HISTORY OF SEKHUM CHURCH FORMATION

On July 25, 1961, Rev. Saihnuna and his ministry team arrived in Sekhum village, staying at the residence of Airawta. During their ministry work that evening, Pu Zaleta became the first to receive baptism, followed later by Thangziki, Lairothangi, Elder R. Khawmhluta, Kaitluangi, Elder Lalrema, and Elder Zairingaia. The following day, Wednesday, July 26, 1961, marks the official establishment date of Sekhum Local Church.

Pioneer Leaders :

• Chairman : Elder Zaleta
• Secretary : Elder Lalrema
• Treasurer : Elder R. Khawmhluta

First Church Workers / Deacons :

• Rbt. PC. Lunghnema
• Rbt. R. Zairingaia
• Rbt. Lalbuanga
• Rbt. Thangkima

During their brief stay of only a night or two, Pastor Saihnuna and his companions gathered 85 converts out of the village's total population of around 234 people at the time. Pastor Saihnuna and his team departed from Sekhum on June 28, 1961.

CHURCH BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

In 1961, the year of establishment, the first church structure was built at the current location using bamboo walling.

• 1st Rebuilding : In 1966, after the original church was burned down by military forces, it was rebuilt on the same site.
• 2nd Rebuilding : In 1968, due to insurgency regrouping, Sekhum residents were relocated to Mualthuam (N). The congregation constructed a church building during their stay in Mualthuam.
• 4th Rebuilding : In 1973, upon returning from regrouping, a new church structure was constructed back in Sekhum.
• 5th Rebuilding : In 1978, a new Assam-type wooden church structure was built using sawn timber.
• 6th Rebuilding : In 1996, keeping pace with regional developments, the church structure was upgraded with cement skirtings.
• 7th Rebuilding : In 2001, the Church Board Committee formed a dedicated Building Committee to construct the present reinforced concrete church structure.

Ministers and License Holders raised by Sekhum Local : Rev. PC. Lunghnema (L), Rev. PC. Lalrosanga, Pastor R. Lalremsiama, Evan. J. Lalchhuanawma, Evan R. Lalthlamuana, and Evan R. Laldawngliana.

DEPARTMENT PIONEER LEADERS

Missions Department (Established 1973) :

• Director : Bro Ngaihchhunga
• Secretary : Bro R. Vanlalmuana

Sunday School Department (Active since church inception) :

• Director : Elder R. Khawmhluta
• Secretary : Bro R. Vanlalmuana
• Treasurer : Elder R. Khawmhluta

LAD / Ladies Auxiliary (Established 1975) :

• President : R. Thangziki
• Secretary : C. Lalneihtluangi
• Treasurer : Sist. Pc. Remmawii

PYD / Youth Department (Established Jan 19, 1975) :

• President : Rbt. R. Lallungkhama
• Vice President : Bro. Ralliantawna
• Secretary : Bro. Thangtluanga
• Treasurer : Bro. R. Vanlalmuana

PCD / Children Department (Established 1988) :

• President : Bro Pc. Lalhmunsanga
• Secretary : Sist. R. Lalhmachhuani
• Treasurer : Sist. Lalremliani

PMD / Men's Ministry (Established 2018) :

• President : Bro H. Zonunmawia
• Vice President : Bro. R. Ramdinsanga
• Secretary : Bro. H. Lalthakima
• Asst Secretary : Bro. R. Lalthangliana
• Treasurer : Bro R. Lalfakawma
• Fin. Secretary : Bro ZD. Lalzuithanga

MAJOR INITIATIVES AND PRESENT STATUS

To nurture spiritual growth, the congregation has hosted multiple spiritual camps and crusades over the years, alongside various fundraising initiatives. All departmental wings actively support church growth. Currently, a dedicated Building Board is driving plans for a new church building. Sekhum Local continues to remain steadfast by God's grace.

Sekhum village is located about 50 km from Lunglei, comprising roughly 80 households. As of the 2025 report, the congregation consists of 231 members across 45 church households. The church leadership currently includes 5 Ordained Elders, 3 License Holders, and 11 Church Workers.

2025-2026 Church Board Leaders :

• Chairman : Elder R. Lalsangzuala
• Vice Chairman : Elder Lalzarmawia
• Secretary : Rbt. Rohmingthanga
• Statistician : Rbt. H. Lalmuankima
• Asst. Secretary : Rbt. Pc. Zorammuana
• Treasurer : Elder C. Lalrohranga
• Fin. Secretary : Evan. R. Laldawngliana