of establishment of the Missions Department is not precisely recorded; mission work in unreached areas was carried out closely alongside the Main Church. Funds were raised through work outreach, group labor, and 2nd Sunday offerings. From June 14, 1992, monthly family envelope contributions were introduced and collected regularly.
3. PENTECOSTAL YOUTH DEPARTMENT : Established on February 6, 1966, under the name 'Pentecostal Conqueror', with Evan. Lalthanzauva as its first President. Pu Lalthanzauva was also the first Lunglei District PYD (Conqueror) President. The PYD celebrated its 50th Anniversary on February 6, 2016, observing this Golden Jubilee with church-wide celebrations.
4. LADIES AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT : On the night of August 4, 1964, during a Church Workers Committee meeting held at the residence of Pu Dengsailova, Pi Lalsikhupi and Zakamlovi requested permission to establish a Women's Committee, which was granted. Following this approval, the women's fellowship was formally established, which can be viewed as the foundation for the district-wide women's department. (Following the initiatives of Pi Lalsikhupi and companions, the Main Church District Board eventually approved the establishment of a district-wide Women's Department). The Women's Department collected handfuls of rice (Buhfaitham) and consistently aided the church wherever needed, beginning separate weekly worship services on the evening of February 28, 1966 (Monday night).
5. PENTECOSTAL MEN DEPARTMENT : The Pentecostal Men Department was established on February 25, 1993. Its initial office bearers were President - K. Lalhmachhuana, Secretary - ZD. Vanlalrema, Treasurer - F. Lalzawngliana, and Sr. Adviser - Elder L.H. Sanghluna. PMD actively works to meet and fulfill various physical and ministry needs of the church. Rahsiveng was among the first places in Lunglei District to establish PMD, celebrating its Silver Jubilee with a church-wide feast in 2018.
6. PENTECOSTAL CHILDREN DEPARTMENT: The Pentecostal Children Department was established on January 8, 1980, with Elder F. Lalenga as its first Leader (President). PCD focuses on teaching children the Word of God and nurturing their spiritual talents, serving as a vital foundation for the future of the church.
7. JUNIOR PENTECOSTAL YOUTH DEPARTMENT: Jr. PYD was established on December 12, 2017. Its inaugural leaders were President - C.W. C. Lalroliana, Secretary - C.W. C. Vanlalena, Treasurer - LHV. Lalhmingchhuani, Vice President - Eddie Zonunkima, Asst. Secretary - David Lalmawizuala, Fin. Secretary - Saihmingthanga Sailo, and Adviser - Evan. V. Lalduhawma.
Present Status:
Rahsiveng Local currently has 760 members (2025 report). There are 10 Elders, 8 Church Workers, 2 B/W, 2 Ordination License Holders, 3 General License Holders, and 1 Local License Holder.
Department Membership: PYD 263, LAD 162, PCD 149, PMD 75.
2025-2026 Local Leaders:
Chairman : Elder C. Vanlalduha
Vice Chairman : Evan. V. Lalduhawma
Secretary : Evan. K. Lalmuankima
Asst. Secretary : Elder C. Lalbiakenga
Treasurer : Evan. Laldinpuia Sailo
Elder R. Lalhmunsiama
Statistician : C.W. C. Vanlalena
Office Bearers (O.B)
O.B Position President
No records added.
O.B Position Vice President
No records added.
O.B Position Secretary
No records added.
O.B Position Assistant Secretary
No records added.
O.B Position Treasurer
No records added.
O.B Position Financial Secretary
No records added.
O.B Position Adviser
No records added.