UPC THILTLANG LOCAL

Introduction:

Thiltlang village is situated along the main road between Hnahthial and Pangzawl, comprising about two hundred fifty (250) households. What was historically known as the Lungrang revival occurred when residents lived on the hill near this village. The Baptist Church forms the majority, and there is also the Isua Krista Kohhran (IKK). Previously, UPC had never been established in this village; as part of the ongoing burden to plant churches where UPC was absent, this village was selected. In terms of church administration, it falls under Hnahthial Pastorate. Currently, there are 7 Church Members in this village.

INITIATIVES FOR CHURCH ESTABLISHMENT:

Resolution No. 21 of the 97th District Board included this village among eight designated locations for holding a Crusade. Rev. C. Darkhuma (Hnahthial District Pastor at the time), Rev. Rochhunga Sailo (Pangzawl District Pastor), and Evan. Hrangmawia (Rahsiveng, Lunglei) were appointed to lead, with church members from Hnahthial and Pangzawl expected to support as able. An amount of Rs. 1,000/- was allocated for this ministry.

The Crusade commenced on the evening of 28 January 1993 (Wednesday), using the house of IKK priest Lalhluna for gospel singing gatherings. By 31 January 1993 (Sunday), despite a large attendance, no converts to UPC had emerged. On 1 February 1993 (Monday), the team from Pangzawl boarded a vehicle to return home. Meanwhile, a singing service was underway at Pu Lalhluna's home. It was already 10:30 AM. Pu Chhunruma of Pangzawl Khuanghlum said, "Let me pray," and wept bitterly in prayer, saying: "Lord, when I set out for the Thiltlang Crusade, You told me in prayer that I would not return without finding members. Yet we are still here without any converts—how distressed I am! I believed the God speaking to me was truly You; was it not You after all?"

Following the Amen, a hymn was sung, whereupon Pu Lalhluna stood up and declared, "I can no longer conceal it; my family and I dedicate ourselves to the UPC." Next door, Rev. C. Darkhuma and others counted those committing themselves, totaling 6 households and 29 members. The Hnahthial group led by Rev. C. Darkhuma extended their stay, and Rev. C. Darkhuma officially welcomed the converts into UPC-NEI. They returned home after 2 March 1993. On 7 March 1993 (Sunday), District Pastor Rev. C. Darkhuma formally organized the local church, with the early leaders as follows:

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH BUILDING:

Pu Lianzuala and his family moved over from Pangzawl as the sole UPC family in the village. Pu Lianzuala's wife recalled, "Saying 'instead of worshiping at home,' my husband carried wooden posts, and we built the church building." Zotawna, a local villager who was somewhat simple-minded, assisted them with great enthusiasm. Inspired by their continuous labor, several kind community members helped harvest thatch for roofing, covered the roof, and walled the structure. Upon completion, the family gathered there for worship every Sunday.

Adopted as a Missions Field:

Due to the small membership of Thiltlang Local, the 41st Conference of the Lunglei District Missions Department (4-6 December 2015) designated it as a Home Missions Field effective 1 January 2016.