Newsletter: July 2000

MCGN is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization promoting spiritual and economic development of the people in Mizoram and the surrounding region by serving them as Jesus did (Mt. 20:28).

Thanks for the new MCGN unit established in Nepal.

Dr. Peter Allinger died Friday, June 9, 2000 in Vancouver, BC., Canada. He was a creative Christian audio-visual media producer, very much ahead of his time in this field. The Mualchin family met him last summer and he gave them good advice for MCGN, especially for the Educational Radio Station in Mizoram. We lost a wonderful Christian friend. Our condolence to his family.

INDIA: MIZORAM:

The following information is provided for those interested in contacting Mizoram MCGN HQ:

MCGN Office
Ch. Thanmawia Bldg. (Opposite Chawlhna Hotel)
Zarkawt, Aizawl, Pin 796 007
Mizoram: India
Telephone: (389) 349 776

Beginning July, 2000, the Mizoram Action Research Center (MARC) will have a full-time staff in the office throughout the week, from Monday to Friday, probably from 9 AM to 5 PM. (IST).

Internet connection to MCGN's office is expected in the very near future. MCGN International HQ has sent money for this.

For Mizoram Action Research Center (MARC) and Mizoram Action Research Institute (MARI) Update, see report below. (Note that MARC Board approved to create MARI in their meeting conference call on June 13-14, 2000).

We have responded to Udaipur's request for information about our membership fee and we hope to hear that they are forming a local unit of MCGN. Our thanks to Udaipur for their interest in participating in MCGN.

We have been advised where to send money to help Zatual village in Chin Hills.

NEPAL:

Coordinator Vani asked about MCGN's logo. We do not have one yet. Former MCGN Canada Coordinator Rev. Stephen Rotluanga was interested in designing one for us but he was unable to complete it before his return to India. We hope and pray that someone will design the logo reflecting the spirit and vision of MCGN. In the meantime, we are using a picture of a globe on MCGN business cards.

MCGN Nepal Unit has been formed by Mizos, mostly missionaries, in Nepal (see a special report below).

CANADA:

Stuart Spani has completed two videos on Mizoram: "God's Chosen Jewel" and "Israel of Asia". "God's Chosen Jewel" is a revised version of the earlier video. And "Israel of Asia" is a new video promoting tourism in Mizoram. Please contact MCGN International HQ for more information.

USA:

In response to inquiries about MCGN membership, a general statement was prepared as to how local units are formed and how membership fees are collected. Once again the vision and purpose of MCGN was emphasized. We are very pleased and encouraged by such inquiries.

MCGN International HQ sent $50 to Chhiarruma to offset MCGN expenses and $250 to MCGN-Aizawl, Mizoram for Internet connection.

MCGN Statement of Faith is presented below (also, see MCGN website)

MARC/MARI Update (see report below)

We believe that all men are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation; and that salvation is by grace alone solely through faith in Jesus Christ: "...for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved."

On June 24, 2000, 4PM, under the direction of Coordinator Pi Vani, participants had their first meeting in Kathmandu, at the home of Pu Lalringa to consider forming a MCGN unit in Nepal. They had a Bible reading, a prayer, and a discussion. The following members were present:

(Note that, missionaries Pu Lallura Chhakchhuak and Pi Zothansangi could not be present as they are in a distant town of Pokhara. Pu Lura has contributed an interesting article on bringing the Gospel to Tibetan people in the January and February Newsletters).

They agreed to form a MCGN Nepal unit and selected the following to serve as office bearers:

Their membership fees are as follows:

Note that their membership fees are generous. This will serve as a challenge to other units. Again, we thank members in Nepal and we are greatly encouraged by their actions. God will reward their sacrificial giving!

MARC Directors in Mizoram had a cordial meeting with Chief Minister (CM) Pu Zoramthanga on June 19. MARC is included as an Advisory Board member for the developmental process of the new central Mizoram University. The CM appreciated the creation of Mizoram Action Research Institute (MARI), and their request for MARI's site was agreed to in principle. A proposal to conduct a Strategic Leadership Development workshop in November for Mizoram's top leaders is being considered.

On June 23, MARC Directors in Mizoram had a follow-up meeting on the above with Chief Secretary (CS) Pu Lalringa, IAS Their discussion included government recognition of MARC/MARI. Once again, the meeting was warm and cordial, and the relationship between MARC/MARI and the Mizoram government is excellent.

Beginning in July, MARC will have a full-time Assistant. The staff will be working from MCGN's office.

The structure and outline of MARI is being prepared, and the preliminary need for land will be spelled out in the document.

Dr. Valerie Bentz, Director of MARC and Professor at the Fielding Institute, will make a mid-July presentation of Mizoram at the Fielding Institute's Washington, DC summer session. Pray her presentation will attract more people interested in working with MARC/MARI.