About Runtung Village :

Runtung village is situated slightly to the south-west of Lunglei, about 8.5 km away from Hauruang. To this day, it remains a pleasant rural village blessed with rich forests, trees, and bamboo groves. The origin of the name 'Runtung' is recounted as follows: To the west of Runtung village lies a vast flat rock formation (Pialtlep), where a huge, fanged serpent used to dwell. The giant snake often coiled and reared itself up on the flat rock, leading people to call the location 'Rultung' (meaning 'reared serpent'). As time passed, it is said that the name gradually evolved into 'Runtung'.

Establishment of the UPC :

In March 1957, an Evangelist from the north, Lalthianghlima, visited the Lunglei region for ministry, marking his second visit. Looking towards Runtung from the Tarmita viewpoint west of Chanmari, he received a message from the Lord: 'Go to rebuild and gather the fallen Church of Runtung.' He invited Pu Rohnuna and his wife from Theiriat village, stayed overnight at Thangpui, where Pu Aithanga and his wife joined them, along with Pu Mangkhuma from Thangte village. From Thangte, they proceeded towards Runtung. Pu Lalthianghlima stayed at the home of Pu Pachhunga, who was the only UPC believer in Runtung at the time and was attending the Baptist church. Since there was no other church established yet, he ministered within the Baptist Church. After his companions returned home, he persevered with all his efforts. Gradually, people divided between those who accepted and those who rejected his ministry. Those who accepted his ministry eventually established the UPC in Runtung on June 20, 1957. In the very beginning, there were only around 10 members.

Early Church Members :

The first Church Elder was JH. Pachhunga (L). The first members were: Laihnuni, Chuhveli, Darchuailovi, Zaiawni, Lianngengi, Lianvenga, Aimawii, ZD. Lalzuala, Hmingthanga, and Hmunthanga. In 1958, new appointments for leaders were held, and the early elders and leaders appointed were Pachhunga, Lianvenga, and Hmingthanga.

Church Building :

In 1959, the first church building made of bamboo matting (Maurap) was constructed, and from then on, the church grew into a well-established congregation. Before the resettlement period, they built a bamboo-matting church twice. In 1968, due to the political insurgency in Mizoram, the villagers were forcibly grouped together at Hauruang, leaving the village deserted and causing the UPC Church in Runtung to temporarily cease operations.

When the opportunity to return to their native land arose in 1974, a considerable number of people moved back from Hauruang to the old village of Runtung, and the church was re-established as usual. Subsequently, in 1974, a church building was once again constructed using bamboo matting. Over time, they rebuilt it using sawn timber frames, wall tiles, tin roofing, and a brick skirt wall, which stood for a long period.

As years passed, the old church building aged, and with the youth desiring a more beautiful and modern church building, the members made efforts to raise funds according to their capabilities. Through the dedication and commitment of the members, an RCC church structure was erected in 2023 with roofing added, and soon, a beautiful and sturdy church building will be completed. The current church building under construction marks the 6th time a church has been built since the establishment of UPC in Runtung.

During the insurgency period, because the village was evacuated abruptly in haste, no records or documents were preserved to trace the history. Therefore, detailed and clear history could only be traced after the village was re-inhabited.

Church Leaders in 1974 :

History of Various Departments :

• Sunday School : The Sunday School was established in January 1979, and classes have continued smoothly to this day.
• Mission Department : The Mission Department was established on January 20, 1985, and leaders were formed immediately.
• LAD : LAD (Ladies Auxiliary Department) was formed starting in 1974.
• PYD : PYD (Pentecostal Youth Department) leaders began to be appointed starting in 1990, and appointments continued from that year onward.
• PCD : PCD (Pentecostal Children Department) was established latest, with leaders being formed starting in August 1997.

Current Status :

Current Church Leaders for 2025-2026 :