HISTORY OF CHENGPUI LOCAL CHURCH

In earlier years, a church had already been established in Chengpui village, where around 1961, Pastor Zabuaia and his team vibrantly led the congregation. However, due to political disturbance (Rambuai) and village grouping, the church dispersed and ceased to function formally. Despite the absence of an official church establishment, Pi Biakmawii and her family faithfully preserved their Pentecostal faith for a long period, regularly traveling to attend church services in Zotuitlang.

STEPS TOWARD ESTABLISHING THE CHURCH

Phase 1 :
Haulawng District deeply concerned themselves with the absence of a church in Chengpui, with both district leaders and various local churches frequently visiting for ministry work. In 2011, the Haulawng District Mission Department passed a resolution to establish a church in Chengpui and appoint a worker. Consequently, Evan. F. Lalsanglura of Khawhri was engaged. He served zealously from March to December 2011. Since a formal church was not established during that year, he temporarily left for Shillong to pursue theological studies to prepare for further ministry.

Phase 2 :
After completing his Bible studies, Evan. F. Lalsanglura returned to Chengpui on August 17, 2015, driven by his personal conviction and funding his own trip. To support his evangelistic efforts and conduct a crusade, the District Mission Department sanctioned Rs. 3,000/-. He called upon Evan. H. Lallawmsanga (main speaker) and Evan. PC. Lalremruata to assist him. On the evening of August 24, 2015 (Monday), a baptism service was opened by faith. As a result, 9 individuals were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by Evan. F. Lalsanglura, accompanied by outpourings of the Holy Spirit and divine healings.

RE-ESTABLISHMENT AND CHURCH CONSTRUCTION

Re-establishment of the Church :
Following the baptism of new believers, Lunglei District Superintendent Rev. C. Darkhuma and Haulawng District Pastor Rev. C. Hmingthanfala visited Chengpui. On the evening of August 25, 2015 (Tuesday), they reignited the Pentecostal fire by establishing 'United Pentecostal Church (NEI), Chengpui Local' starting with 9 members as a Preaching Point. Later, on January 3, 2016, District Pastor Rev. C. Hmingthanfala upgraded it to a full Local Church and appointed its leaders.

Following the establishment, Haulawng District Mission Department re-engaged Evan. F. Lalsanglura in September 2015. In January 2016, the District Mission Department took over his sponsorship, maintaining a resident Home Missionary in Chengpui ever since.

Church Building & Quarters :

• Land Acquisition : Under Resolution 82 of the District Board, property owned by Pu Thangliana (including his existing house) was purchased on December 11, 2015, for approximately Rs. 1,00,000/-.
• Building Construction : Supported by district funds allocated for new church plants, Rev. C. Darkhuma laid the foundation stone on February 17, 2016. Constructed with RCC pillars, tile walls, and a tin roof, the building was completed and occupied on May 29, 2016.
• Home Missionary Quarters : Constructed alongside the church using funds from the District Mission Department, local churches, and personal donations, under the leadership of District Mission Director Elder Zamawia.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND MISSIONARIES

First Church Board Office Bearers :

• Chairman : Evan. F. Lalsanglura
• Secretary : Bro. R. Lalngaihsaka
• Asst. Secretary : Bro. R. Lalhmingsanga
• Treasurer : Evan. F. Lalsanglura
• Tithe Treasurer : Evan. F. Lalsanglura

Home Missionaries Served :

• Evan. F. Lalsanglura : September 2015 – December 2018
• Evan. Simona : January 2019 – December 2020
• Evan. K. Lalhlupuia : January 2021 – till date

2025-2026 Church Leaders :

• Chairman : Evan. R. Lalrokhawma
• Vice Chairman :
• Secretary : Elder Pachunga
• Assistant Secretary :
• Treasurer : Evan. R. Lalrokhawma
• Statistician : Rbt. Lalthlamuana

CURRENT STATUS (2025)

Currently, as of 2025, the church consists of 7 families and 30 total members.