Lungchem village is located 62 km northwest of Lunglei. It is a small rural village consisting of around 90 households, but due to migration, there are currently around 80 households.

BEFORE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UPC CHURCH:

Prior to the establishment of the Pentecostal Church, Lungchem village was predominantly Baptist. Through the initiative of the District PYD in 1984, Evan R. Pakunga, Evan R. Lalrosanga, and Evan B. Kapmawia were sent to do evangelism work. For this mission, Elder K. Lungmuana of Zohnuai Local donated Rs. 3,200/- (Three thousand two hundred). However, due to strong opposition, a church could not be established.

On 17.09.1988, Sertlangpui Local conducted another gospel outreach, and in 1989, Pukpui Local also conducted outreach work, but a church still could not be established.

On 26.01.1990, Evan R. Lianzuala was stationed by the District PYD to carry out ministry, where he worked to gather existing UPC members. Under his leadership, the existing UPC members met and decided to hold separate worship services, reasoning that they had enough attendees to form a congregation.

On 01.04.1990, coinciding with Good Friday, separate church services officially began at the residence of Bro. P. Lalhunthanga.

BEFORE AND DURING THE FORMATION OF THE CHURCH:

Although the church was not yet officially recognized by the District, holding regular services made it known to the public that a UPC Church had been established in Lungchem. Regular services were subsequently held on Saturday evenings, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings. Needing a location for a church building, Evan R. Lianzuala requested land from VCP Mr. Biakthanga, who generously granted a central plot of land (though not as spacious as desired), for which we are very grateful. As the land required leveling, community labor (hnatlang) was organized, and the youth of the Baptist Church also assisted in digging and leveling the site.

REGARDING DONATIONS & GIFTS:

Intending to build a church, significant funds were required. The loving donations received from those aware of our needs were truly great and valuable, and we feel it is important to mention them. Since detailing exact dates for all donations is cumbersome, they are presented collectively as follows. The donations received for church construction during 1990 were:

1. Sertlangpui Local: Rs. 352.55/-
2. Chandmary Local (before becoming Hqtrs): Rs. 1932.65/-
3. Venglai Local (Lunglei): Rs. 1194.00/-
4. Rahsi Veng Local (Lunglei): Rs. 510.00/-
5. College Veng Local (Lunglei): Rs. 200.00/-
6. Sist. Rozami: Rs. 10.00/-
7. Sist. Thankhumi: Rs. 100.00/-

Among other gifts, the Project Officer at that time, Mr. Thuamkunga, gifted us a new Petromax lamp, for which we are deeply grateful. Elder R. Lalthuama of Pukpui gave us a big drum (Khuangpui), and Bro. Lalzarmawia of Sertlangpui gave us a small drum (Khuangte), enabling us to sing and worship, for which we are very thankful.

On 01.05.1990, Sist. H. Zatluangi from Sialsuk arrived as a Hindi Teacher, and Sist. Thinlaihnemi from Bilkhawthlir arrived as the Primary School Head Teacher. This led to an encouraging increase in our membership.

THE CHURCH IS OFFICIALLY FORMED:

On Monday, February 18, 1991, Sertlangpui District Pastor Rev. Lianhranga and Cherhlun District Pastor CS Pachhunga, along with some brethren, arrived from Changpui. Sist. Zoziri and her family were baptized in the name of Jesus, bringing the church membership to around 30. Following the advice of Pastor CS Pachhunga that it was fitting to officially form the church, Rev. Lianhranga officially organized the congregation.

Main Church Board:

Missions Department:

Ladies Auxiliary Department:

Sunday School Department:

COMMENCEMENT OF CHURCH CONSTRUCTION:

Timber was sawed using accumulated funds, and heartwood pillars were purchased. On Saturday, June 25, 1991, a community work camp was held to begin church construction, attended by 10 of us in total. After digging the pillar holes, Evan R. Lianzuala led a devotion; after reading the Scripture, we all joined in prayer near the pillar holes to dedicate the foundation to God. Members were enthusiastic and worked tirelessly.

The church had woven bamboo walls (dap) without separate skirting. The CGI sheets for the roof were provided by the District. On 26.06.1991, a work camp team led by RK Khiangte came from Lunglei, and the tin sheets were carried down from Sertlangpui with the help of Sertlangpui brethren. The roof was completed, and Bro. P. Lalhunthanga slaughtered a pig to share a joyful meal with the visiting guests.

CHURCH DEDICATION:

When the church building was ready for services, the Local Church Board decided to dedicate it on Saturday, March 31, 1992. A pig measuring 55 inches in girth was purchased for Rs. 5,400/-, and District PYD Secretary Rev. Ralkapkunga Khiangte dedicated the building to God. District Pastor PR. Dawla delivered the sermon, and a community feast was organized.

On 15.02.1992, Mualthuam 'N' Vengchhak Local PYD visited us; their lively ministry was a great blessing. They constructed a table for us, for which we are very grateful. On 21.02.1993, 10 people were baptized in the name of Jesus, and a family was welcomed into fellowship. On 27.04.1993, Elder R. Dengvuana, Bro. Rinsanga, and Zara came all the way from Lungsen Chhim veng to construct a pulpit for us, for which we are deeply thankful. In 1996, Elder C. Hrangthantluanga and his family migrated from Vuakmual (they were already UPC members), and in 2003, Mr. C. Thangzika’s family and Mr. PC Rochungnunga were baptized in Jesus' name, bringing church membership to around 50. Praise the Lord.

Between 1995 and 1996, the church underwent repairs. After nearly 18 years of use, in 2014, a larger and improved church building (22ft x 33ft) was constructed over the existing structure without demolishing it first. The concrete pillars were poured up to the beam, along with concrete skirting. Tiles were installed on the walls and ceiling. We now have benches with backrests (as on 2021). The CGI roof sheets were again provided by the District.

We have made progress in various areas, including faithful participation in the handful-of-rice offering (Buhfaitham). Proportionate to member headcount, we have secured first and second prizes at the District level, receiving awards for four (4) consecutive years. We have also progressed in general offerings; considering our small membership, our contributions have been commendable. Contributions that used to be Rs. 8, Rs. 9, or Rs. 10 at the inception of the church have now grown to Rs. 400 or Rs. 500, which is truly gratifying.

We now also have a beautifully crafted pulpit made by Elder C. Lalhlupuia of Thenhlum Local. For the church bell, Thenhlum Local gifted us a truck wheel rim, which we continue to use to this day.

Current Lungchem Local Leaders: