HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

Zehtet village is situated about 5 KM from Rualalung village in the south-western part of Lunglei District. The village consists of 120 households, and its inhabitants belong to the Bru community, making it one of the larger Bru villages. Furthermore, when the Church was first established, Zehtet was not accessible by motor vehicles and required traveling on foot; thus, the village appeared unable to progress as much as it might have otherwise.

In Zehtet village, the Presbyterian Church had established schools with up to ten (10) staff members, as well as one Health Worker for medical services. In terms of denomination, the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches were present. Previously, around 1979–1983, a UPC Church also existed. However, due to various difficulties, the UPC church ceased to exist during that period.

As time passed, the year 2004 arrived, and as it appeared viable to establish a UPC Church in Zehtet, the Chawngte Local Church organized a Crusade with Pastor VL. Hmuaka (Bial Pastor) as the Speaker. On 14th August 2004, 11 members went to conduct the Crusade. However, on this occasion, they returned without forming a church.

On 11th September 2004, the Section Missions Board was convened at New Lungrang. Their resolution stated: “Let another Crusade be held in Zehtet village, and during this time, a definitive attempt should be made to establish the Church.” The date was fixed for Sunday, 3rd October 2004. On Friday, 1st October 2004, 13 members went, and on Sunday, 3rd October 2004, the Church was established, welcoming 38 members right away. The Church was officially formed by the Section Pastor, Pastor VL Hmuaka, as follows:

• Chairman : Elder Lalremkhuma
• Secretary : Elder Lalhmachhuana
• Treasurer : Bro J. Zonunkima

Sister Rohmingliani (W/o Elder Lalremkhuma) was appointed as the Treasurer for Sunday morning offerings and hand-full-of-rice (Buhfaitham) funds. Additionally, all newly inducted church members were baptized in the name of Jesus by Section Pastor, Pastor VL. Hmuaka.

CHURCH BUILDING

On 16th November 2004, the Pukpui Bial Missions Department sent the Pentecostal Revival Team to hold a Crusade in Zehtet. As the local church members lacked a plot for a church building, the Pentecostal Revival Team held a committee under their Speaker, Evan. K. Lallungmuana, and purchased a church plot for them for Rs. 2,000/-. During this Crusade, 7 (seven) members were also welcomed into the church, and they were baptized in the name of Jesus by Evan LH. Lalbiaksanga. Following the acquisition of the land, the Pukpui Bial Missions Department assisted with Rs. 10,000 (ten thousand) for purchasing wall tiles and other necessary construction materials. The Chawngte Bial Missions Department and members were deeply grateful to Pukpui Bial.

Regarding the construction of the church building (Work Camp), the Rahsiveng Bial Missions Department volunteered to assist. On 11th January 2006, in joint cooperation with the Chawngte Bial Missions Department, a team of 11 members from Chawngte and 11 members from Rahsiveng Bial—a total of 22 people—constructed a fine church building measuring 30ft in length and 16ft in width. The District Main Church provided 5 bundles of corrugated iron sheets for roofing.

NOTABLE INITIATIVES

Following the decision of Chawngte Bial Main Church to engage an Evangelist in Zehtet, Bro. Lalramhluna of Mualthuam was engaged for one year at a honorarium of Rs. 2,500/- per month. After his engagement by Chawngte Main Church, the Lunglei District Missions Department declared it a Mission Field during the late 2006 Lunglei District Missions Board meeting. Consequently, Evan R. Lalramhluna was retained to continue his work. Subsequently, various Evangelists were stationed here, as follows:

1. Evan. R. Lalremsiama (2009-2012)
2. Evan. Lalhriatmawia Tualzik (2013- 2014)
3. Evan R. Laldawngliana ( 2015-2016)
4. Evan. Muanpuia Kawlni (2017-2018 march)
5. Evan. C. Lalrinzuala (2018 May –
6. Evan R. Lalrokhawma (

PRESENT STATUS

On 3rd March 2019, due to the workings of Satan, the Church went through a very difficult period, leading to a drastic decline in membership where 28 out of 37 members left the church, leaving only 9 members. However, it proved to be the Lord's appointed time to display His glory and for our subsequent growth; at present, with an increase of 45 members, we now have a total of 54 church members.

2025-2026 Church Leaders :

• Chairman : Elder Khawndawla
• Secretary : Elder Lalhmachhuana
• Treasurer : Rbt. Biakthansanga