NEWSLETTER: APRIL 2003
[MCGN is a non-profit, non-denominational
Christian organization promoting spiritual renewal and economic development of
the people in Mizoram and the surrounding region by serving them as Jesus
did. Matthew 20:28]
“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)
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To Church of the Foothills (COTF), Cameron Park, California for contributing
to purchase 500 Mizo New Testaments for inmates in Mizoram.
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To Christian friends for their generous financial support to purchase
more Mizo New Testaments to meet our target of 1000 copies.
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To Patricia Macy for contributing for a washing-dryer machine for a
Christian community in Aizawl, Mizoram, Thutak Nunpui Tu (TNT) which means
"Living the Truth."
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To Jim Fluharty-Cooper, CEO of D-Web.com of Placerville, California for
helping us in our website needs.
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To Mizo community in Mumbai (Bombay), India for linking us to their
website.
SPECIAL THANKS:
Thanks to Jim Fluharty-Cooper for uploading our newsletter onto the website!
When Liana Mualchin was renewing our service contract for web-hosting in early March, he shared with them the lack of activity in our website for several months and need for help in this area, especially after our webmaster Jeff Mead moved to the East coast. Upon hearing this Jim, a very kind-looking man of the company, pleasantly surprised Liana by offering his help! We are so thankful for this offer. From now on, we hope that our newsletter will be updated more regularly on our website. Thank you Jim and may God bless you!
Book Review & Comments: "Ka Khualzin Kawng" (My Life Journey) by Rev. Dr. H. S. Luaia,D.D.:
by Ngeni Mualchin
Rev. Luaia, at 94 years, is the oldest living Baptist pastor in Mizoram. "Ka Khualzin Kawng" was published three years ago. It is clear from this book that he is truly a humble servant of the Lord who always recognizes that God is the one who makes things happen.
When he went to London in 1959, by ship from Bombay, his management of the Lord's money is a noteworthy example of Christian stewardship. He visited many places in England and had opportunities to speak. Also, he met the children of Mary Winchester, the English girl who was captured by Mizo terrorists from her tea-garden manager father's home on January 23, 1871. For those unfamiliar with Christianity in Mizoram, the sad story of Mary was received by English Christians and translated into the coming of the Good News into Mizoram.When he was about to return to India, the church leaders asked him what they could do for him. He responded that, "I did not come here on my own but at the sponsorship of the church. If you can, help us with books for our Bible school and for our Bible translation work. We are greatly in need of these books but they are too expensive for us. That will be enough." So the church leaders gladly did.
His advise to church leaders visiting abroad and sponsored by the church is to not take advantage of their contacts for their families and relatives. I remark that among visiting Mizo leaders sponsored by churches, some did not return back to India and others did but found American friends for personal benefit. Moreover, this practice has been copied by government officials who are given rare opportunities to visit or study abroad.It is remarkable that Rev. Luaia was also involved as a significant mediator between Mizo nationalists and government leaders during the political troubles in Mizoram.
We are very fortunate to have a man like him still living among us, and that he wrote a priceless book. I highly recommend this book for those interested in the early history of Christianity in Mizoram and how historic church leaders dealt with life issues, as presented by a man of distinction and a humble servant of the Lord.INDIA: MUMBAI (BOMBAY)
We requested and received word from Pu Joshua Lalengpuia, Web Administrator of "Mumbaimizo.org," that he made a link to our website from their homepage. We appreciate this and are impressed by their website where you can see
valuable information. We also noted that Mizo people in Mumbai are very
special, both talented and educated. Thank you to our Mizo community in Mumbai.
INDIA: MIZORAM, IZAWL
Many things are going on in MCGN-Mizoram. Coordinator, Dr. P.C. Biaksiama (Siama), is very busy. More Mizo Bibles for the inmates have been ordered. For the Juliet Florio Scholarships for the current academic hear, high school headmasters have been informed to submit names and particulars of their candidates. Siama is almost ready to provide us with names of selected students to receive the scholarships.
Thutak Nunpui Tu (TNT) community informed us of their need of a washing machine in response to our offer for swingsets. When we had enough funds, we informed Siama to tell TNT the news. Not long after, Siama negotiated and got a washer-dryer machine from Mana International store in advance. We thank God that it has been delivered to TNT. Please note that TNT is a unique Christian community and organization. It has over 800 people, from infant to adult, in its community who can not help themselves. Christian brothers and sisters volunteer to care for them. They are a large group and without a washer so it will certainly reduce their workload. We will send the money in April. Pray that it will be received safely.
Need in Mizoram:
We are convinced that Christian Foundation institute will be a good thing to establish various centers for training missionaries, discipleship training, leadership development, training for teachers, politicians, government officials, etc. It will also have a Christian Research Center with special emphasis on evangelical thinking. We have a vision to do many things to equip the area for larger and more dynamic Christian mission operations. We are asking for prayer and financial supporter. This is a faith ministry and we
believe that the Lord will provide through His people.
MYANMAR (BURMA)
Rev. Dr. Laithuama wrote to us about the Lord's leading in his ministry. They clearly see the need of making a "Peace Center". Interested leaders
are going to work on this idea. Pray for wisdom and spiritual commitment to make this a reality.
We
have been in communication with Prof. Kenneth Cumming of the Institute of
Creation Research (ICR) in southern California on our request and suggestion
for a visiting program. Currently, they do not have such a program. Dr.
P.C.Biaksiama was interviewed over the phone by Prof. Cumming and they had a
good time. The professor will submit a request to the ICR's Board to consider
the proposed program. We hope and pray that it will work out. We desire to have
a relationship with ICR as we have same interests and for mutual support.
Researcher
Denise Segor of Portland, Oregon requested for help in translating her
interview transcripts of Mizo women. Denise has been to Mizoram twice for her
project. This work is for her doctoral dissertation. We are sorry that we could
not help her at this time because we have many things to do in our ministry.
Any Mizo willing to help her via emails would be appreciated and they may
contact us.
Our
editor, Patricia Macy has moved from Cameron Park to Diamond Springs. We are
glad that God provides her a nice place to live.
As
stated before, we thank God for Jim Fluharty-Cooper helping us upload our
newsletters on our website. As a zero-budget and all volunteer faith ministry,
this is such an encouragement to us. Praise the Lord!
Background of Mrs Marilynne E. Foster:
(Marilynne
E. Foster and her husband, Dr. Neill Foster are team members to minister to our
brothers and sisters in the Lawngtlai and Saiha areas. They and Rev. Bob
Harrison will be there from April 19-27. We thank and praise God for their love
and commitment to travel there, especially with uncertainties caused by
conflicts in Iraq. Pray for the Lord's protection and direction for the team).>
Marilynne E. Foster is a native of Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. In 1959, at the
age of 19 she married Rev. K. Neill Foster from the Canadian province of
Alberta. Together, they have two sons and one daughter and now six grandsons.
They have been together in pastoral and evangelistic ministry for nearly 44 years. She and her husband have
studied both Spanish and French for ministry purposes.
She has authored three cookbooks, is a finish editor with Christian
Publications in Pennsylvania, and done two missionary compilations along with
the widely-sold and read devotional, "Tozer on the Holy Spirit."
In
addition, she served as the editor of The Jaffray Collection of Missionary
Portraits, a series of nearly thirty biographies about missionaries of The
Christian and Missionary Alliance. A widely circulated tract entitled "How
I Learned to Love" had a large impact in the Canadian Revival days of
1971-72 and later became part of her husband's book, "Revolution of
Love." Neill and Marilynne have ministered overseas many times. The
Fosters are affiliate members of the Canadian Revival Fellowship.
Mrs. Foster holds a BA in Communications from Azusa Pacific University in
Azusa, California.
PRISON/JAIL MINISTRY:
Thanks to wonderful friends for your prayers and financial support! We will be able to order more Mizo New Testaments. We are confident that our target of 1000 for this year has been met because of your support.
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For persecuted Christians in different parts of the world.
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That Christian workers will have the same vision and be united in
spirit for the Lord's Kingdom building.
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That "Peace with God" may flow out around the world,
especially in the Middle East.
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That current conflicts in Iraq will be over soon and God's will be
done.
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Continue to pray for church leaders in Saiha and Lawngtlai in southern
Mizoram as they are preparing for joint-meetings in April 2003.
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For safety for our speakers (in Saiha and Lawngtlai meetings), Dr.
& Mrs. K. Neil Foster from Canada, and Rev. Bob Harrison from USA.
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Wisdom for Dr. P.C. Biaksiama and Pu Lianthanga on planning to execute
the Christian Foundation institute project.
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Pray for more supporters for the Christian Foundation institute which
will provide several centers for future ministries in South East Asia and
beyond.
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A heart transplant for Robin.
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God's plan in Ray's life as he may need to have his feet amputated.
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Peace of mind for Lacey of Placerville who had a heart transplant 12
years ago.
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For more Mizo Bibles at the store to fill up our order for inmates in
Mizoram.
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For Denise Segor that some Mizos provide translation work for her
research.
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For another committed Spiritual Adviser for MCGN to work with Pastor
Rualchhina.
MCGN International HQ: USA: Lalliana Mualchin (Email: mualchin@hotmail.com)
Webmaster: Jeff Mead (Email: jeffmead55@hotmail.com)
News Compiler: Ngeni Mualchin (Email: mualchin@hotmail.com)
Editor: Patricia Macy (Email: pamacy@netzero.net)