Reverend Dr. Lalchungnunga, the founder and president of Mission for Christ, passed away last Sunday in Aizawl, Mizoram, at the age of 91. Known for his dedication to evangelism and charitable work, the esteemed Christian leader was laid to rest on 8 July following a memorial service at the Mission for Christ Headquarters in Durtlang Leitan Hermon.
Born on 17 May 1933 in Pukpui, in the Lunglei district of Mizoram, Lalchungnunga was the seventh of eleven children born to Chief Taikhuma and Pi C Kambuaii. His father served as the chieftain of several villages from 1928 to 1954.
Lovingly known as Pu Lala or Apu, Lalchungnunga's journey into ministry began in 1964 after a pivotal moment when he experienced what he described as a divine healing following a prolonged illness.
"He was miraculously healed from paralysis after being bedridden for four years," recalled Lalrinmawii Fanai, an elderly member of a Presbyterian church in Mizoram, in an interview with Christian Today. This transformative experience spurred him to dedicate his life to preaching, with a strong emphasis on the message of full salvation.
"The assurance of salvation and the full gospel—encompassing mind, body, and spirit—were not widely emphasized in those days. Despite facing accusations of heresy, he steadfastly lived out his biblical convictions," said Fanai.
In 1983, Lalchungnunga founded Mission for Christ, a non-denominational mission organisation dedicated to preaching and teaching the word of God, along with conducting healing missions. In 1989, the group established a Missionary Training Centre, inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Richard Wurmbrand in 1991.
“He preached in his mother tongue, the Mizo dialect, and all the Zofa communities received it gladly,” emphasised Fanai, noting that Lalchungnunga “walked over 1,500 miles on foot, preaching and leading thousands to Christ.”
When Lalchungnunga recognised the need to train more individuals in living and walking by faith, he returned to Mizoram and founded Mission for Christ (Worldwide Mission) alongside like-minded individuals.
His impactful work gained international recognition. He was selected by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to attend a global evangelists' meeting in Amsterdam in 1983. In 2004, he was ordained by the International Gospel Centre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, and in 2006, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Evangelical Bible Seminary in Rangoon.
“Lalchungnunga and his ministry faced opposition and numerous challenges, but he remained steadfast,” noted Fanai.
Rev. Dr. Lalchungnunga's legacy includes the establishment of the Abundant Life Home for children in 2005, which continues to operate under the Mission for Christ Home Board in Aizawl.
The revered leader had been battling health issues for the past decade and had been admitted to Aizawl Civil Hospital twice since 2020. He peacefully passed away at 9:15 AM on 7 July 2024.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma described Lalchungnunga as one of the most esteemed Christian leaders among the Mizos. Home Minister of Mizoram K. Sapdanga referred to him as a revered Mizo and a dedicated servant of God, while Health Minister Lalrinpuii noted that his passing was a significant loss not only to Mizoram but also to those he had touched worldwide.
Rev. Dr. Lalchungnunga's ministry spanned approximately 66 years, leaving a lasting impact on the Christian community in Mizoram and beyond.
“He was a heretic for Jesus and walked this earth as a hero of faith,” reflected Fanai.
