Establishment of the Church

In 1959, Pastor Lalbiakthanga conducted a ministry at Biate village under the theme 'Altar of Healing', which was widely attended by people from various parts of Mizoram. Many were healed in the name of the Lord Jesus. From Thingsai village, Pi Mendawki, Pi Thanrumi, and Pi Hniardawngi attended this revival service. Later, while Pu Vannghinga, his wife Pi Tialthliaii, Pu Hrangkima, Pi Kapnghingi, and Thangruma were on their way to attend the services, they met Pi Mendawki and her companions returning at a stream. They rejoiced greatly, and Pi Mendawki remarked, "Brother Van, when you return, let us establish the UPC."

While Pu Vannghinga and his companions were attending the revival, Pastor Lalbiakthanga mentioned, "We asked for the Baptist Church building to hold this altar service, but they refused." Upon hearing this, Pu Vannghinga expressed, "When he said this, it touched my heart deeply. Seeing how many people were healed in Jesus' name inside a tiny, bamboo-framed UPC church building, I felt in my heart, 'This small UPC church is truly where the Lord dwells,' and thus I formed the desire to establish the UPC."

The UPC was Established

When Pu Vannghinga and his companions returned from Biate, the chief's son from Lungkawlh was conducting services in Thingsai. His sermon on Sunday afternoon titled 'Mystery of Iniquity' deeply moved Pu Vannghinga. Since the Baptist Church did not accept the workings of the Holy Spirit, he felt he could no longer remain there. Gathering local revivalists, around 30 people signed their names and held a separate service on March 8, 1959 (Sunday), thereby establishing the Pentecostal Church in Thingsai village.

The Pioneers

The key pioneers on the day the church was established were Pu Vannghinga, Pu Thatchhuma, Pu Hrangchema, and Pu Nawlchhuma.

Early Church Services

Having separated, and since they did not yet possess a church building, they temporarily gathered at Pu Thatchhuma's house. As time passed, they requested the land where the present church stands—which was formerly a Children's Nursery School site. The Village Council President (VCP) at that time, Pu Bawrthanga, granted the land for the UPC church site. In 1962, they constructed a bamboo-framed church building and moved out from private homes.

Growth in Membership

At the time of inception, the church had around 30 members. In 1961, Pastor Saihnuna conducted a revival ministry in Thingsai, and God blessed it abundantly. On May 18, 1961, several individuals received baptism, and around 80 new members were welcomed into the church. Rev. Saihnuna stayed for nearly a month (3 days short of a full month).

In May 1971, the Lunglei District PYD Conference was hosted in Thingsai. During this event, a major debate on the topic 'Whether to join the WCC or not' was held at the Thingsai Baptist Church. Rev. Lalchungnunga, BD served as the Chairman. The UPC side was represented by Rev. HL. Ruata, Pastor Tumsanga, and Rev. Ralianga; while the Baptist Church was represented by Rev. Lawmsanga, Rev. Lalhmingthanga, and Elder Pakunga. Following this debate, Elder MC. Lalhulha, H. Bualpui, and many others were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and joined the UPC Church. The congregation continued to grow, reaching 300 members by the beginning of the political insurgency.

Due to the hardships of the insurgency and subsequent famine, many members migrated elsewhere. Over time, a number of members left to join the APC, reducing membership to around 230. By 1999, membership had grown to nearly 420; however, due to spiritual trials, almost half departed to join Mizoram UPC. Currently (2021), the membership stands at around 240.

Ministers / Workers Produced by Thingsai Local

Pastor :
1. Rev. VL. Hmuaka

Licence Holder :
1. Evan. Vannghinga
2. Evan. Lalnghinga
3. Evan. Romuana
4. Evan. T. Lalremsanga

Bible Women :
1. Sist. Chuauziki (Zikdawki)

Church Elders :

• 1. Vantluanga
• 2. Tialchhuma
• 3. Tialthanga
• 4. B. Vanlalchhuana
• 5. Lalhulha
• 6. F. Zothankhuma
• 7. Chalchhuma
• 8. MC. Hramvunga
• 9. Kapchawla
• 10. F. Zothansanga
• 11. K. Remmawia
• 12. R. Lalvulliana
• 13. Thanghaia
• 14. H. Lalramhluna
• 15. Rothanga
• 16. MC. Lalkhuma
• 17. Thanchuanga
• 18. C. Chhuanawma

Former Church Ministers / Workers :

• 1. Rokunga
• 2. M. Hrilkunga
• 3. Sangliana
• 4. C. Lianthanga
• 5. Hramtlaia(Teleuva)
• 6. Mawnglinga
• 7. Lianchhunga
• 8. Israel Lalbuatsaiha
• 9. Lalchhuanga
• 10. Lalropuia
• 11. Hrangngiara
• 12. Chuaukunga
• 13. Hrangkima
• 14. F. Lalrodawla
• 15. Hrangluaia
• 16. Lianzingi
• 17. Chhuanmawia
• 18. Vanlallawmi
• 19. Zadinga
• 20. Biakhnemi
• 21. M. Lalremsanga
• 22. Biakzawni
• 23. PC. Lalremkunga

Former Leaders

Early Leaders :
Although records of earlier leaders are unavailable, these were the earliest leaders :

1. Pu Vannghinga
2. Pu Thanchunga
3. Pu Thatchhuma
4. Pu Hrangchema
5. Pu Nawlchhuma

Development of the Church Building

The current church site was previously a Children's Nursery School. Pu Vannghinga requested the site for a church building from the VCP at that time, Pu Bawrthanga. Despite other applicants, the site was granted for the UPC church building.

1st Church Building :
The first church building was constructed in 1962 using bamboo framework. After being occupied for some time, a strong wind storm destroyed it, causing deep distress and sadness among the congregation.

2nd Church Building :
In 1967, a new church building was constructed measuring 36ft in length and 24ft in width. Due to the ongoing insurgency, conducting voluntary labor for church construction was difficult. During this time, Pu Vannghinga accompanied his son-in-law Pu Vantluanga to request the Assam Rifles (AR) Post Commander at Thingsai, Capt. Lsj Negi, to exempt community coolies for church work. Although the Post Commander initially refused, God moved his heart shortly after. He ordered 50 coolies each from Thingsai, Cherhlun, Ngharchhip, and Bualpui villages to haul thatch and bamboo for the UPC church, enabling its successful completion.

3rd Church Building :
In 1979, the church was rebuilt with corrugated iron roofing and wooden plank walls. The District funded the roofing while other local churches assisted, resulting in completion by 1980. This building was grandly inaugurated in 1985 on the occasion of the District Conference by Rev. Saidawla, representing the District Superintendent. Mithun and pigs were slaughtered for the celebration, bringing great joy. The floor was later cemented in 1988.

4th Church Building :
In 2002, preparation began for a new church structure. Bricks were molded and baked starting March 2, 2002, and timber was sawn. Through hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm, the RCC columns, beams, and brick walls were erected. Construction continued while services were held inside, and on March 25, 2013, the beautiful new church building was dedicated in the name of Jesus by Rev. R. Lalrosanga. Mithun and pigs were slaughtered for the occasion, marking a day of immense joy.

Conferences Hosted by Thingsai Local

1. Chhimbial District Conference : October 10-13, 1963
2. District PYD Conference : May 13 - 16, 1971
3. District PYD Conference : March 3 - 6, 1995
4. Joint Revival Thingsai Bial & Cherhlun Bial : September 9-11, 2005
5. LAD Bial 4 Revival : June 1 - 4, 2007
6. PYD Bial 3 Revival : March 30 - April 1, 2012
7. PYD Joint Revival, Thingsai & Cherhlun Bial : April 28 - 30, 2017

2025-2026 Thingsai Local Office Bearers

Chairman : Evan. T. Lalremsanga
Vice Chairman : Elder MC Hramvunga
Secretary : Rbt. F. Lalsawmzuala
Asst. Secretary : Rbt. H. Lalramhluna
Treasurer : Elder B. Vanlalchhuana
Statistician : Rbt. Israel Lalbuatsaiha