Dongzathawng
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Imagine you are far, far away from home and have a beautiful bride waiting for you. You have set a date for the wedding. The date is to be next year in Lamka. How would you feel; longing to be in your home sweet home -- in Lamka? This is exactly what the Jewish mind feels when it comes to the phrase “next year in the city of Jerusalem.”
Next Year in Jerusalem
L’shana ha’ba-ah b’Yerushalayim” or “Next year in Jerusalem” is a phrase used at the end of every Passover Seder or sometime at the conclusion of Yom Kippur the world over. The Jewish people optimistically look forward to celebrating the next Passover in Jerusalem, fulfilling the ancient dream of being a free people in their own land. The expression connotes that Jerusalem, the city of peace, will one day be realized when the Messiah comes to rule. Then we will all go to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast. That day could be next year and "may I meet you in Jerusalem Next year?"
The Jewish population worldwide is 13.3 million; 4.9 million live in Israel and the remaining 8.3 million live elsewhere. Those who lived outside Israel are called the Diaspora. Since the deportation of 586 BC, the Jews have been scattered all over the world. Many have adopted the culture where they live and have felt at home. But a true Jew does not feel at home anywhere other than in the Holy Land. It is the land the Lord gave them to posses as an everlasting possession. Their ultimate destination is Jerusalem. Harry M. Orlinsky observes about the exiles: “Babylonian exile was a supreme test of Israel’s vitality. The Judeans were the only people in ancient times known to have been taken wholesale into captivity and still to have retained their religious and social identity. The exile proved that Israel could adapt itself to, and developed under, the most adverse conditions.”
Operation Exodus, an organization which assists Jews in their return to Israel, has been responsible for the homecoming of over 100,000 Jews. The mass homecomings of 70,000 people in 2000 were emotional. In spite of all the terror that reigns in Jerusalem, the Jewish mind refuses to give up the hope that one day Jerusalem will be a city of praise, tranquility and prosperity. This gives hope and inspiration and in fact, it gives meaning and a future in this gloomy age. What faith and courage it takes to look beyond the present turmoil in the Middle East and to see the Messiah reign to make Jerusalem an eternal city - Salem! But yet it is not just a dream and delusion. It is fact and it is going to be fulfilled. It is only a matter of time; solely depending on the divine timekeeper. No wonder the Jewish heart cry “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem….” is as strong as ever before.
Let us all pray that this will soon happen! We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem!! Now let us see what will happen “next year in Lamka.”
See Lamka and Die!
I remember seeing an article in Tongluang “See Lamka and Die” based on “See Naples and Die.” The phrase “See Naples and Die” can have more than one implication. It may mean that Naples is such a beautiful place that before you die you must experience the beauty and magnificence of Naples. It can also refer to the incident that took place in 1494. A syphilis epidemic spread outward from Naples to all of Europe. Naples became a common euphemism for this dreaded disease. Therefore, if you saw Naples, you were likely to die.
Likewise, Lamka in its pre-war stage was like Jericho and Laish in Biblical times; “the situation of this city is pleasant” (2 Kings 2:19) “the people who were there… they dwelt safely… quiet and secure. They are far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone” (Judges 18:7). Name anyone who had visited Lamka in its pre-war stage and did not want to go back. But the post-war Lamka is just the opposite. Every visitor has heard the sound of gunshots in Lamka. You can be killed by the random gunfire from any side, at any time and die in Lamka. Remember the days of pre-nambuaina (civil war) when Lamka didn’t have a gun culture? A well-known writer, Yambem Laba compared Lamka to a Mexican city where young people hung out in the night with guitars on the streets without any worry. I recall as a boy coming back from Thangjam hall in the late night and everybody on Teddim Road would be singing the songs of the movie we just watched. I cannot forget overhearing the reverberation of Pauno (The Lengtongs) or the Agape album (especially Suahtana late) played in a loud speaker to remind the whole town that some celebration was going on somewhere in the town. I also recollect students from all the districts of Manipur rushed to Lamka for the best education. Yes, I remember the rise of ZNC movement when a genuine Zo nationalism began to see its dawn. For a true son of Lamka it is overwhelmingly sad to think about those days. It will go on as a sweet memory. Lamka had never dreamt of the turmoil and the shock of what is prevailing today. Gone are those happy days; gone with the wind - never to return. O give us our Lamka back!!
The Day the Mother Closed Her Eyes
A widowed mother had eight sons. She worked hard so that her children could have a better future. The two oldest sons fought brutally to gain the inheritance. The fight went on until every one of them was involved. Nobody seemed to know what he was fighting for and with whom he is fighting. Yet the fight was more and more brutal until the house was full of blood and nobody was there to stop it. Outside, there were enemies watching and waiting for a time to seize the possessions when nobody is alive to guard it. The mother was not able to bear what was going on; she fainted and gradually closed her eyes. Yet the children were still unaware of their mother’s deep agony and continued in their bloody fight. This family war took place on June 24, 1997 -- that fateful day for Lamka Zogam! The day would go on in infamy for generations. That day was the beginning of the dark chapter of Lamka.
Leonard Ravenhill has written a book “America is too young to die” and in it he warns America, “America can die, but it would have to be by suicide.” The way Lamka died is appalling. Who has murdered her? She died of a broken heart inflicted by her own sons. Her own children killed her. Ever since our mother Zoland has closed her eyes, fertility and fruitful harvest are no more to be expected from the soil of Lamka Zogam. It has too much blood stained on it. Give us back our mother!
With due respect, we the simple Zo folks, would like to appeal to our Revolutionary leaders or any armed group operating in our land to explain the definition of true nationalism and patriotism, because we are so confused about what is being done in the name of nationalism and patriotism. We have been exposed to acts of senseless brutality on a daily basis. We have been threatened and traumatized by hooligans and thugs periodically. We are confused as to whether we are dealing with the heroes our nation or if we are dealing with gangsters? We wish the concerned leaders would re-examine the acts of their boys and determine if they are worthy of the name “patriots” and “national volunteers.”
Everything looks out of control. It reminds us of the Western American cowboy culture 100 years ago when human life is as precious as that of a chicken. Or we appear to go back to the pre-Christianity headhunting stage - tribal culture. In fact not to condone their acts, but at least our forefathers hunted heads for honor, whereas we take human life for nothing. Is this the plan and policies of our national revolutionary leaders? Beyond measure, this gun culture has made Lamka Zokhuapi the Gaza Strip of the North East. The misery we are going thru is beyond what words can express. And we say enough is enough!! Are we going to accept as our national leaders, men who sent away their own sons to mega cities of India so as not to hear the sound of AK-47s because they have enough blood from the sons of the Zo widows who have nothing else to lose? I am speaking for the child soldiers (mostly orphans and victims of the war) who are used as tools in the name of patriotism. I hope the UNICEF counts them among the 300,000 child soldiers operating in 30 different conflicts across the globe. To the commanders of these kids: Have you ever pondered that the child soldier you are using as a tool has a loving mother somewhere (she may be in Heaven now) who had a dream for her boy and prayed night and day that someday her son will become somebody or even a missionary. Do you dare to play with the blood of somebody else’s child and not be guiltless before her Creator on the judgment day? Ravi Zecharias in his preachings cried out again and again, “the test of any civilization is what it does to its children.” My country men, tell me what have we done to our children! Give us back our precious children!!
Do we say blessed are the post-nambuaina generations? Or do we think happy are the babies who were born during that period and have not seen those fateful days? But wait a minute! If psychology is right, these children are the ones who are going to pay the highest price for our foolish acts. Let the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Child Posts Traumatic Stress Reaction (CPTSR) experts do their jobs. We who are responsible for this traumatic event need to be remorseful for the psychological damages we are inflicting on these little ones. Our children need not go to the kids in the Gaza Strip or the kids of the Vietnam and Korean Wars to learn the effects of war on children. They are going to live with it for years and years to come. Can you forgive us o precious children of Lamka?!
A Land Whitout A Prophet
Think for a moment about the current Lamka. I challenge you to find any Zo high officers who intentionally choose to be posted in Churachandpur. I don’t blame them at all for that decision. Who would be so foolish as to let his innocent children see the torture of their father and to see their mother faint while her husband is taken blindfolded, not knowing what will happen next. Are these done in the name of revolution or patriotism? Little do we realize that this teaches these little minds that they should “never be an officer and don’t ever do well in your studies, don’t ever work hard to get rich, don’t ever try to live in Lamka. This is what you’re going to be.” Happy is an officer who can flee this town as soon as possible for his children sake.
But what about the spiritual shepherds of Lamka? We are glad for the Zo pastors who obey God’s calling to start ministries in the mega cities of India. We are proud of the Zo missionaries who left the Zogam nuam to serve in the mission fields. We are especially proud of Dino L. Touthang and Dr. J. M. Paupu for their good testimonies on behalf of Lamka people. Needless to say, the Lamka people should be grateful that they still hear the voice of the Reverend Dr. Khaizakham and other brave pastors who stay with them through thick and thin. This reminds me of Jeremiah at the time when Jerusalem was completely destroyed and devastated and God told him to buy some land. Except for God’s word it would be foolish to buy a land in such place as Judah of that period. But God wanted to make His servant an example of faith because one day “houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.” (Jeremiah 32:15). God is not done with Jerusalem. She shall be occupied and replenished as before. Jeremiah chose to stay with his people (the poorest of the poor) in the most fearful and vulnerable period of time in spite of the governor’s offer for security and better life (Jeremiah 40:4).
Oh, how Zogam desperately needs godly influences through the presence of godly men and women in this critical time! Why leave our motherland to the mercy of the dakus and thugs? We dare not say that whatever happens in Lamka doesn’t affect us. We admire local preachers and pastors who stay faithful in this time when Zogam needs you the most.
My Appeal to Zo Pastors Worldwide
According to the Chin Directory of North America 2006 there are at least 40-50 Zo ordained pastors in the United States alone. These are not ordinary pastors, but are some of the finest preachers from our land. You can imagine how many other Zo pastors there are in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, and the United Kingdom and in the rest of Europe. Theological students and graduates and a number of others who were once fiery local preachers are not included here. Do they plan go back to Zo land? Maybe or maybe not. I do not know. But I know one thing. Many of these pastors have purchased houses and have acquired US citizenship. This takes me to the day I had a conversation with the late Dr. Vumson a few months before his death. He said in jest, “theology becomes dollalogy for Zo pastors.” He wanted to see Zo pastors to go back home and work among the poor Zo people. Throughout the conversation I could sense that Pu Vum did not have much confidence in the so-called pastors. No wonder, because as far as I know, Pu Vum never became a Christian.
We are proud of and rejoice in the better status (like becoming a US citizen), material things and wealth, or a better life in the United States, Japan, and Korea or elsewhere that our Zo pastors have enjoyed. My greatest concern is that we are in the will of God. I am trembling in fear thinking that we have deserted and betrayed God and our land in her time of crisis. Should we trade in the high calling, the long years of our training and preparation, and the visions we have had in our souls in exchange for momentary earthly comfort and security?
There is always a price to pay to be in the Will of God. But can we afford not to be in the will of God? David Livingstone chose to be in the heart of African jungle in the will of God rather than to be on the throne of the England outside the will of God if he had a choice. Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah has gone through the same situation. Who said it is easy except God’s promise is sure? Hear what God confided to Baruch; “Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus: Behold that which I have built I will break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land. And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not; for behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, said the LORD; but thy life will I give unto thee for a pray in all places whither thou goest” (Jeremiah 45:4, 5)
When the pressure to seek something great for oneself is too strong to resist, I take as a challenge, the life of a French young man in the 16th century. The reformation movement was in a rampage in Europe. An old fiery preacher, Guilluame Farel had won Geneva over for Protestantism. But due to his age he felt himself not equal to task. He desperately needed a young man to take over the responsibility. Along came a French young man, John Calvin, aged twenty-seven. Young as he was he had gained a reputation all over Europe for his book. In August of 1536, toward the evening on a warm day, Calvin walked through the gates of Geneva to spend the night in the inn. He was on his way to Strassburg in southern Germany to pursue the quiet life of a scholar. Farel met him at the inn and urged him to take over the responsibility in the work of the reformation in Geneva. To make long story short, Calvin offered many reasons not to join this work: his youth, his timid nature, his inexperience and mainly his longing for a peaceful seclusion to devote all his time to studying and writing. At last, Guilliame Farel felt he was wasting his time; he rose from his chair and thundered; “May God curse you in our studies if now in her time of need you refused to lend your aid to His church.” B. K. Kuiper, a historian commented on this incident: “Hearing these words, Calvin was struck with terror, as he himself said later. He was visibly shaken. His whole body trembled. In Farel’s voice of thunder heard the voice of God.” Calvin consented to say in Geneva and history took its course.
My fellow Zo pastors, should we refuse to lend our aid to His church now in her time of deepest need?
Next Year in Jerusalem and Next year in Lamka!!
The Jews dream of “next year in Jerusalem” will be fulfilled when they accept their Messiah. John Rice said that the greatest revival in the world is yet to be seen. In fact he said this age is a blessed age of revival. John R. Rice has written about the coming Jewish spiritual awakening: “When Jesus re-gathers the nation Israel so long despised, the blinded nation yet so beloved for the Father’s sake and shows them His hands and has them repent of their sins and turn to Him, a whole nation in a day! What a blessed revival!” Imagine a nation turning to God in a single day. Zechariah compares that day to the mourning of Hadad Rimmon (Zechariah 12:11).
The day of Pentecost was just the beginning of revival. The Lord is pleased to pour out his final blessing. Revival day is not over at all. We are moving toward the greatest revival ever. This will happen when people open their hearts for Christ’s kingdom first. Next year in Lamka will be fulfilled when the children of God in Lamka uncover before God their hypocrisies, hatred, bitterness, communalism, unforgiveness, self-righteousness and spiritual pride. The Lord’s promise of the later rain is waiting for His people who cry to God in desperation. The question is not "can we afford to have revival?" but rather, the question is "can we afford NOT to have revival?"
Can we say next year in TEDIM, next year in HAKHA, next year in FALAM, next year in MATUPI, next year in KANGPOKPI and next year in AIZAWL.
May the Bird’s Singing be Heard Again on the Trees of Zo Land
As boy in a village I recall watching the local birds like Tomanai, vatou, and phialphiat in the evening. Familiar as they were, those birds have not been around for quite a long time. I also remember when hornbills flew over our village. We the village folks, watched until they reached the farthest horizon. The sound of their flapping wings is too pleasant to forget. Even the birds and animals that we identified with our Zoland are all gone. I don’t know what the ornithologists would say on this. But I believe the sounds of constant gunfire and killings have scared them away. Zogam is not a nice place any more for them.
But the bird I am going of talk about here is different one. Ravi Zecharias in his book, “Cries of the Heart”, cited how the noted English writer F. W. Boreham compared spiritual awakening to a bird singing in a different bough. When a candle is extinguished, the light goes out. But when a bird is driven away, it only leaves to sing its song on another bough. With that metaphor in mind Boreham traces the mighty moving of God throughout history. Consider, for example, the impact of the Puritans on their world. As it was wanting, Milton bemoaned an England that desperately needed the heart of revival once again. Had the light been extinguished? No. Only eight years after the untimely death of Joseph Addison, the highly regarded English Christian statesman, a handful of young people were gathered in prayer at Herrnhut, Germany, on the morning of August 13, 1727. Led by twenty seven year old Count Zinzendorf, something of enormous import happened. All the people could remember was that they scarcely knew whether they still belonged to the earth or had actually gone to heaven. This was the birth of the Moravian movement. So even as England was becoming barren of a godly influence, the Moravians were raised up in Germany.
From that movement, missionaries were sent to the ends of the globe. But then the Moravian movement began to wane. Had the light been extinguished? No. The bird was singing on a different bough. Later in that century, William Carey set foot in India on the very day that the cross was being burned in France. While Voltaire and hostile philosophers had done their work and Europe was threatening slaughter against the gospel, William Carey, with a Bible in one hand and the annals of Moravian Missions in the other, was going to touch the heart of India.
In the dying moments of the Moravian movement, the heart of Wesley was ignited. But again as the Wesleyan revivals were dying out, had the light been extinguished? No. The bird was singing on a different bough. Inspired by the puritan thinker Chalmers, such leader as W.C. Burns, Alexander Duff, Robert Murray McCheyene, and Andrew and Horatius Bonar were rising to do a work for God in Scotland. And as Scotland saw its heroes fade, suddenly the voice of Charles Haddon Spurgeon rang out from London to thousands at home and abroad. The light is never extinguished. Like a bird, it just sings its song from different boughs.
Ravi Zecharias says, “Over the years, each time I have seen new attacks upon the name of Christ. I have drawn much comfort from this essay…. I am convinced that as dark as it may seem to us, there is a strain of a melody beginning. The Lord of history may well be tuning His instruments as never before. The bird is singing its song.”
May the next singing be in the boughs of Zoland!!
Bibliography
Imagine you are far, far away from home and have a beautiful bride waiting for you. You have set a date for the wedding. The date is to be next year in Lamka. How would you feel; longing to be in your home sweet home -- in Lamka? This is exactly what the Jewish mind feels when it comes to the phrase “next year in the city of Jerusalem.”
Next Year in Jerusalem
L’shana ha’ba-ah b’Yerushalayim” or “Next year in Jerusalem” is a phrase used at the end of every Passover Seder or sometime at the conclusion of Yom Kippur the world over. The Jewish people optimistically look forward to celebrating the next Passover in Jerusalem, fulfilling the ancient dream of being a free people in their own land. The expression connotes that Jerusalem, the city of peace, will one day be realized when the Messiah comes to rule. Then we will all go to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast. That day could be next year and "may I meet you in Jerusalem Next year?"
The Jewish population worldwide is 13.3 million; 4.9 million live in Israel and the remaining 8.3 million live elsewhere. Those who lived outside Israel are called the Diaspora. Since the deportation of 586 BC, the Jews have been scattered all over the world. Many have adopted the culture where they live and have felt at home. But a true Jew does not feel at home anywhere other than in the Holy Land. It is the land the Lord gave them to posses as an everlasting possession. Their ultimate destination is Jerusalem. Harry M. Orlinsky observes about the exiles: “Babylonian exile was a supreme test of Israel’s vitality. The Judeans were the only people in ancient times known to have been taken wholesale into captivity and still to have retained their religious and social identity. The exile proved that Israel could adapt itself to, and developed under, the most adverse conditions.”
Operation Exodus, an organization which assists Jews in their return to Israel, has been responsible for the homecoming of over 100,000 Jews. The mass homecomings of 70,000 people in 2000 were emotional. In spite of all the terror that reigns in Jerusalem, the Jewish mind refuses to give up the hope that one day Jerusalem will be a city of praise, tranquility and prosperity. This gives hope and inspiration and in fact, it gives meaning and a future in this gloomy age. What faith and courage it takes to look beyond the present turmoil in the Middle East and to see the Messiah reign to make Jerusalem an eternal city - Salem! But yet it is not just a dream and delusion. It is fact and it is going to be fulfilled. It is only a matter of time; solely depending on the divine timekeeper. No wonder the Jewish heart cry “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem….” is as strong as ever before.
Let us all pray that this will soon happen! We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem!! Now let us see what will happen “next year in Lamka.”
See Lamka and Die!
I remember seeing an article in Tongluang “See Lamka and Die” based on “See Naples and Die.” The phrase “See Naples and Die” can have more than one implication. It may mean that Naples is such a beautiful place that before you die you must experience the beauty and magnificence of Naples. It can also refer to the incident that took place in 1494. A syphilis epidemic spread outward from Naples to all of Europe. Naples became a common euphemism for this dreaded disease. Therefore, if you saw Naples, you were likely to die.
Likewise, Lamka in its pre-war stage was like Jericho and Laish in Biblical times; “the situation of this city is pleasant” (2 Kings 2:19) “the people who were there… they dwelt safely… quiet and secure. They are far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone” (Judges 18:7). Name anyone who had visited Lamka in its pre-war stage and did not want to go back. But the post-war Lamka is just the opposite. Every visitor has heard the sound of gunshots in Lamka. You can be killed by the random gunfire from any side, at any time and die in Lamka. Remember the days of pre-nambuaina (civil war) when Lamka didn’t have a gun culture? A well-known writer, Yambem Laba compared Lamka to a Mexican city where young people hung out in the night with guitars on the streets without any worry. I recall as a boy coming back from Thangjam hall in the late night and everybody on Teddim Road would be singing the songs of the movie we just watched. I cannot forget overhearing the reverberation of Pauno (The Lengtongs) or the Agape album (especially Suahtana late) played in a loud speaker to remind the whole town that some celebration was going on somewhere in the town. I also recollect students from all the districts of Manipur rushed to Lamka for the best education. Yes, I remember the rise of ZNC movement when a genuine Zo nationalism began to see its dawn. For a true son of Lamka it is overwhelmingly sad to think about those days. It will go on as a sweet memory. Lamka had never dreamt of the turmoil and the shock of what is prevailing today. Gone are those happy days; gone with the wind - never to return. O give us our Lamka back!!
The Day the Mother Closed Her Eyes
A widowed mother had eight sons. She worked hard so that her children could have a better future. The two oldest sons fought brutally to gain the inheritance. The fight went on until every one of them was involved. Nobody seemed to know what he was fighting for and with whom he is fighting. Yet the fight was more and more brutal until the house was full of blood and nobody was there to stop it. Outside, there were enemies watching and waiting for a time to seize the possessions when nobody is alive to guard it. The mother was not able to bear what was going on; she fainted and gradually closed her eyes. Yet the children were still unaware of their mother’s deep agony and continued in their bloody fight. This family war took place on June 24, 1997 -- that fateful day for Lamka Zogam! The day would go on in infamy for generations. That day was the beginning of the dark chapter of Lamka.
Leonard Ravenhill has written a book “America is too young to die” and in it he warns America, “America can die, but it would have to be by suicide.” The way Lamka died is appalling. Who has murdered her? She died of a broken heart inflicted by her own sons. Her own children killed her. Ever since our mother Zoland has closed her eyes, fertility and fruitful harvest are no more to be expected from the soil of Lamka Zogam. It has too much blood stained on it. Give us back our mother!
With due respect, we the simple Zo folks, would like to appeal to our Revolutionary leaders or any armed group operating in our land to explain the definition of true nationalism and patriotism, because we are so confused about what is being done in the name of nationalism and patriotism. We have been exposed to acts of senseless brutality on a daily basis. We have been threatened and traumatized by hooligans and thugs periodically. We are confused as to whether we are dealing with the heroes our nation or if we are dealing with gangsters? We wish the concerned leaders would re-examine the acts of their boys and determine if they are worthy of the name “patriots” and “national volunteers.”
Everything looks out of control. It reminds us of the Western American cowboy culture 100 years ago when human life is as precious as that of a chicken. Or we appear to go back to the pre-Christianity headhunting stage - tribal culture. In fact not to condone their acts, but at least our forefathers hunted heads for honor, whereas we take human life for nothing. Is this the plan and policies of our national revolutionary leaders? Beyond measure, this gun culture has made Lamka Zokhuapi the Gaza Strip of the North East. The misery we are going thru is beyond what words can express. And we say enough is enough!! Are we going to accept as our national leaders, men who sent away their own sons to mega cities of India so as not to hear the sound of AK-47s because they have enough blood from the sons of the Zo widows who have nothing else to lose? I am speaking for the child soldiers (mostly orphans and victims of the war) who are used as tools in the name of patriotism. I hope the UNICEF counts them among the 300,000 child soldiers operating in 30 different conflicts across the globe. To the commanders of these kids: Have you ever pondered that the child soldier you are using as a tool has a loving mother somewhere (she may be in Heaven now) who had a dream for her boy and prayed night and day that someday her son will become somebody or even a missionary. Do you dare to play with the blood of somebody else’s child and not be guiltless before her Creator on the judgment day? Ravi Zecharias in his preachings cried out again and again, “the test of any civilization is what it does to its children.” My country men, tell me what have we done to our children! Give us back our precious children!!
Do we say blessed are the post-nambuaina generations? Or do we think happy are the babies who were born during that period and have not seen those fateful days? But wait a minute! If psychology is right, these children are the ones who are going to pay the highest price for our foolish acts. Let the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Child Posts Traumatic Stress Reaction (CPTSR) experts do their jobs. We who are responsible for this traumatic event need to be remorseful for the psychological damages we are inflicting on these little ones. Our children need not go to the kids in the Gaza Strip or the kids of the Vietnam and Korean Wars to learn the effects of war on children. They are going to live with it for years and years to come. Can you forgive us o precious children of Lamka?!
A Land Whitout A Prophet
Think for a moment about the current Lamka. I challenge you to find any Zo high officers who intentionally choose to be posted in Churachandpur. I don’t blame them at all for that decision. Who would be so foolish as to let his innocent children see the torture of their father and to see their mother faint while her husband is taken blindfolded, not knowing what will happen next. Are these done in the name of revolution or patriotism? Little do we realize that this teaches these little minds that they should “never be an officer and don’t ever do well in your studies, don’t ever work hard to get rich, don’t ever try to live in Lamka. This is what you’re going to be.” Happy is an officer who can flee this town as soon as possible for his children sake.
But what about the spiritual shepherds of Lamka? We are glad for the Zo pastors who obey God’s calling to start ministries in the mega cities of India. We are proud of the Zo missionaries who left the Zogam nuam to serve in the mission fields. We are especially proud of Dino L. Touthang and Dr. J. M. Paupu for their good testimonies on behalf of Lamka people. Needless to say, the Lamka people should be grateful that they still hear the voice of the Reverend Dr. Khaizakham and other brave pastors who stay with them through thick and thin. This reminds me of Jeremiah at the time when Jerusalem was completely destroyed and devastated and God told him to buy some land. Except for God’s word it would be foolish to buy a land in such place as Judah of that period. But God wanted to make His servant an example of faith because one day “houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.” (Jeremiah 32:15). God is not done with Jerusalem. She shall be occupied and replenished as before. Jeremiah chose to stay with his people (the poorest of the poor) in the most fearful and vulnerable period of time in spite of the governor’s offer for security and better life (Jeremiah 40:4).
Oh, how Zogam desperately needs godly influences through the presence of godly men and women in this critical time! Why leave our motherland to the mercy of the dakus and thugs? We dare not say that whatever happens in Lamka doesn’t affect us. We admire local preachers and pastors who stay faithful in this time when Zogam needs you the most.
My Appeal to Zo Pastors WorldwideAccording to the Chin Directory of North America 2006 there are at least 40-50 Zo ordained pastors in the United States alone. These are not ordinary pastors, but are some of the finest preachers from our land. You can imagine how many other Zo pastors there are in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, and the United Kingdom and in the rest of Europe. Theological students and graduates and a number of others who were once fiery local preachers are not included here. Do they plan go back to Zo land? Maybe or maybe not. I do not know. But I know one thing. Many of these pastors have purchased houses and have acquired US citizenship. This takes me to the day I had a conversation with the late Dr. Vumson a few months before his death. He said in jest, “theology becomes dollalogy for Zo pastors.” He wanted to see Zo pastors to go back home and work among the poor Zo people. Throughout the conversation I could sense that Pu Vum did not have much confidence in the so-called pastors. No wonder, because as far as I know, Pu Vum never became a Christian.
We are proud of and rejoice in the better status (like becoming a US citizen), material things and wealth, or a better life in the United States, Japan, and Korea or elsewhere that our Zo pastors have enjoyed. My greatest concern is that we are in the will of God. I am trembling in fear thinking that we have deserted and betrayed God and our land in her time of crisis. Should we trade in the high calling, the long years of our training and preparation, and the visions we have had in our souls in exchange for momentary earthly comfort and security?
There is always a price to pay to be in the Will of God. But can we afford not to be in the will of God? David Livingstone chose to be in the heart of African jungle in the will of God rather than to be on the throne of the England outside the will of God if he had a choice. Baruch, the scribe of Jeremiah has gone through the same situation. Who said it is easy except God’s promise is sure? Hear what God confided to Baruch; “Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus: Behold that which I have built I will break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land. And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not; for behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, said the LORD; but thy life will I give unto thee for a pray in all places whither thou goest” (Jeremiah 45:4, 5)
When the pressure to seek something great for oneself is too strong to resist, I take as a challenge, the life of a French young man in the 16th century. The reformation movement was in a rampage in Europe. An old fiery preacher, Guilluame Farel had won Geneva over for Protestantism. But due to his age he felt himself not equal to task. He desperately needed a young man to take over the responsibility. Along came a French young man, John Calvin, aged twenty-seven. Young as he was he had gained a reputation all over Europe for his book. In August of 1536, toward the evening on a warm day, Calvin walked through the gates of Geneva to spend the night in the inn. He was on his way to Strassburg in southern Germany to pursue the quiet life of a scholar. Farel met him at the inn and urged him to take over the responsibility in the work of the reformation in Geneva. To make long story short, Calvin offered many reasons not to join this work: his youth, his timid nature, his inexperience and mainly his longing for a peaceful seclusion to devote all his time to studying and writing. At last, Guilliame Farel felt he was wasting his time; he rose from his chair and thundered; “May God curse you in our studies if now in her time of need you refused to lend your aid to His church.” B. K. Kuiper, a historian commented on this incident: “Hearing these words, Calvin was struck with terror, as he himself said later. He was visibly shaken. His whole body trembled. In Farel’s voice of thunder heard the voice of God.” Calvin consented to say in Geneva and history took its course.
My fellow Zo pastors, should we refuse to lend our aid to His church now in her time of deepest need?
Next Year in Jerusalem and Next year in Lamka!!
The Jews dream of “next year in Jerusalem” will be fulfilled when they accept their Messiah. John Rice said that the greatest revival in the world is yet to be seen. In fact he said this age is a blessed age of revival. John R. Rice has written about the coming Jewish spiritual awakening: “When Jesus re-gathers the nation Israel so long despised, the blinded nation yet so beloved for the Father’s sake and shows them His hands and has them repent of their sins and turn to Him, a whole nation in a day! What a blessed revival!” Imagine a nation turning to God in a single day. Zechariah compares that day to the mourning of Hadad Rimmon (Zechariah 12:11).
The day of Pentecost was just the beginning of revival. The Lord is pleased to pour out his final blessing. Revival day is not over at all. We are moving toward the greatest revival ever. This will happen when people open their hearts for Christ’s kingdom first. Next year in Lamka will be fulfilled when the children of God in Lamka uncover before God their hypocrisies, hatred, bitterness, communalism, unforgiveness, self-righteousness and spiritual pride. The Lord’s promise of the later rain is waiting for His people who cry to God in desperation. The question is not "can we afford to have revival?" but rather, the question is "can we afford NOT to have revival?"
Can we say next year in TEDIM, next year in HAKHA, next year in FALAM, next year in MATUPI, next year in KANGPOKPI and next year in AIZAWL.
May the Bird’s Singing be Heard Again on the Trees of Zo Land
As boy in a village I recall watching the local birds like Tomanai, vatou, and phialphiat in the evening. Familiar as they were, those birds have not been around for quite a long time. I also remember when hornbills flew over our village. We the village folks, watched until they reached the farthest horizon. The sound of their flapping wings is too pleasant to forget. Even the birds and animals that we identified with our Zoland are all gone. I don’t know what the ornithologists would say on this. But I believe the sounds of constant gunfire and killings have scared them away. Zogam is not a nice place any more for them.
But the bird I am going of talk about here is different one. Ravi Zecharias in his book, “Cries of the Heart”, cited how the noted English writer F. W. Boreham compared spiritual awakening to a bird singing in a different bough. When a candle is extinguished, the light goes out. But when a bird is driven away, it only leaves to sing its song on another bough. With that metaphor in mind Boreham traces the mighty moving of God throughout history. Consider, for example, the impact of the Puritans on their world. As it was wanting, Milton bemoaned an England that desperately needed the heart of revival once again. Had the light been extinguished? No. Only eight years after the untimely death of Joseph Addison, the highly regarded English Christian statesman, a handful of young people were gathered in prayer at Herrnhut, Germany, on the morning of August 13, 1727. Led by twenty seven year old Count Zinzendorf, something of enormous import happened. All the people could remember was that they scarcely knew whether they still belonged to the earth or had actually gone to heaven. This was the birth of the Moravian movement. So even as England was becoming barren of a godly influence, the Moravians were raised up in Germany.
From that movement, missionaries were sent to the ends of the globe. But then the Moravian movement began to wane. Had the light been extinguished? No. The bird was singing on a different bough. Later in that century, William Carey set foot in India on the very day that the cross was being burned in France. While Voltaire and hostile philosophers had done their work and Europe was threatening slaughter against the gospel, William Carey, with a Bible in one hand and the annals of Moravian Missions in the other, was going to touch the heart of India.
In the dying moments of the Moravian movement, the heart of Wesley was ignited. But again as the Wesleyan revivals were dying out, had the light been extinguished? No. The bird was singing on a different bough. Inspired by the puritan thinker Chalmers, such leader as W.C. Burns, Alexander Duff, Robert Murray McCheyene, and Andrew and Horatius Bonar were rising to do a work for God in Scotland. And as Scotland saw its heroes fade, suddenly the voice of Charles Haddon Spurgeon rang out from London to thousands at home and abroad. The light is never extinguished. Like a bird, it just sings its song from different boughs.
Ravi Zecharias says, “Over the years, each time I have seen new attacks upon the name of Christ. I have drawn much comfort from this essay…. I am convinced that as dark as it may seem to us, there is a strain of a melody beginning. The Lord of history may well be tuning His instruments as never before. The bird is singing its song.”
May the next singing be in the boughs of Zoland!!
Bibliography
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Alperin, Michele. “Next Year in Jerusalem: Understanding the familiar phrase in the light of modern realities” http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Passover/TO_Pesach_Seder/Seder_Steps/Zion_SederMeaning3_643/NextYearJerusalem.htm
Chin Directory 2006 of the United States of America and Canada. Gaithersburg: Chin National Day Celebration Committee of the Chin Community of USA, Inc. 2006
Danziger, Nick. “Children and War”. The Magazine of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 2003 http://www.redcross.int/EN/mag/magaizine2003_3/4-9.html
Ebenezer Emergency Fund Operation Exodus http://www.gratefullygrafted.org/ministries/mercy/ebenezer_exodus.htm
Hodgkiss, Richard J. “Ephemera: See Naples and Die” http//:www.succulent-plant.com/ephemera02.html
Kuiper, B. K. The Church in History. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1951.
Leavitt, Lewis A. and Fox, Nathan A. The Psychological Effects of War and Violence on Children. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1993.
LeElef, Ner. “World Jewish Population”. http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/world-jewish-population.htm
Orlinsky, Harry M. Ancient Israel. New York: Cornell University Press, 1981.
Ravenhill, Leonard. America is Too Young to Die. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1979.
Rice, John R. We Can Have Revival Now. Wheaton: Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1950.
Zacharias, Ravi. Cries of the Heart. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1998.
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Alperin, Michele. “Next Year in Jerusalem: Understanding the familiar phrase in the light of modern realities” http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Passover/TO_Pesach_Seder/Seder_Steps/Zion_SederMeaning3_643/NextYearJerusalem.htm
Chin Directory 2006 of the United States of America and Canada. Gaithersburg: Chin National Day Celebration Committee of the Chin Community of USA, Inc. 2006
Danziger, Nick. “Children and War”. The Magazine of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 2003 http://www.redcross.int/EN/mag/magaizine2003_3/4-9.html
Ebenezer Emergency Fund Operation Exodus http://www.gratefullygrafted.org/ministries/mercy/ebenezer_exodus.htm
Hodgkiss, Richard J. “Ephemera: See Naples and Die” http//:www.succulent-plant.com/ephemera02.html
Kuiper, B. K. The Church in History. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1951.
Leavitt, Lewis A. and Fox, Nathan A. The Psychological Effects of War and Violence on Children. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1993.
LeElef, Ner. “World Jewish Population”. http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/world-jewish-population.htm
Orlinsky, Harry M. Ancient Israel. New York: Cornell University Press, 1981.
Ravenhill, Leonard. America is Too Young to Die. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 1979.
Rice, John R. We Can Have Revival Now. Wheaton: Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1950.
Zacharias, Ravi. Cries of the Heart. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1998.
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About the author:
B. Th. and M.Th. from BBBC and ACA, Bangalore; D. Min from ORU, Tulsa, OK; completed course in Christian counseling in England; attended Advanced Leadership Training in Haggai Institute, Hawaii. Presently he is a PhD candidate in Christian counseling at Louisiana Baptist University, Shreveport, LA. He is a pastor of Zo Christian Bible Church and a regular contributor of Ruth Messenger, the largest Christian publication in Lamka.
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