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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Happy Christmas to you all. Mizo Christian Global Network (MCGN) sends greetings and best wishes. Most of MCGN members have not seen one another, yet our love for Jesus binds our hearts together with His love in one aim and objective - that is to serve others. Christmas is an unforgettable event because it announced the heart of God. God the Father, the Ancient of Days, gave His only begotten Son to save the world which had gone astray and was lost in sin and destruction. The mission of Jesus Christ is to lead the world back from its rebellion and apostasy to God's eternal principle. Wise men from the East were led by the star toward Bethlehem by day and by night just as the children of Israel were led out of Egypt by God's miraculous light. And without this guiding star, the world's homeward journey toward heaven would end in eternal destruction. Strange events took place the night Jesus was born. An angel appeared to the shepherds as they watched their sheep by night, and they were sore afraid. The angel said, "Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David a Savior, the Lord." Immediately, "There was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, saying 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.'" (Luke 2:10, 11, 13, 14) As I traveled around the world visiting different countries, I saw a world in conflict with social and moral principles. The USA, which is the greatest country in the world and recognized as an affluent society, can never make enough laws to keep their country in social and moral order. Into this world of moral corruption, confusion and sin, the birth of Jesus announced peace on earth and goodwill to all men. Christ is the principle of social order. He is a blessing to the poor. He heals the broken-hearted. He sets the captive free. He opens the eyes of the blind. He sets at liberty those who are bruised. He is the bread of life now and eternal life in the world to come. With Him is peace and serenity. With Him there are neither national barriers nor animosity. He loves the greatest sinner and prays for them. Whoever comes to Him shall never thirst. All these have both temporal and spiritual application. Just following Him is temporal and spiritual prosperity. Obedience and faith in His word brings the best results man can have in this present life. He is the doctor to the body and soul. Obedience to His Word and faith in Him is in our best interest. He is the foundation of all moral principle. Christmas reminds us of the Ministry of the Gospel. The greatest good man can do is to be involved in the work of the Lord. MCGN serves the Lord in word and deed. It is a society of willing hearts who hope to fulfill their duty by faith and prayer. God bless you and your families this Christmas season. |
Thanks
:BRIEF REPORTS AND COMMENTS FROM MCGN GLOBAL POINTS:
INDIA:CALCUTTA
Members of MCGN in Calcutta met with Liana and Ngeni on November 17. Among the items discussed were the focus and purpose of MCGN, a description of MARC/I and its relationship to MCGN, policy for fees, unlimited scope for activities, and open membership. Liana assigned a few tasks, including recording the number of visitors to Mizoram and of Mizos as foreign visitors. They are willing to do everything they can. It was very encouraging to Liana and Ngeni.
On November 18, Mr. Dilip Bhattacharyya came to see Liana and Ngeni. Dilip is an artist and author. He is willing to use his artistic skills to help Liana in preparing the illustrated book of Mizoram. The Lord willing, Dilip will come to USA in February 2001 to stay with Liana and Ngeni for a few months.
INDIA:DELHI
Dr. Chinkholal Thangsing (Lala), medical doctor and director of three important organizations, has corresponded through email with the Mualchins. Lala, Liana and Ngeni met at the airport in Singapore.
INDIA: MIZORAM:
After the Sunday morning service on November 12, MCGN held a well-attended business meeting from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. MCGN-Mizoram received $1200 from MCGN International Headquarters as seed money to publish a quality Christian magazine. MCGN leaders in Mizoram have many things to do and they need our prayers to focus on the tasks.
NEPAL:
The following circular letter from Nepal Baptist Church Council (NBCC) was forwarded to MCGN International HQ by Pu V. Kapenga (now in Europe), and is produced below to MCGN members around the world:
Warm Christian greetings to you in the wonderful name of our resurrected Jesus Christ. We have experienced a mighty move of God's work in Nepal for over a decade, especially since the emergence of democracy in 1990. However, faith in Christ (Christianity) does not always come under this new freedom. Most of the new Christians are threatened and falsely accused. Christians are denied justice most of the time. Despite restrictions, the Gospel of salvation is growing rapidly.
In Raj Biraj (east Nepal) at an October Baptist Church revival meeting, the Chairman of the local Red Cross Society came and demanded Rs 50,000 (US$688) and began falsely accusing the Christians of proselytizing non-Christians by allurement (promising to give money). Shortly a group of people came and beat the believers. Then the policemen came and arrested 13 believers. Nine of them were released that evening, but the other four were kept under police custody for a week before being transferred to the Raj Biraj jail where they remain. The four jailed are Mr. David Bhatarai (pastor, Raj Biraj Baptist Church), Mr. Prem Rai (church elder), Mr. Timothy Rai (director, Great Commission Training Centre, Campus Crusade for Christ, Nepal) and Mr. Trond Berg (Norwegian guest speaker).
There are many pressures from the fanatic Hindus. The media has issued biased reports, creating wrong impressions in the minds of innocent people.
The Court has decided that Pastor Bharai and Mr. Rai can be released with bail set at Rs. 25,000 each (US$344) plus other miscellaneous expenditures that could still be incurred. The other two friends have to stay in jail until bail is set. I have visited Raj Biraj and found the situation is tense.
On behalf of the Nepal Christians and our NBCC, I earnestly request you, your family, church and prayer warriors to intercede for those who are in jail, their family members, the people who falsely accused the Christians, the legal authorities for fair justice, and for us so that we can wisely administer our responsibilities in this costly and complex matter. Our leader Rev. Daniel Subba and his team are negotiating and working hard in this regard.
I remember these words of encouragement, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose…Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" (Romans 8:28ff)
Anticipating your fervent prayers until He comes,
Pastor Yukta Man Gurung
Kathmandu, Nepal
PRAYER REQUESTS
:Shortly after the six members of MARC/MARI arrived on November 8, they met with their Mizoram counterparts and had dinner at the State Guest House hosted by Mizoram Minister for Higher and Technical Education. Unfortunately, the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary could not attend. Mizoram Legislative Assembly Speaker Pu R.Lalawia honored the guests with his presence.
On November 9, the all-day meeting was open to delegates from YMA, YWCA, MHIP, Synod, and the Science Teachers Association.
Six proposals drafted by the North American members were presented: Health Care, Economic Development, Women and Children Issues, Youth Problems, Agriculture, and System Change.
The attendees were divided into six groups to discuss and improve the proposals. For these six proposals to succeed, support is needed from the government of Mizoram, the public, and MCGN & MARC/I members in the USA and Canada.
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DIARY of November Mizoram Trip The leaders of Mizoram planned well for our visit, the meetings went smoothly. We could not start anything on time because from morning until bedtime friends and relatives came to see us, also the phone was ringing every few minutes. We count our blessings! November 8 - We arrived in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram, and were met at the airport by MARC/I, MCGN leaders and government officials. We checked in at the State Guest House and in the afternoon had a brief meeting with the leaders of Mizoram. Minister of Higher and Technical Education of Mizoram Government gave a wonderful dinner. We had a good time. November 9 - We were in meeting from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. MARC/I leaders made brief speeches on six proposals, followed by small group discussions. It was good. We were about 40 people. Dr. Steve Figler and some members from Mizoram went to see the new MARI site donated by a private organization. Dr. Valerie Bentz and the USA and Canadian team gave the evening dinner. November 10 - Dr. Lianzela and Mr. Lalbiakdika took Valerie and Steve to the airport. Liana and I completed some much-needed paperwork. November 11 - It was a busy day. My brother, Tumsanga, IPS. DGP, made a feast for family members and friends. Most of our relatives from town and different villages came to see us. We had between 150 and 200 people. Before the feast, we were invited to a Young Mizo Association (YMA) meeting on emergency management for natural disasters. YMA is the largest and most active organization in Mizoram. Liana was requested to speak on any topic he wants to share with them. The audience also asked him many questions. Afterwards we went to a Press Conference at the Press Club where they asked us more about MARC/MARI, MCGN, and Information Technology. November 12 - After church service, Rev. Lalrinmawia (Mawia) and his wife, Pi Zopari (Pari), took me to visit Central Jail, the largest jail in Mizoram. There are approximately 500 inmates including a few women and their children. Rev. Mawia gave me the whole time to share my testimony and speak of freedom from sin in Christ. Between 40 and 50 young men raised their hands to have the freedom I was telling them. I wanted to talk with all of them but there was no time. The "Pastor in the jail" invited me to visit the women's section but I was unable to do this. Rev. Mawia and Pari returned me to my brother's residence where I was supposed to be in an MCGN meeting. The meeting lasted for two hours. November 13 - Liana and I visited Dr. Lalrinliana (Rintea), the younger brother of my childhood friend. Rintea was in alcoholic counseling. We had prayer with him and he rededicated himself to the Lord. Liana left a note for Rintea's pastor. Pray for Rintea. After this, Liana and I said goodbye to Dr. Larry Short and Ms. Kathryn Dodge who were leaving Mizoram for USA. Liana and I went to southern Mizoram to visit my auntie and some other relatives. It was a long day; we arrived in Lunglei late in the evening and stayed at the Circuit House. November 14 -Before we left the Circuit House for the Christian Higher Secondary School, Serkawn, where Liana was invited to speak, a well-known evangelist, Pu Lalrawna (Rawntea), came to see us. We had a good time. He is willing to be our MCGN coordinator in southern Mizoram. The meeting at the School was held outside because they could not afford a meeting room. Liana and I gave short speeches. We met Rev. H. Sawiluaia, 93 years young, who we really loved and respected. We were accompanied by my friend, Pi Ramhluni (Rami). Liana and I joined our relatives for a wonderful dinner at my auntie's house. We talked with Pu Kharmawia (Mawia) and his wife, Novi. They are teachers in the School we visited and are just finishing the translation of the book "Sensei", about missionary to Japan, Irene Webster-Smith. When we returned to the Circuit House, evangelist Pu Rawntea was waiting for us. We had a wonderful time and he offered his land for any worthwhile Christian ministry. November 15 - Early in the morning our relatives came to see us off and Pu Rawntea had a prayer for us. We then left Lunglei to have breakfast on the way at Hnahthial village, at the house of our relative, Pu F. Thangluaia and his wife, Pi Thangkimi. We had a short good time before proceeding to Aizawl. We arrived at 4:30 PM before dark as my brother had requested. November 16 - We met with the Chief Minister, Pu Zoramthanga. Liana briefed him on the progress of MARC/I and MCGN. After this, we had another meeting with the MARC/I members at the office of Press Information Bureau (PIB). Mr. Mangtouthang keeps PIB's office neat and respectful. We spent the evening singing and praising God with over 40 relatives at my brother's residence. It was the most relaxing time for us. November 17 - We visited Liana's long-time host, Pu Zangena, a pioneer businessman. He considered earthquake safety when he built his 3-story house in the late 50's. After Pu Zangena, we visited Liana's cousin Lianmawia and family before leaving for the airport with friends and relatives. We arrived in Calcutta at 2:30 PM with time to prepare for our MCGN-Calcutta chapter meeting at 6 PM. There were about 20 at the meeting. We discussed the visions and purposes of MCGN, recent activities, policy and our relationship with MARC/I. Liana gave the group several assignments, including to record how many Mizos are going to foreign countries and how many foreign visitors go to Mizoram. We provided refreshments in the name of MCGN International HQ. November 18 - Mr. Dilip Bhattacharyya, artist/author, came to see us. Liana had met him when traveling to Mizoram last March. Dilip plans to visit us in February 2001 to help us with our planned Illustrated Book of Mizoram. This is our last day in India. Staff of Mizoram House, Salt Lake, Calcutta arranged to have us taken to the Calcutta international airport. Our friends and relatives took care of us with much love during our visit. We wish to help them when opportunities present to us. |
"The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest"
(Mt. 9:37-38).
---Ideas, advice, and comments are always welcome---
MCGN International HQ: USA: Lalliana Mualchin (Email:
mualchin@hotmail.com)