How is a tribal group in the remote hills of Northeast India transformed into dedicated Christians with a desire for mission work? Only through the power and love of Almighty God. The events that God used in Mizoram to bring about such a transformation are truly astounding.

The Mizos’ ancestral practices were confronted with the loving and gracious gospel of Jesus Christ when missionaries arrived on January 11, 1884. That date has been celebrated by the Mizo people ever since, and the majority of their tribe has now been born again. That is why, on October 2, 2005, practically the whole capital city of Aizawl was aware that another monumental event was about to take place: the dedication of the Mizo New Testament.

When BI Resident Consultant Suresh Singh went out shopping that morning, he discovered that even shopkeepers and taxi drivers knew not only that the New Testament would be released, but what the price would be to purchase one. The media (newspaper and TV) was generous and accurate in their coverage, both before and after the dedication ceremony.

It was in 1996 that Bibles International officially adopted the Mizo New Testament project, and the year 1999 brought several significant events. In January of that year, a Grand Rapids pastor took his 16-year-old daughter on a missions trip to Mizoram with BI staff. Pastor Jeffery called it a “heart-stretching experience,” as he and daughter Rachel grew to love the Mizo people. In February, many Mizos rejoiced with a neighboring tribe, the Matu of northern Myanmar, attending the dedication ceremony of the Matu New Testament. In March, Pastor Jeffery’s congregation sent approximately 1,000 pounds of Bible study books to Mizoram so that each Mizo translator could have an adequate library. And in July of 1999, Pastor Jeffery’s “stretched heart” had so impacted his congregation in Grand Rapids that they voted unanimously to make the Mizo New Testament project their own. Calvary Baptist Church, Bibles International, and the Fundamental Baptist Church Association of Mizoram formed a “threefold cord … not quickly broken.”

The day before the dedication ceremony, 18 people from Bibles International, Calvary Baptist Church, and Bibles International India Society boarded a bus in Silchar, India, and arrived in Aizawl that evening. The bus ride was customary for some but not for all. Though tiring, the journey was beautiful, with impressive cascading streams adorning blue-hued mountains.

The dedication on October 2 began with some wonderful Mizo songs, as the people are known for their skill and zeal in singing. After an eloquent welcome speech, Translator/Pastor F. Zanawla narrated the amazing story of the project. Mr. S. Fame Singh, director of Bibles International India Society, also gave a motivating speech and challenged the Mizos to translate the Old Testament. Mr. Gary L. Brewer, Projects Manager of Bibles International, prayed to dedicate the Mizo New Testament to the glory of God, who gave the Mizos His eternal Word.

The joy of seeing and touching God’s Word in their words was reflected in glowing faces. Some made comments like, “The translation is so smooth and nice and also easy to understand” and, “You have done a good work.”

The Mizo ancestors could never have imagined that their descendants would find satisfaction in loving their enemies. And the message of the Gospel in Mizo will continue, for all to read and believe.