HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Mautlang village is located in the south-western part of Lunglei. Under the church administrative divisions, it falls within the Chawngte Presbytery (Bial). In earlier times, regular Mizo people resided in Mautlang. After the regrouping of villages during the political insurgency (Rambuai), it was inhabited by the 'Bawm' tribe, a sub-tribe of the Mizos. Later, the Bawm community also migrated away and established a new village across from the original Mautlang site, retaining the name Mautlang for their new village. At the time of writing this history of Mautlang Church, there are around 50 (fifty) households in Mautlang village. Regarding church affairs, Mautlang was a village without any UPC Church presence. It was exclusively inhabited by members of the Presbyterian Church, which had established a school with 2 (two) workers.

When the Lunglei District Mission Department included Mautlang village within the scope of the Zehtet Field, the Chawngte Bial Main Church engaged Casual Worker Elder JB. Lalremkhuma of Zehtet for the year 2007 to assist Evan. R. Lalramhluna, the Zehtet Home Missionary. Together, the two of them began ministry in the field. In 2007, they started visiting Mautlang village, rendering ministry as best as they could, and continued their efforts believing the field to be open for the Gospel. Even though Mautlang was a village with no prior UPC presence, the Lord worked in people's hearts to establish a church, eventually bringing them to a state where a local church could be formed.

By the time 18th March 2007 arrived, through the intensive field efforts of Evan. R. Lalramhluna (Zehtet Home Missionary) and Elder JB. Lalremkhuma (Casual Worker appointed by Chawngte Bial), which the Lord blessed, a fine Church was established. On that very day, 18th March 2007, Pastor VL. Hmuaka, the Chawngte Bial Pastor, welcomed 40 (forty) members into the UPC (NEI) Church membership, dedicated 10 (ten) children, and 13 (thirteen) people were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus at the Chawngvunga hunting stream. Additionally, a service was held at Bro. Lallawmsanga's house, where a great spiritual revival took place. The formation of this local church brought immense joy to various local churches across the Chawngte Bial.

Members gathered from various local churches within the Bial to welcome the new church: 6 from Chawngte, 5 from Lungrang, 4 from Zehtet, along with PBC Field Worker Evan. Zosangzuala of Chawngte ‘C’. On the afternoon of 18th March 2007, the Bial Pastor, Pastor VL Hmuaka, officially formed the new Mautlang Church as follows:

• Church Elders : Vanlalpeka, Zegola
• Ministers/Workers : 7

Church Board Office Bearers :

• Chairman : Elder Vanlalpeka
• Secretary : Rbt. Lalthanzama
• Treasurer : Elder Zegola

After the formation of the new Mautlang Church, steps were taken to secure a site for the church building. The Mautlang Village Council (VC) immediately donated the land where the current church stands. Subsequent efforts were made to construct the church building. From 4th to 6th May 2007, a Crusade was organized jointly by the Lunglei District Missions Department and Chawngte Bial, with Bro. R. Lalramhluna serving as the Speaker. During this event, the ground for the church site was excavated.

Lunglei District Home Missionaries who have served Mautlang village :

1. Evan. R. Lalramhluna of Mualthuam ‘N’
2. Evan. R. Lalremsiama of Sekhum
3. Evan. Lalhriatmawia Tualzik of Bualpui ‘H’
4. Evan. R. Laldawngliana of Sekhum
5. Evan. Muanpuia Colney of Haulawng
6. Evan. C. Lalrinzuala of Tlabung
7. Evan R. Lalrokhawma of Thangte

CHURCH BUILDING

Throughout 2007, vigorous efforts were made to build the church. With permission from the District Main Church, Evan. R. Lalramhluna, Home Missionary for Zehtet Field, collected construction funds across Lunglei town and larger rural villages. Through people's generosity and contributions, they were able to build the church.

Chawngte Bial conducted a Work Camp from 25th to 29th March 2008. The participating members were: Chawngte Local - 3, Zehtet - 3, New Lungrang - 4, Lungrang ‘S’ - 1, Mualthuam ‘N’ - 1, along with 3 hired masons. The masons were engaged at a daily wage of Rs. 300. The Mautlang Church building was completed and ready for occupation on 29th March 2008 (Saturday). Furthermore, this church building was the very first house in Mautlang village to be built with tin roofing and tiles. They occupied it that same evening, experiencing the presence of the Lord through the Holy Spirit and giving Him great praise. The first message delivered on the night of occupying the church was given by the late Bro. Lalruaia of New Lungrang. The church continued to progress under God's blessings, and demonstrating their continued love and concern for Mautlang Local, the Lunglei District Missions Department appointed Sister C. Lalchhandami of Venghlun as an Evangelist Teacher during 2010–2011.

By the year 2020, the original church building had deteriorated severely and was no longer fit for continued use. Recognizing these hardships, the Lunglei District Ladies Auxiliary Department initiated building support with a contribution of Rs 3,00,000. As our own funds were insufficient, the Lunglei District Main Church stepped in with additional financial support of Rs 95,000.

PRESENT STATUS

Prior to writing this history of Mautlang Church, there were 58 church members. With an increase of 27 members, the current membership has reached 85.

2025-2026 Church Leaders :

• Chairman : Elder Laldenga
• Secretary : Elder Lalrinmawia
• Treasurer : Rbt Lallungmuana