Luangmual is a small locality situated in the southern part of Lunglei. Having separated from Lunglawn with its own Village Council (V.C.), it serves as the headquarters for the 2nd Bn MAP and the Supply Godown location. At present, it houses around 450 families with a population of over 2,000 residents.

In earlier times, there was only the 2nd Bn MAP Church (which was more of a fellowship where members of various denominations worshipped together) in Luangmual. During this time, some members of the UPC Church worshipped at this Battalion Church, while those who did not worshipped at our denomination's church buildings in neighboring localities. As there was no local church established, a desire arose to form one. On Sunday, February 17, 2002, the District Pastor of Chanmari, Rev. Saidawla, and Bro. Chhawnthanga (Farm Veng) visited, and a service was held by gathering Bro. J. Laltanpuia and several dedicated members. Since there was no traditional drum available, a 5-liter plastic container was improvised as a drum. After the service, a meeting was held to deliberate whether a local church could be formed. On Saturday, March 10, 1990, it was unanimously agreed that establishing a church was ideal. Prior to the official inauguration, Bro. Zahaia (L) was appointed as Acting Chairman and Bro. Rualchhawna as Secretary.

As time passed, in accordance with the resolution passed, Chanmari District Pastor Rev. Saidawla and Chanmari District leaders visited, and on March 10, 1990, the ‘UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, LUANGMUAL LOCAL’ was officially established under God's guidance. To celebrate the occasion, a grand feast was organized by slaughtering a 46-inch male pig.

Four (4) brethren in Christ who came to share in our joy over the newly established church—Lalthakima, Rintluanga, Lalhnema, and Lalhmingmawia—contributed Rs. 1,100/-. Furthermore, on the day of the church's inauguration, Brother Chhawnthanga donated a drum, and Brother Saptawna loaned us a brass gong. The first Church Chairman, Evan. Rumliana, also donated a large Bible, a Petromax lamp, and church hymnals.

With the church now established, electing leaders to formally structure the church became essential. For the very first term, the formation of the church leadership was as follows:

Rev. Saidawla (Chanmari Section Pastor) and Section leaders—Evan. Dârhmingthanga, Evan. CH. Rongaia (Section Secretary, Chanmari), Evan. Zopianga (PYD President, Chanmari Section), and Evan. Lalthanzama (District Sunday School Director)—accompanied the Pastor. From the local congregation, Evan. Rumliana, Bro. L.H. Vanlalawia, Bro. F. Rualchhawna, Bro. J. Laltanpuia, Bro. Saptawna, Bro. Zahaia, Bro. Dingluaia, Bro. Lalramzauva, Bro. P.C. Lalhmangaiha, and Bro. J.F. Malsawma participated in this committee. Chairman Rev. Saidawla led the committee, offered inspiring words of encouragement, and prayed to God. He appointed Evan. CH. Rongaia as Minute Secretary, and the official formation of the church was completed.

Following the church's establishment, the first person to receive baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus was Bro. P.C. Lalrosanga. He was a new member whom the Lord gave to us from the Baptist Church. Praise be to the Lord. The baptism took place on April 4, 1990, officiated by Evan. Rumliana. The first child dedication was Imanuel Lalnundanga, son of J. Vanlaldika, on May 13, 1990. Additionally, the first church worker appointed after establishment was Bro. Thanghrima on May 6, 1990.

As numerous tasks lay ahead, it was decided in the same year to form a Building Committee, and the following leaders were elected immediately:

Starting December 27, 1990, timber sawing was initiated to prepare materials for constructing the first church building. Elder L.H. Vanlalawia and Bro. J. Laltanpuia were hired to saw timber at Rs. 25 per log cut.

As a newly formed church without our own building, we held worship services at Brother Tlanlawma's home. They hosted God and the congregation with great warmth and joy. During the inauguration year, Christmas and New Year singing fellowship gatherings were held at Brother F. Rualchhawna's residence, where we organized four (4) community feasts.

In 1990, our church consisted of eighty-three (83) members, comprising 55 adults and 28 children, with 46 males and 37 females. There were eighteen (18) households, with seventeen LAD members. Furthermore, in the church's founding year, a total of Rs. 10,423 was received in PRZ funds.

Under God's guidance, 1991 arrived, requiring our Local church to be re-formed for the new term. Around this time, our Local Chairman, Evan. Rumliana—who deeply loved the church, was exceptionally generous, and was regarded by all who met him as a soul destined for Heaven—felt called to full-time ministry for his beloved Lord. Consequently, he voluntarily retired early from his job as a Sub-Inspector in the Police Department. Proceeding without him filled us with immense apprehension. Amidst our feeling of vulnerability, the Lord blessed us with Elder Thanghrima as Chairman, a man who loved the church and was ever-dedicated to ministry. While the congregation was making great strides under his leadership, work authorities transferred him to Chawngte Post. Like a mother hen whose chicks are snatched by a hawk, we were once again left helpless. During those difficult times, work supervisors and leaders from other churches remarked, "The UPC Church no longer has its leader; they will soon vanish," causing deep heartbreak. Yet despite mockery and criticism, just as 'Jesus cannot fail to win His Kingdom,' far from vanishing, we continued to grow and advance remarkably. Left with only one Elder, Brother J. Laltanpuia was additionally elected as Elder. Due to our small membership during the 1991 church re-formation, we agreed to defer re-forming the PYD, transferring our existing funds of Rs. 11 to the Church Board for the Building Fund.

In 1991, a dedicated anti-addiction day focusing on 'Tobacco and Substance Abuse' was observed on July 28. Without assigning individual main speakers, church workers took turns delivering short exhortations, spending a meaningful time together accompanied by tea fellowship.

The primary reason behind the new growth and blessings experienced by the Luangmual Pentecostal Church in spirit, love, unity, giving, and properties was undeniably the deep commitment of its leaders. Whenever it concerned the church, they never hesitated to give their utmost effort. Whenever firewood collection work camps were planned, they would scout and fell trees in advance; similarly, they led by example in offerings, actively visited church families, and eagerly engaged in covenant discussions. Their passionate cries of "I will do it" still echo in our ears today. Though some have crossed over to the heavenly realm awaiting a better resurrection, their beloved Lord will surely bestow upon them an unfading reward.

While we were peacefully using Brother Tlanlawma's home for services, a severe cyclone unexpectedly collapsed the house, destroying the Church Record book and drum, leaving us deeply devastated. From then on, until a church building could be erected, we moved our services to Brother F. Rualchhawna's residence. Assessing our situation, the need for a church building became critical, yet the church possessed only Rs. 5,000/- for land acquisition. In our state of perplexity, Elder Thanghrima kindly agreed to co-purchase land, contributing another Rs. 5,000/- to purchase LSC No. 597.01, belonging to Lallawmsawngi D/o Hualhnuna, for Rs. 10,000/-, dividing the land equally with the church.

On January 18, 1992, work began on clearing the church plot. A total of seven (7) workers participated in the work camp. Unflaggingly, construction proceeded, and on January 25, 1992, the erection of church pillars commenced. By the Lord's help, the very first church building of the United Pentecostal Church, Luangmual Local—measuring 24 feet in length and 15 feet in width—was completed within eight (8) months.

For the very first time, we held a service in the new church building on the evening of Saturday, August 8, 1992. Elder L.H. Vanlalawia presided over the meeting, while Evan. Rumliana delivered the sermon. The first church building was officially dedicated on Saturday, March 27, 1993. The dedication programme commenced on Friday evening, March 26, 1993, as follows:

To celebrate the church building dedication, a bull and two chickens were slaughtered, marking the occasion with a magnificent feast. On the same day, the baptismal pool was dedicated, and four people (all adults) were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, two of whom were new believers. The baptism was administered by Rev. Rumliana, one of the founders of Luangmual Church and its first Church Board Chairman. During the dedication programme, spiritual songs were rendered seven times. May the name of our only God, the Lord Jesus—who ministered to us through the Holy Spirit, granted new souls, and blessed us with a wonderful church building—be praised forever.

The construction of this initial church building incurred Rs. 27,345/- in expenses and 252 voluntary workdays. The roofing tin sheets were provided by the District PYD.

By the grace of God, as 1994 rolled in, our church building could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. On Saturday, August 11, 1994, fourteen (14) volunteers joined a work camp to extend the building by 6 feet, completing the work on the same day. However, due to unfinished tasks, work extended late into the evening. Arriving churchgoers joined in to help, continuing work under flashlight and lighter illumination—an extraordinarily joyful and unique experience.

The Lord blessed us, and church membership expanded to over a hundred. Our needs and aspirations grew accordingly. To proclaim Jesus' divinity and the full Gospel powerfully, we earnestly longed for a sound system. Church Board members contributed whatever they could, also organizing 3 firewood collection work camps. Working joyfully amidst sweat and exhaustion on steep western slopes while envisioning our future sound system, we ultimately succeeded in purchasing a Rs. 5,000/- Ahuja sound amplifier system.

Equipped with a good sound system, we hosted a Crusade from June 21–30, 1996, featuring Evan. KVL. Hmangaihkima as Speaker. Thanks to the powerful sound amplification, people within hearing range gathered, and God blessed the evangelist's ministry; many new members joined the church. The membership of 135 in 1994 grew to a remarkable 220 by 1996! God truly loved us. 1996 was a year of tremendous progress and spiritual blessings for the congregation. Construction began on a second RCC church building—measuring 36 feet in length and 24 feet in width—enclosing the existing building. Condolence assistance given by the church during bereavements was raised from Rs. 150/- to Rs. 500/-. Door-to-door offering collection began in 1995, and Elder Districts were formed in 1996.

To accelerate church growth and activities, a decision was made to establish an additional department. On March 5, 2000, the Pentecostal Men Department was formed, with the following initial leaders elected:

In the year 2000, a Sunday School Hall measuring 30 ft. in length and 24 ft. in width was constructed. Blessed by God, church membership continued to increase. Securing a bank loan of Rs. 2,50,000/-, construction began in 2004 on our present church building—measuring 48 ft. in length, 32 ft. in width, 16 ft. in height, with two 4x6½ ft. main doors. The entire structure was rendered ready for worship services within 65 days. As our church buildings grew larger, completion times grew shorter, owing to the remarkable commitment demonstrated by all members, from the youngest to the oldest.

Starting in 2005, a separate Minor Sunday School Department was introduced, with Elder R. Lalrumliana elected as Superintendent and Brother J.P. Rinsiama as Secretary/Treasurer. In 2007, Member Bio-data profiles were created, and church administration rules were updated.

Envisioning a future church dedication, the Joint Committee on July 19, 2009, resolved to secure a Rs. 4,00,000/- loan for church renovations. The following work items were planned:

While renovation work on the church and compound was underway, our erection of veranda pillars was reported to the Revenue Department by the local V.C. as an "encroachment on public land." Following the complaint, the Department issued a Stay Order. Forcing us to halt numerous ongoing, critical projects, this situation caused considerable distress. While we were in suspense, the Revenue Department dispatched two officials—F. Lalchhandama and Rosiamliana—to resolve the land boundary issue. In the presence of local community leaders Pu Rualkhuma (VCP), Pu Zobiaka (Vice President), and Pu K. Lalrawngbawla (VC Member), the church plot was meticulously remeasured. It was verified that the church actually retained nearly 1 meter of land bordering the public road and had committed no violation. The Stay Order was subsequently lifted, allowing ongoing work to resume joyfully.

Thus, by God's grace, church renovation and repairs were completed. On Saturday, November 6, 2010, the third church building since establishment was grandly inaugurated, with Rev. R. Lalrosanga serving as dedicating minister and guest speaker. A celebratory feast featuring one bull, pigs, and chickens was held, allowing us to spend a joyful time together with invited guests.

In 2013, the church urgently needed the land plot located below the church belonging to Pi Hmangaihzuali W/o Pu Thanmawia, without which hosting major conferences was virtually impossible. Recognizing that future needs would multiply compared to present requirements, church leaders engaged in multiple negotiations, eventually agreeing on a purchase price of Rs. 8,00,000/-. Securing a loan of Rs. 10,00,000/- (Ten Lakhs), the land was successfully acquired at the agreed rate.

On March 10, 2015, the 25th Church Foundation Day was celebrated. Various committees executed their responsibilities dutifully, making the Silver Jubilee a soul-stirring, enjoyable occasion enriched by both physical and spiritual feasts.

As time progressed, the church advanced significantly. By 2019, a desire to construct a new sanctuary emerged. A joint meeting of church ministers, department leaders, and family representatives formulated plans to erect a new church building, entrusting execution to the Church Board. The Church Board immediately exerted full effort, setting a budget of Rs. 250–300 Lakhs. With dimensions, roof design, and essential specifications drafted, a three-member committee—Elder L.H. Lalrinmawia, Elder Lalhmingsanga, and Rbt. K. Lalrintluanga—was appointed to consult technical experts. Thanks to their diligent efforts, plans for constructing our fourth church building were finalized by March 2021, leading to the formation of a Building Committee with Elder L.H. Lalrinmawia as Chairman, Rbt. K. Lalrintluanga as Secretary, and Elder Lalhmingsanga as Treasurer.

March 10, 2021 marked our 31st anniversary. Over these years, the church encountered numerous trials, occasionally verging on despair. Nevertheless, the Lord blessed the earnest prayers, dedication, and hard work of our leaders and members, enabling us to reach our present standing, for which we are profoundly grateful.

By God's grace, Luangmual Local has never defaulted on financial targets assigned by General, District, or Section headquarters. Beyond targets, whenever contributions were required for land acquisition or church construction across various mission fields, we successfully fulfilled them by God's grace. We have also frequently assisted newly established churches outside our district to the best of our ability.

The leaders of Luangmual Local have maintained a broad-minded, generous vision regarding the appointment and nurture of church ministers, bringing us abundant blessings. From having only six (6) ministers during the 1991 church re-formation, we now count sixteen (16) ministers altogether, including License Holders and Elders. Our membership has grown from 73 at inception to nearly 500 members today. Moreover, despite being a young Local, we have nurtured one Pastor, Home Missionaries, and Full-time Workers.

Luangmual Local leaders have consistently prioritized and actively driven initiatives for proclaiming the full Gospel and ministering to souls for Holy Spirit baptism. Consequently, numerous Campings and Crusades have been conducted. Luangmual Local is perhaps among the most active in holding thanksgiving and honor services, rarely letting a year pass without observing 2 to 3 such services, sometimes holding up to 7 in a single year. Thanks to the devotion of dedicated members, our sanctuary is rarely empty during services. Whatever has been achieved is entirely due to our only God who loves us, Jesus Christ, who continuously blesses our modest desires and earnest efforts.

Through reading this history of the United Pentecostal Church, Luangmual Local, I deeply wish for you to recognize how the Lord never forsakes His people and abides with them in all endeavors. May the Lord bless all readers to love the Lord and His church with renewed fervor and dedication.