HOW THE UPC CAME TO EXIST IN FARM VENG :

Farm Veng is believed to have derived its name from the Poultry Farm established by the AH & Vety Department on their departmental land, right near the Joint Director Office, situated in a central and convenient location of the locality. In the past, Farm Veng was just a street/section under Chanmari Veng. As people migrated from various villages and localities, they settled down in the vacant areas of Chanmari—specifically Farm Veng. Among these settlers were several UPC members, and their numbers gradually grew over time.

HOW THE CHURCH LAND WAS ACQUIRED :

As mentioned earlier, Chanmari area was very large back then. Realizing that a time would come when it would no longer be feasible for residents of certain sub-localities within Chanmari to worship together at the Chanmari Church building, the Chanmari UPC Church Board Committee passed a resolution: ‘Steps should be taken in advance to search for a Church land in Farm Veng.’ Following this resolution, the then District Secretary & Treasurer Rev. H. Chalchhunga and the Lunglei South District Pastor Rev. Zalawma submitted an application requesting the plot of land in Farm Veng—which had been earmarked by the Government for a Girls Hostel at the time—to be allocated for the UPC Church building.

In 1984, Farm Veng was formally separated from Chanmari Veng to become an independent locality at the community level. It established its own Village Council and separate local administration. Prior to this, the current location of the Farm Veng UPC Church, the Community Hall, the Primary School, and the Middle School was reserved for the construction of a Girls Hostel; however, progress on that project appeared to be very slow. Consequently, the Farm Veng Village Council urged the Government to allocate the proposed Girls Hostel land for school sites and public utility areas. When this became known in 1985, a fresh application was submitted through the Farm Veng Village Council to acquire the hilltop land—where the UPC Church currently stands—for the church building. However, this matter went completely quiet without further updates. Around this time, there were already several church workers in Chanmari Church who were residents of Farm Veng; in fact, almost all the Church Elders were from Farm Veng. These Elders and workers took the initiative to brainstorm and make plans to the best of their ability so that Farm Veng could have its own separate Church building.

In 1987, following a shift in Mizoram politics, the MNF Party came into power in Mizoram. During this time, the District Superintendent of Lunglei District UPC, Rev. HL. Ruata, entered politics, was elected as an MLA, and became a Minister in the MNF Ministry. Since he was well aware of the application for the Farm Veng Church land and its necessity, a fresh ray of hope emerged. Thus, the application for the church land was resubmitted—marking the third official application for the site. Minister Pu HL. Ruata's words suggested that obtaining the UPC Church land in Farm Veng was very promising. However, various rumors began to circulate, and since formal permission to construct the church had not yet been granted despite the land application, the church workers living in Farm Veng felt it best to meet and follow up with a firm decision. Consequently, they set August 20, 1987, as the date to gather.

1st Meeting :

On August 20, 1987, at 7:00 PM, the church workers met at the residence of Elder R. Taikawla. The members present were Rev. Zalawma, Elder Neihhnuna, Bro. ZD. Lalhmingthanga, Elder K. Lianhnuna, and Elder R. Taikawla. During this evening meeting, the ongoing situation was explained, and discussions were held: "There is a fear that we might lose the church land we applied for, so it is crucial that we claim and secure it aggressively, especially since alternative convenient sites are scarce. An announcement should be made during church service, workers from other localities should also come to inspect, and the site should be cleared." Since attendance was lower than expected that evening, they concluded the meeting by agreeing to discuss matters more comprehensively after the Sunday morning service on August 23, 1987.

2nd Meeting :

The 2nd meeting regarding the church land was held on August 23, 1987, at 2:00 PM following Sunday School, at the residence of Rev. Zalawma. The following individuals were present: Rev. Zalawma, Rev. Saidawla, Elder K. Lianhnuna, Bro. ZD. Lalhmingthanga, Bro. H. Dopuia, Bro. H. Lalmuana, Elder F. Neihhnuna, Evan. Zopianga, Elder C. Chalsela, Elder Chawngzuala, and Bro. K. Papuia. Again, the follow-up strategy for securing the church land was discussed. To ensure swift progress, they decided to form a committee and appointed interim leaders immediately: Rev. Zalawma as Acting Chairman and Elder Neihhnuna as Acting Secretary. Recognizing the urgency of pursuing the land, Rev. Saidawla and Elder Lianchhunga were requested and appointed to voluntarily pursue the matter in Aizawl. However, the trip to Aizawl ultimately proved unnecessary. The primary resolution passed during this meeting stated: "Regarding the church land previously allocated for the Girls Hostel—which the Minister assured us we would receive following pressure from the Farm Veng Village Council—since nothing remains concrete, this meeting deems it necessary to act swiftly with authorities, determine how soon we can begin work on the land provided, and finalize it quickly to avoid losing it." The committee then announced a voluntary labor drive (hnatlang) to clear the plot on the morning of Monday, August 24, 1987. By that morning, the entire plot was cleared, marking the very first physical labor contributed to the land.

Rev. Saidawla (Rtd), the Pastor-in-Charge at the time, recalled the church land acquisition as follows: "When the requested land wasn't granted immediately, I took further initiative. I went to the Revenue Department Office in Lunglei, bought a land application form, filled it out completely, and handed it directly to Minister HL. Ruata. Pu Ruata recommended it and passed it to ASO-I. The very next day, the Revenue Department sent Surveyor Pu Aingenga along with Lalchungnunga to measure the land, and they successfully surveyed the church plot for us. Although the Revenue Department had surveyed everything for us, some people raised objections, saying, 'This place was meant for public use, and the UPC group does not constitute the entire public,' and brought the matter to the Revenue Minister. When Minister Pu Tawnluia visited and stayed at the Circuit House, I went to meet him and presented our case. I firmly insisted that the church plot must be granted to us. Furthermore, I kept visiting Minister Pu HL. Ruata, who stood firm saying, 'It must be given to them,' which caused some people to hold a grudge against Pu Ruata. They requested, 'Even if granted, let it be only half of the hillock,' but Pu Ruata held his ground, insisting, 'The entire hillock must be given.' Consequently, we secured the entire hilltop. The Revenue Department then surveyed it for us once more, and we received the official land pass," he stated.

3rd Meeting :

Following this, a meeting specifically for Farm Veng residents was convened to plan the construction of the church. On the evening of Monday, September 14, 1987, they gathered at the residence of Pu L. Rintluanga. Present were Bro. Lianchhunga, Bro. ZD. Lalhmingthanga, Elder R. Taikawla, Bro. H. Dopuia, Bro. F. Rualzakhuma, Bro. Rintluanga, Bro. HT. Vanlalngura, Bro. R. Taithuama, and Elder F. Neihhnuna. Those present recommended forming a Building Committee and appointed the following members in an acting capacity:

These were the office bearers and members of the very first appointed Building Committee. During this meeting, it was resolved regarding the Acting Chairman and Secretary appointed in the previous meeting: ‘They shall step down until the Chanmari Church Board approves our formal separation, and this Acting Building Committee shall lead us in the interim.’

Previously, attention was focused solely on securing the church plot. However, once clearing and digging work commenced on the site, a strong desire began to brew in the hearts of the Farm Veng UPC members to cease being an extension of Chanmari and formally separate under the name of Farm Veng UPC. At the time, they comprised around 38 households and over 200 members, which fueled their enthusiasm even further. Thus, they resolved to submit an application for separation to the Chanmari Church Board. Assigned to Acting Secretary Elder Neihhnuna, the petition for separation was submitted on the night of October 2, 1987. The Chanmari Church Board considered it promptly and granted approval for Farm Veng to separate in the new year of 1988. They were also instructed to appoint interim leaders within 1987. However, Christmas and New Year were still to be celebrated jointly with the Chanmari Church.

4th Meeting :

Following the directive from the Chanmari Church Board Committee to appoint interim leaders after granting permission for separation, church workers met at the residence of Bro. Ng. Lianchhunga on Sunday, October 4, 1987, at 2:00 PM. There, they appointed the following interim leaders:

All church workers were also appointed as Adhoc Church Board Members. The Church Board Members included Rev. Saidawla, Rev. Zalawma, Elder K. Lianhnuna, Elder R. Taikawla, Bro. ZD. Lalhmingthanga, Bro. Zamawia, Bro. Rualkhuma, Bro. H. Lalmuana, and Bro. Chaldaia.

Furthermore, this meeting dissolved the previously established Building Committee. On the night of October 6, 1987, they resolved to continue site-excavation work on non-market day mornings, calling upon all available volunteers. These were the resolutions passed during the very first Adhoc Church Board Meeting after separation was approved.

Preparations to build the church gained momentum rapidly. Because the dream of becoming an independent local church consumed their minds, attention was focused almost entirely on the church plot. Clearing and excavating the site consumed every spare moment—and even non-spare moments. Day, night, early morning—workers were continuously seen at the site. Under the bright sun, electric lights, moonlight, and in the cold morning air, they dug the site covered in sweat. To raise funds for the construction, work to extend the Pastor Quarter (near the church site) was carried out under the name of Farm Veng UPC. Additionally, the Lunglei District UPC designated the District Quarter near the current LKM School as the Missions Director Quarter, and construction work for that quarter was undertaken. Furthermore, when the Soil Department repaired the uphill road beside the Vety Farm, the Church took up the stone-paving work. Beyond this, targets were set for individual households to contribute toward church building. Fundraising efforts continued relentlessly. Church workers spent entire days searching for timber posts toward Tlabung road, with some becoming completely exhausted. Such was their collective dedication. Personally, Sister PC. Sainghingi’s enthusiasm brought great benefit to the Church; besides donating sawn timber (planks and scantlings) for construction, she donated money to purchase corrugated iron sheets for the roof, gifted steel chairs, and organized various film screenings using her TV and VCR to raise funds.

CHURCH CONSTRUCTION BEGINS :

Amid ongoing fundraising, it was deemed best to start constructing the church. On the night of February 1, 1988, the Church Board Committee set February 6, 1988, as the start date for erecting/framing the church. That day marked the beginning of construction. The church was planned as an Assam Type structure measuring 36 feet in length and 26 feet in width, and the members were extremely enthusiastic. During construction, carpenters were requested to voluntarily craft window frames and door/window casings free of charge, and building fund donations were continuously collected from every house. The Chanmari Church Board also contributed 1 bundle of corrugated iron sheets, and voluntary work drives were frequently organized to raise money for wall tiles. As requested and permitted by the Chanmari Local Church Board, a building fund collection was also held during the Sunday service on October 4, 1988. By then, the eager desire to worship in their own church building had grown strong, prompting the Joint Committee of PYD and LAD to submit a proposal to the Church Board: ‘Let us hold separate worship services within October 1988.’ Permission was sought from the Chanmari Church Board, and upon their approval, the Church Board resolved to proceed with separate worship services. Moreover, many members donated benches, wooden planks, and cash for church seating. Reflecting the passionate desire of the congregation, the Church Board Committee on the night of October 30, 1988, finalized that November 13, 1988 (Sunday), would mark the official start of separate worship services (the inauguration of the local church).

FARM VENG LOCAL IS BORN :

With the date set for separate worship services, the schedule for the inauguration day was drawn up as follows:

Time	Chairman	Speaker
9:30 AM	Rev. Saidawla, District Pastor	Rev. H. Chalchhunga, District Superintendent
1:30 PM	Evan. C.H. Rongaia, District Secretary	Pastor Saithanga, District Secretary
6:30 PM	Rev. P.R. Dawla, Director, Missions Department	Rev. Zalawma, District Treasurer

On Sunday, November 13, 1988, as planned, the Farm Veng UPC Church building was occupied for the first time. This day was marked as the founding day of Farm Veng Local UPC. Before the service began, the new pulpit crafted by Bro. H. Dopuia was carried inside by the church workers while the congregation waited outside. Once the pulpit was placed, the congregation marched inside singing and dancing joyfully to the beats of the large and small drums. The service atmosphere was powerful and filled with excitement; members danced during every song, the spiritual atmosphere was vibrant, and everyone experienced a wonderful service. During the service, Lunglei District UPC Superintendent Rev. H. Chalchhunga declared the birth of the local church, stating: “On this day, Sunday, November 13, 1988, United Pentecostal Church, Farm Veng, has been born.” Hon'ble Minister HL. Ruata—who secured the church land—and his wife Pi H. Vanlalngaii attended the service upon invitation, and Pu Ruata was given time to speak. Pi Ngaitei gifted a bucket and teacups to mark the birth of the new church. After the service, delicious tea and snacks were served.

The first day of site clearing had taken place on August 24, 1987; shortly after, on February 6, 1988, the pillars were erected, and on November 13, 1988 (Sunday), formal separation from Chanmari Church was realized. God blessed the members with good health, enthusiasm, and unity to erect this church building, and 210 members happily moved into their beautiful new church.

Church Property :

Upon separating from Chanmari Church, Chanmari provided various items. As far as recorded, the property owned by the Church at the time of separation included:

During the morning inauguration service, an offering of Rs. 187.90 was collected, and Rs. 119.85 was collected during the evening service. A request was submitted to the Chanmari Church Board for 2 large pots, 1 large cooking pot (dekchi), 1 almirah, 60 plates, 2 blackboards, 2 chairs, 1 Petromax lamp, and 1 table. In response, they graciously provided 2 large pots, 10 benches, 1 blackboard, and 1 Petromax lamp. Additionally, Farm Veng Church Board requested a one-third share of all pre-separation funds across departments, which was granted and distributed accordingly.

Ongoing Journey of the Church :

Once the church building was occupied, everything required hands-on responsibility, including various financial targets to be submitted to the District and Section levels. Furthermore, the back of the church was expanded. Since the site was carved out of a hillock, securing the perimeter was manageable, and it was soon completely enclosed with barbed wire, rapidly improving the premises. However, prior to occupying the church, many materials had been bought on credit; paying off these debts required continuous, hard effort from the members. Amidst this, a unique event occurred: on the night of August 9, 1989, the Church Board considered funds submitted by the Farm Veng LAD to hold a thanksgiving feast for successfully meeting their target. The Board approved holding the feast with joy on August 12, 1989. This thanksgiving feast was celebrated with great joy and a strong spiritual atmosphere, featuring 7 consecutive praise and worship sessions.

In 1993, a Sunday School Hall was constructed and occupied. In September 1998, the 10th Anniversary of the founding of Farm Veng UPC was joyfully celebrated. On January 31, 1999, the PMD was established.

As the original church building aged and membership continued to grow, the need for a new church building arose. A Building Committee was formed, and under their leadership, construction of the new church began on May 12, 2001, with the erection of three main pillars. The foundation stone of this church was laid by retired District Superintendent Rev. H. Chalchhunga. Construction proceeded rapidly around the old church structure. In addition to existing church funds, a loan of Rs. 3,50,000/- was taken from the Mizoram Co-operative Apex Bank, Lunglei. The church was built to dimensions of 60 feet in length and 34 feet in width. At the time, it was a beautiful concrete structure worthy of being called one of the largest and finest UPC churches in Lunglei town. The church was completed for occupation within the same year. Using materials from the old church, a residential quarter was built nearby for rental purposes. Additionally, in 2002, a storehouse was constructed beside the church.

By 2005, the church leadership decided it was inappropriate to continue using the church building without an official dedication. Once everything was finalized, an official inauguration and dedication ceremony was held on May 14, 2005. All former attendees of Farm Veng Church whose whereabouts were known were invited, along with all former District Pastors, District leaders, and various Local churches within the Section. The church was officially inaugurated by Rev. CS. Pachhunga, District Superintendent. That same year, following the passing of Sister Laltawni, her children donated two sound speakers in her memory, for which the Church was deeply grateful.

In 2013, extending the front of the church and constructing a balcony was taken up as a project. A loan of Rs. 8,00,000/- was secured from Mizoram Rural Bank, and the front extension and gallery were completed. Additionally, the family of Sister Lalrammawii donated a church bell in memory of their father, Rbt. TC. Lalrinawma, who passed away in 2011, for which the congregation was very thankful.

On November 13, 2013, the 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of the Church was celebrated joyfully with a grand feast. That same year, Rev. C. Lalrintluanga solemnized the church re-marriage of seven (7) couples in accordance with Church guidelines. In 2014, 30 plastic chairs were purchased for the Committee Room. In 2015, the Joint Committee initiated funding to renovate the pulpit background, which the Church pursued to create a beautiful pulpit backdrop.

In 2016, Bro. C. Lalkima and his wife donated a sofa set for the pulpit stage in memory of their late son, Bro. C. Lalawmpuia, and also donated Rs. 1,00,000/- to purchase a sound system, earning deep gratitude from the Church.

In 2016, a Committee Room measuring 34 feet by 15 feet was constructed behind the church, which was occupied the following year in 2017.

In 2017, the bio-data of all church workers was completely updated. The wooden window frames at the front of the church were replaced with aluminum frames by the PMD. The PYD gifted a high-quality water cooler for church use. The Church also acquired a Commercial Gas Connection with 4 cylinders, and a Revival Camping was conducted during the year.

In 2017, a loan of Rs. 12,00,000/- was taken from Mizoram Rural Bank to construct a Church Kitchen. A Building Committee was formed for the kitchen construction, led by the following executive officers:

The Church Kitchen was completed within 2017.

In 2018, the church window curtains were replaced, 15 wall fans were installed in the church, and the stage was renovated. In 2019, the front courtyard of the church was concreted. The following year, in 2020, the pathway leading to the church was also concreted, a new main gate was constructed, and a computer set was purchased for church operations.

Early Leaders:

Current Status:

Farm Veng Local currently has 473 members (as per the 2025 report), including 7 Elders, 5 License Holders and B/W, and 12 Active Church Workers. Departmental membership stands at 169 PYD members, 118 LAD members, 74 PCD members, and 39 PMD members.

2025-2026 Local Leaders :