ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH

Buknuam village is a fairly large Bru village located in the southwestern part of Lunglei, about 5 KM from Zehtet. Buknuam is a village of around 50 households, predominantly inhabited by the Bru community. In terms of church administration, it falls within the Zehtet Home Missions Field.

In the past, the UPC Church was established in Buknuam village. During that time, Rev. Zalawma (L), one of the prominent figures in Lunglei District, served as an Evangelist Teacher under the church. When he retired, Elder Ngurkhuma (L) of Rangte filled the vacant position. Eventually, when there were no longer Evangelist Teachers, the few remaining church members migrated, and the church ceased to exist.

Later, Buknuam village was included under the Zehtet Home Missions Field. Field Evangelist Evan. R. Laldawngliana frequently visited to oversee and survey the area. On August 28, 2015, the Lunglei District Missions Department sent Evan. Lalthangkima of Vanhne, who was serving as a Free Evangelist, to conduct a Crusade. He was accompanied by 8 members:

1. 1. Evan. R. Laldawngliana, Zehtet Home Missionary
2. 2. Elder Lalthanmawia
3. 3. Elder Khawndawla
4. 4. Elder Vanlalhruaia
5. 5. Henry Liankhuma
6. 6. Evan. Lalramchhana
7. 7. Vanlalpeka
8. 8. Lalthlamuana
9. 9. JB. Remkhuma

Through their ministry, several new members were welcomed into the Church. However, at the time of their reception, the church was not formally constituted, and they had not yet received baptism. Considering the long-term outlook under the leadership of Pastor Rev. R. Vanlalenga of Chawngte Section, it was decided to observe the situation for a year before formally constituting the church.

Before the formal establishment of the church, the District Missions Department sent Evan. Muanpuia Colney, who was joined by Evan. R. Laldawngliana. Together, they baptized eight (8) adult church members in the name of Jesus Christ.

Following the baptism, Pastor Rev. R. Vanlalenga of Chawngte Section and Evan. R. Laldawngliana visited Buknuam village, and on January 30, 2017, the church was officially established and constituted. The first leaders of the newly formed church were:

CHURCH BUILDING

Following the formal constitution of the church, steps were taken to build a church building. The Lunglei District Main Church granted Rs 3,00,000 from the New Church Constitution Allotment Fund. A church building measuring 30 feet in length and 18 feet in width was constructed. The construction was carried out through a Work Camp organized by the Chawngte Section, with around 20 volunteers participating from the section.

PRESENT STATUS

In 2025, Buknuam Local has 41 active members.

2025-2026 Church Leaders: