Introduction

Dinthar Church is located in the western region of Lunglei District, about 2 km west of Tlabung towards the upper reach of Tuipui river. Its inhabitants belong to the Bru community, along with a few Chakma families. At the time of the church's establishment, Dinthar comprised around 70 households (56 households as of 2025), with a recorded population of approximately 315 residents (280 residents as of 2025). The village previously had only the Bru Baptist Church and Seventh-day Adventist Church, while the local Chakma residents practice Buddhism. Dinthar falls under the jurisdiction of the Tlabung Village Council (VC).

The Process of Establishment

Initial Steps :
As planned by the UPC North East India Executive Board designating August 2022 as an outreach period, the Lunglei District Emergency Board made operational arrangements across the district. Dinthar was included among the target areas, and Sectional Pastor R. Lalremsiama was officially appointed to lead the mission outreach during the month of August.

In pursuance of the District Emergency Board resolution, initiatives were undertaken for Tlabung Section. Due to delays in receiving formal communications and scheduled programs at the Section and Local levels early in the month, outreach work could only commence after ten days.

First Mission Visit :
On August 12, 2022 (Friday), Sectional Pastor R. Lalremsiama and Section Secretary Bro. P. Lalchhuanmawia traveled to Dinthar in the evening to assess whether church outreach efforts were feasible and to examine the community's situation.

Second Mission Visit :
The Sectional Pastor and Section Secretary visited Dinthar once again to seek individuals for gospel discussions, visiting various households and searching for a host location.

Third Mission Visit :
The Sectional Pastor and Secretary made another trip to Dinthar, devoting maximum effort to finding people to talk to in the evening. As they could not secure a host home for an overnight stay, they returned to Tlabung each time.

Fourth Mission Visit :
During this visit, Sectional Pastor R. Lalremsiama and the Section Secretary met contacts and found a lodging host, receiving verbal confirmation from Bro. LH. Zuala that he could host them, which gave them great joy. Expecting that a local church could soon be established, plans were made to hold a Crusade given the encouraging environment, and Evan. F. Lalsanglura was summoned.

Welcoming New Members

Evan. F. Lalsanglura arrived in Tlabung on August 15, 2022, alongside accompanying brethren—Elder Lalrinmawia from Mautlang, as well as Elder Ukila and Elder Thangliana from Buknuam. On August 16, 2022, they stayed overnight and commenced the mission. Following earnest efforts, on the afternoon of Sunday, August 20, 2022, District Mission Director Rev. R. Vanlalenga officially welcomed 16 new believers into the church as members of the United Pentecostal Church in the name of the Lord Jesus. Evan. F. Lalsanglura subsequently administered baptism, filling the believers with great joy. From that day onward, under God's guidance, a precious group of church members was established in Dinthar.

The Local Church Formally Established

On the evening of Wednesday, November 23, 2022, a formal church organization service was held. Sectional Pastor R. Lalremsiama presided over the service, reading and expounding upon Acts 2:36, followed by prayer. The local church was then officially organized as follows:

Church Name : 'United Pentecostal Church North East India, Dinthar Local'

Appointed Elders :

1. Tuitherai
2. Lalsângpuia
3. Konomohan

Appointed Preachers/Ministers :

1. LH. Zuala
2. Poida Boti (Mizo name: Lianmawii)

Church Board :

• 1. Chairman : Elder Tuitherai
• 2. Secretary : Rbt. LH. Zuala
• 3. Treasurer : Elder Konomohan
• 4. Statistician : Rbt. LH Zuala
• 5. Tithing Treasurer : Elder Lalsângpuia
• 6. Handful of Rice (Buhfaitham) Treasurer : Sist. Lalhmuaki

Ministers assisting in the Church Organization :

1. Pastor R. Lalremsiama
2. Evan. Vl. Huanmawia
3. Evan. P. C. Thanchuanga
4. Elder Vanlalhruaia
5. Rbt. P. Lalchhuanmawia

These newly appointed leaders were assigned for the remaining term of 2022.

Since the church organization on November 23, 2022, a thriving local church continues to stand in Dinthar to this day. Praise the Lord!

Since its inception, local church leadership has been organized regularly and properly.

Appointed Leaders for 2025 – 2026 :
Elders : Tuitherai, Lalbiakthanga, and Konomohan
Ministers/Preachers : LH. Zuala and Biakchhînga

Church Board Committee :

• Chairman : Elder Tuitherai
• Secretary : Elder Lalbiakthanga
• Treasurer : Rbt. LH Zuala
• Statistician : Home Missionary
• Asst. Secretary : Rbt. Lalsângpuia
• Tithing Treasurer : Rbt. LH Zuala
• Handful of Rice (Buhfaitham) Treasurer : Sist. Lalhmuaki

Sunday School Department :
Director : Rbt. Biakchhînga
Secretary : Elder Lalbiakthanga
Treasurer : Home Missionary

Missions Department :
Director : Elder Konomohan
Secretary : Elder Lalbiakthanga
Treasurer : Home Missionary

Ladies Auxiliary Department :
President : Sist. Lianmawii
Vice President : Sist. Lalnunmawii
Secretary : Sist. Vânpari
Asst. Secretary : Sist. Lalbiaknii
Treasurer : Sist. Lalhmuaki
Adviser : Elder Lalbiakthanga

Pentecostal Children's Department :
President : Sist. Vânpari
Secretary : Jerusalem-Lalbuatsaihi
Treasurer : Sist. Lalfakawmi
Adviser : Rbt. Biakchhînga

Development and Construction of the Church Building

In view of the existing church membership and future prospects, the District Main Church deemed it necessary to acquire land in Dinthar. Consultations were swiftly held between District officials, Section leaders, and local representatives, leading to prompt action. After considerable effort and financial investment, a spacious and suitable plot of land was successfully acquired in Dinthar.

With land secured, steps were immediately taken toward church construction. The building was constructed through financial sanctions from the Lunglei District Main Church, voluntary labor performed by Pukpui Section PMD, and substantial contributions of funds, labor, and energy from various Section departments, dedicated individuals, and supporters within and outside the section.

On January 6, 2023, a work party was organized to clear and prepare the church plot, with 17 volunteers participating.

On February 6, 2023, the foundation stone for the church was laid by Rev. R. Lalrinsanga, General Superintendent, accompanied by Rev. PC. Lalfakawma (District Treasurer), Rev. R. Lalrosânga (Former Superintendent), and Pastor R. Lalremsiama. Sectional department office bearers and numerous church members from across the section also attended the ceremony.

On Wednesday evening, April 5, 2023, the congregation held its very first worship service inside the new Dinthar Local Church building. Tlabung Sectional Pastor R. Lalremsiama delivered the message, bringing great joy to the believers. (The church building was not yet formally dedicated at this time).

Church Dedication / Inauguration :
On Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM, the dedication service for the new church building was held. Rev. C. Lalrintluanga, District Secretary, formally inaugurated the building in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Church Dedication Program :

October 28, 2023 (Dedication Day) :
Chairman : Evan. H. Ramfanzauva
Inaugurator / Preacher : Rev. C. Lalrintluanga

October 28, 2023 (Saturday Evening) :
Chairman : Rbt. Lalchhuanmawia
Preacher : Pastor R. Lalremsiama

October 29, 2023 (Sunday Morning) :
Chairman : Pastor Muanpuia Colney
Preacher : Representative from District Office Bearers

October 29, 2023 (Sunday Evening) :
Chairman : Elder P. Lalhmingthanga
Preacher : Pastor F. Lalsanglura

Conclusion

During the establishment of the Pentecostal Church in Dinthar, the congregation faced severe prejudice and ridicule, enduring derogatory remarks such as "dirty UPC" or "foul-smelling UPC," which members still recall today. Such remarks were encountered in marketplaces, public gathering spots, and even when visiting government offices for official document processing.

Nevertheless, the work of Christ's Church cannot be hindered by human opposition; as time passed, church membership steadily grew. Numerical growth continued during the voluntary ministry of Evangelist H. Ramfanzauva and the tenure of Evangelist Hminghlumawia, who was appointed as Home Missionary by the District Main Church. Church growth became clearly evident in practical terms across church administration, faith, spiritual knowledge, giving, and community life.

To shepherd the believers in Dinthar and continue outreach efforts, the Lunglei District Missions Department initiated further steps by posting Evangelist Hminghlumawia (Rângte S Local) as Home Missionary on February 1, 2025. Today, he resides among the local believers, with completed Missionary Quarters available for his residence.

Although Dinthar Local Church is currently in its third year since establishment, its rapid growth underscores the vital importance of continued harvest work. Let us earnestly pray for Dinthar so that it may continue to grow as a strong and flourishing church.