Newsletter: June 2000

THANKS:

• Jeff Mead for doing Domain Registration of Mizo Christian Global Network as MCGN.ORG at his personal expense.

• Marian Hanna and Patricia Macy for their faithful support of MCGN ministry.

• Biakchhunga (USA) and Vanlalduhsaka (Mizoram) for providing free services to MCGN of money exchange.

• Ringa Pachuau (Mizo Missionary in Nepal) for translating a long Mizo technical article on Mizoram University into English for Mizoram Action Research Center (MARC), in spite of his busy schedules.
• Stuart Spani for his generous and creative contributions to tell what the Lord has done in Mizoram, that the world may know.
• Lalchungnunga for becoming a life member of MCGN.
• Frank Dietz of Operation Mobilization for introducing MCGN to others, for example, to Stuart Spani, and Tentmaker Ministry. He is a true fellow-laborer in Christ.

INDIA: MIZORAM:

The office of MCGN-Aizawl has a phone number, (389) 349-776, and has purchased a speaker-phone for conference meetings/calls.

Leaders of MCGN-Aizawl had a meeting on April 5 to discuss membership classes, fees and other local business matters.

Another meeting was held June 1 to introduce life membership (Rs. 1000) and corporate annual membership (Rs. 1000) and to discuss the relationship between MCGN and MARC.

Dr. Lalrinawma Hnamte wrote to MCGN International HQ that Mizo medical students in Udaipur are interested in starting an MCGN. He requested Liana Mualchin to contribute an article for their magazine.

Lalhruaia, Coordinator for Japan, continues to work on the financial transaction for Boys’ Hostel project in Myanmar.

We are sorry that David Thawng Khan Cin (Thawngno) did not receive MCGN emails for quite sometime due to our not having his new email address. He is a supporter of MCGN and we are happy a contact has been re-established. Thawngno’s involvement in MCGN will be coordinated through Lalhruaia.

John Lalrin, Coordinator for Europe, informed us of the needs of the Zatual village in Chin Hills. Some 32 houses (including church and school) were burnt by fire on April 3, 2000. MCGN International HQ discussed Zatual’s needs and decided to send money (see, report under North America: USA) as soon the best way to send it is determined.

Ringa Pachuau, a Mizo missionary in Nepal, was requested on short notice to translate into English a long Mizo article about the Mizoram University by Dr. Lianzela. This is one of two important articles; the other is by Dr. Nunthara. MARC needs these articles. We thank Ringa for the rough translation, which will be easy to edit, possibly by Liana Mualchin.

Zatawnenga (Tawna) is getting an advanced degree in Music and is interested in becoming a member of MCGN. He has been advised where to send his membership fee. Since 1968, Tawna has been abroad (S. Korea, USA, England, and now at Zurich University, Switzerland) for his music education. We hope he will write something about music in future Newsletters.

CANADA:

Stuart Spani offered to work with MCGN in producing Mizoram videos. The videos are entitled: Mizoram: God’s Chosen Jewel; Visit Mizoram: The Israel of Asia; Mizoram: Gandhi’s Dream Achieved; and The Potentials and Perils Facing Mizoram Today.

He also sent a script on Visit Mizoram: The Israel of Asia that promotes tourism in Mizoram. Its condensed form is presented in this Newsletter.

USA:

1. Don Gregoire requested the history of Christianity in Mizoram in preparation for evangelistic work among the Kok Borok people of Tripura, a neighboring state of Mizoram. He came to know MCGN from our website established and maintained by Jeff Mead.

2. Liana Mualchin was invited by Park Community Church (PCC) in Shingle Springs, California, to

speak during the May 21 Sunday morning service. After presenting the ministry of MCGN, especially the recent March visit to Mizoram, a love offering was taken for MCGN ministry. As a result of the presentation, leaders of PCC Youth Ministry expressed their desire to visit Mizoram the latter part of next year.

3. On June 9, 2000, MCGN held a meeting to discuss financial assistance to MCGN-Aizawl for internet connection, helping the Zatual village of Chin Hills, Myanmar (Burma), and considering Stuart Spani’s offer to work on Mizoram video projects. It was agreed to provide financial help and accept Stuart’s offer. Ngeni Mualchin prepared a dinner and after discussion and fellowship there was prayer for our MCGN ministry.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• For MCGN leaders to work harmoniously in One Spirit.

• For Stuart Spani for health and wisdom to complete the video projects in time.

• For Mizoram Action Research Center (MARC).

• For Christians in Myanmar for freedom.

Note: Patricia Macy has done this for the Newsletter

Mizoram has often been called the Israel of Asia and for good reason, there are many similarities. Israel is a major supplier of fruits and vegetables to Europe; for example, 60% of the oranges eaten in Germany come form this small country. Mizoram, with its idyllic weather and fertile soil, can become the same for a hungry Asia.

However, the main reason Mizoram is compared to Israel is for its spiritual values. Israel, the Holy Land, is the home of the Jews, God’s Chosen People, and the birthplace of Jesus and Christianity. Mizoram is the world’s most outstanding example of Christianity being lived out by an entire people. Where else in the world does 80% of an entire population attend church every week? Mizoram’s 800,000 can boast of living with no starvation, no homelessness, no beggars, and almost total literacy.

From North America, the natural gateway to Mizoram is Thailand and Calcutta. Thailand has a highly developed tourism industry. Even without a pre-planned agenda, one can arrive in Bangkok and find exotic entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and a land of endless tropical beaches and unspoiled villages.

From Bangkok to Calcutta is a 2-1/2 hour flight. From Calcutta to Mizoram is a 40-minute flight, and from the airport to Aizawl, capital of Mizoram, is a 1-1/2 hour drive. One stop along this magnificent scenic route is the site where the first missionaries arrived on January 11, 1894, the beginning of the most successful mission undertaking ever. Within 75 years virtually every Mizo had accepted Christ.

In the center of Aizawl is a bustling farmers market aptly named the "Israel market" for it reminds one of the famous old market in Jerusalem.

Because the tourism infrastructure is in its formative state, it is wise to pre-plan your stay in Mizoram. The weather is idyllic between mid-October and mid-April because there is little or no rain. However, in summer there are heavy downpours and travel becomes hazardous because of road washouts.

There are many reasons for visiting this enchanting community. Mizoram has been officially recognized as the most peaceful state in India. The people are extremely helpful and honest. Food is plentiful and well suited to western tastes. Accommodations, cuisine and handicrafts are bargains. Flowers, wildlife, especially butterflies, are exotic and plentiful. But the main draw is experiencing the Mizo people and their wonderful way of life.

Plan to visit Mizoram—the most Christian place on earth—your life will never be the same!

---Ideas, advice, and comments are always welcome---