NEWSLETTER: MARCH 2004
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. (Mt. 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)
Jan. 23-31: Extra time in Thailand because we had to cancel our trip to Myanmar. Here is why.
Siami got our plane tickets to Myanmar and was told that our Visas will be issued at Yangon airport upon our arrival there. However, when we checked in on the 23rd for our flight to Yangon, we were refused to proceed without a Visa! It is said the Myanmarese government changes the Visa requirement quite often. We quickly decided to apply for the Visas through a travel agent so that we can still go to Myanmar. Before mailing our passports to the Myanmarese Consulate in Bangkok, a worse thing happened: our host lost Liana’s passport on his way to make a copy. We then hurried to the US Consulate for a replacement passport on the same day (Jan. 23) and issued at the earliest possible time. Next, we rushed to the Indian Consulate, Mr. Anil Varma who kindly granted the Visa the next day. We are very thankful to these officials for their understanding and quick help. We do not have time to visit Myanmar. Extra time in Thailand is defintely the Lord’s plan, as you will see below.Siami’s husband took us on our way to visit a Thailand-Myanmar border town, Mae Sai. We met a Baptist Pastor, Liankhuma (Khuma) and his wife, Ruati from the Myanmar side of the border. Their house can be seen from where we met and is a home church for 125 Christians! We are told of many good things about the conditions in Myanmar and the good news that Burmese Bibles are printed in Chiangmai. Our burden to obtain the Bibles is answered. They said that Mrs. Mawii is in need of 50 Burmese Bibles for new converts in and outside of jails but has no funds. We gladly give money to Khuma to buy Bibles for new converts. Upon careful enquiry, we are told that Christians in Myanmar can live their faith in a reasonable manner. We had a good sharing time, and experienced mutual understanding of the hardship and joy in the mission field. Had we gone to Myanmar as planned, we would not have the opportunity to know all these things. Clearly, our extra time in Thailand is not in vain.
Just to list some brothers and sisters serving the Lord we met in Thailand are: Don and Kay Fox (long-time supporters of Siami) and their friends, Kevin Turl and Tom Lewis from California; Dr. Michael Lemming and his wife, Ann. (from St. Olaf College and both are Directors of Spring Semester Program in Thailand); Mr. Hermann Janzen and his wife, Margarete, (operator of Cross-cultural Communication Training Center, Chiangmai); Rev. Lalthanzauva (Strategy Coordinator for OMF-Akha/Hani Ministry, Chiangrai); Mr. Daniel Shrestha (International Taylor), originally from Nepal; and Mario (from S. Africa to minister to the Muslim people).On our last day (Saturday) Jan. 31, we travelled by train to see Thailand from Chiangmai to Bangkok. Late at night, we then flew to Kolkata, India.
Feb. 3: Invited to watch the passing out parade for graduates from the Mizoram Police Training Institute. Out of over 50, the only woman with two special awards (Lalthapari) happened to be one of Liana’s nieces.
Feb. 4: We travelled south on our way to Lawngtlai. Police officer, N.B.Biswas served us a nice lunch at Serchhip. We reached Lawngtlai rather late.Feb. 5: It was our son Tim’s birthday that Ngeni was mindful of and thinking about. After breakfast, we meet the Lairam Baptist church leaders at their office. They are taking a big step in mission work among Unreached People groups in Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh. Late afternoon, we leave for our next stop at the largest town of the area, Saiha. We meet with some church leaders and relatives in the evening, and stress the need of unity among believers, particularly within the family of a denomination.
Feb. 6: We visit and have a good time with Pu Lallura, the official District’s administrator. We also meet his staff for future communication via emails.Next, we visit the Saiha Jail where we give short messages. In response to the invitation, most of them raise their hands for which we thank the Lord. There are about 70 inmates. The leader tells us their appreciation of our visit and the Bibles presented to them by MCGN. One thing that touched our heart is the absence of a Sunday visiting program by churches. They requested churches to send someone to lead their worship service and Bible study but no response so far. Pray that Saiha Jail will soon have such visitors.
In the evening, we have a long and meaningful meeting with Mara church leaders. We discuss many items on partnership ministry and their burdens. A large number of their leaders are attending the annual convention in another town and they will report our discussion to these leaders who will relate to us in the future.
Feb. 7: We leave Saiha for Lunglei. Here, we are glad to see our long-time friends - Senior Evangelist, Lalrawna (Rawna) and Lunglei DC, Pu Mawia. At night, news reporters, relatives and friends come to see us.Feb. 8: Sunday, we visit Ngeni’s aunt in Zohnuai. Unfortunately, a relative’s funeral is held the same day and we go to the home of the bereaved family for only a few minutes.
After that, we proceed to visit Lunglei Jail with Pu Rawna and Ngeni’s friend, Mrs. Ramhluni (Rami) Sampson. We have a combined meeting for both men and women because there were only 6 women. First, they thank us for the New Testaments presented by MCGN and our follow-up visit. Second, they mention their need of a guitar for worship because theirs was broken. Rami generously responds to get them a new guitar! After Liana, Ngeni and Pu Rawna present short messages, many inmates raise their hands in response to the invitation. Late afternoon, Kharmawia (Mawia) and his wife, Nongheli (Novi), translators of “Sensei” come to discuss about “Sensei” and future ministry. They have given complete ownership of “Sensei” to MCGN for future publications for which they already completed corrections on the first edition.At night, we have dinner with Mr. and Mrs. K. Lalsanga. They take us to the last evening of the annual state convention of the Kristian Thalai Pawl (Christian Youth Group). More than 8,000 Mizo youths from inside and outside of Mizoram and many choirs participate in the convention which was being broadcast on cable TV in Mizoram. They introduce their new leaders and Mizo missionaries (who are present) sent to different countries, including ourselves as missionaries in USA. There, we met momentarily Pu Lalringa (Ringa), a missionary in Nepal.
Feb. 9: We leave Lunglei for Aizawl. Make a quick stop at Hnahthial for breakfast and to say hello to our relatives. On our way at Serchhip, Mr. Biswas graciously provided lunch again. Thanks to him.Feb. 10: In Aizawl, we have a light rest and a meeting with Dr. P.C. Biaksiama and Sangpari (Partei). We thank them for their dedication for MCGN.
In the evening, we visit a new private hospital, Greenwood Hospital with Partei. We met the owner, Dr. Buatsaiha who shows us the facility and future expansion plan. It is here that our daughter, Lisa volunteered last year. It is one of the best in Mizoram. The most critical need for the whole state (of Mizoram) is equipment for cancer treatment. Dr. Buatsaiha stressed that they can use even old equipment that is functional. We hope to get in touch with those who are going to replace their old equipment that will be most welcome by Greenwood Hospital for Mizoram. Late evening, we visit Pu Sangtea’s place for dinner.Feb. 11: We visit the Center Jail. We are introduced to the Special Superintendent, Mr. C. Lalhmangaiha at his office, and his staff, Lalrinawma and Laldingliana. We have the first meeting in the hall for men and then to another meeting for the women. In both meetings, we share the same message on the love of God and new life in Christ.
In early afternoon, Ngeni’s friends organized a short imprompt High School class reunion. It is a good sharing time. Evening dinner at the house of Pu Lalnghinglova, whom we met at Kolkata airport. This was followed by the night church service where Liana was invited to share.Feb. 12: In the morning, Dr Laithuama (from Myanmar) came to see us rather briefly as he has another appointment and thus no time to discuss much on ministry matters. Capt. R.L Ngurchhuana invited and Liana to present his thoughts on natural disaster management to High School Headmasters at the Mizoram Administrative Training Institute. In the evening, friends and relatives come to say goodbye.
Feb. 15: On Sunday morning, C. Lalsawmliana (Sawma) from Central Mining Research Institute (CMRI) came to see us. We requested him to take us to the Assembly of God’s church Liana attended during his college days. During the sharing time, Liana introduced himself as a member of the church 37 years ago. It was a good surprise for them and the pastor asked him to the front for more. We enjoyed a good time of sharing. After that, we had a wonderful lunch with Sawma’s family.
Feb. 16: Liana gives a lecture at Indian School of Mines. After lunch, we leave Dhanbad for Kolkata. We wish to spend more days in Dhanbad as we feel a warm welcome by students, staff, and faculty professors.Feb. 18: Evening flight from Kolkata to New Delhi. We are received at the airport by David Mualchin and S. Yadav. We stay at Solo Victoria Hotel for the next 4 days. They are so kind to us and do not charge for any of our expenses. They are friends of Ngeni’s brother.
Feb. 20: We are so tired by now. We get up late and take it easy Friday. Yadav and David take us for a little excursion in the afternoon.
Feb. 21: Liana presents his paper. We are in several meetings the whole day. We are getting ready to visit Kanpur.Feb. 23: Liana gives a lecture at IIT-Kanpur. We really enjoy the campus. It is clean, well kept, and the people are kind too. Dr.C.V.R. Murty and Dr. Kunwar P. Bajpai accompany us for lunch. After lunch, the university staff drop us off at Lucknow airport to catch our evening flight to New Delhi.
Feb. 24: Minutes after midnight and early Feb. 24 morning, we leave New Delhi, India for USA. We stop in Tokyo for a few hours. Long flight to Los Angeles. Finally, we arrive at Sacramento International Airport at 2 PM on the same date Tuesday Feb. 24. Our daughter came to take us home.MCGN International HQ: USA: Lalliana Mualchin (Email: mualchin@hotmail.com)
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