BMB NEWS - Northeast Moravian Women Ministry

Moravians in Northeast India

The Moravian Church in the northeast India district was born out of passion for education and development of Rongmei Community. In the midst of opposition, persecution and various struggles Br Kagauchung Rongmei Naga established the Moravian Church in 1983 (officially in 1984) in Binnakandi and later in other parts of the Northeast district. The Moravians here now have three congregations (Binnakandi, Latingkhal, and Haflong) and one fellowship (Silchar Moravian Fellowship) in this district.

Initially it began with house fellowship of five family members, then a women’s conference was organised for the first time in 1983 encouraged by Sr Peace Kundan, and the Moravians grew in numbers and in spirit. The women’s conference which became the Annual General Conference in 2018, serves as a force that drives other important ministerial, spiritual and administrative decisions and activities.

Yearly Prayer Visit

Once a year the women from Latingkhal, Haflong, Binnakandi and Silchar get together for a prayer visit to all the congregations. The trip helps to strengthen women’s bond in fellowship and foster spiritual growth as they do fasting prayers, and house visits. The yearly prayer visit has seen many women encouraged and partaking and getting together in ministry. Sharing their struggle, stories and burden, upholding one another in prayer and support is taken as a blessed opportunity for encouragement and an opportunity to grow closer to God.

Annual Northeast Moravian Women’s Conference

The annual conference is an important event for Northeast Moravian women where they are spiritually nourished. The Conference consists of rich spiritual events helping them to excel and grow in the Lord. The Bible knowledge quiz, music and singing competition, bible study, thematic sermon and discussion for the future and growth of the ministry, all adds to the joyful and vibrant spiritual experience. The social gathering in the evening for singing after dinner adds to the joyful rich spiritual experience making the Conference memorable and building the bonds stronger in the Lord and with one another. The partaking in preparation of meal during the conference is an experience of shared fellowship the women treasure.

The Conference also is an opportunity for the women to use their gifts and bring their handmade products and others business related products for sale which is then used for the women funds.

Fund Raising Events

Money or tools that are needed in all kinds of works and ministry are important assets and that is why it is also important that there are funds to regulate, run and support the ministry of women in God’s service. So as stated the women in making themselves self-reliant and independent in terms of finances, raise funds in many ways, one of which is using their talent to work, create, produce and bring it for sale in the Conference for the women’s ministry funds.

Women dedicate their hand-crafted traditional cloth, bag, broom, vegetables etc., for the Conference, the sale of which the funds are derived for the ministry.

MORAVIAN CHURCH, BINNAKANDI

Binnakandi Moravians began their church worship services from a bamboo thatched house and temporarily in a Moravian school building. Later with the help of local members support and other donations, the new building on land purchased for this purpose was constructed, and the worship service continues in the very same way till this date.

There are about 30 family members in the congregation and it continues with the ministry and fellowship under pastoral care of Br Nathaniel Gengmei.

Women’s Ministry in Binnakandi

Spiritually, the women have been very vibrant and effective in the ministry of the Church and have played a major role in many ministerial aspects. They are very dedicated to the fellowship, and their zeal for the Lord and His kingdom can be seen in their personal life and in their participation in all kinds of prayer and worship ministry.

The women fasted once every month praying for the ministry, and the growth of the church as a whole, followed by weekly fellowship gatherings where women take part in leading, sharing and promoting priesthood of all believers and encouraging younger women to serve the Lord. The women got together on Sunday after church to visit families and pray for them especially those in need and crisis. While not only limiting to Sundays, but as and when there is need, they never fail to visit and pray for the people.

The women have annual general meeting where major decisions regarding the ministry are taken. The meeting encourages younger women to be more involved in the ministry and take a lead in all of ministry while the older women guide and directs them. The works and ministry of the women are reported and reviewed for further growth and improvements.

With the realisation of the need for money for any work, the women actively dedicate themselves in works toward raising funds in various ways including in the form of regular and monthly collection of rice and money. At the same time, they are using their talent and gifts for small group business like the sale of vegetables, any useful products or by means of handicrafts and other handiworks.

The funds raised are then used for ministerial need and people in need like medicine for sick, help for funerals, stipends for the evangelist or for sponsoring students etc.

BRIEF HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION OF LATINGKHAL MORAVIAN CHURCH

Latingkhal congregation has about twenty communicant members and shares a similar story of people migrating to the place for livelihood and eventually beginning a Moravian Church. The history of the church at Latingkhal also marks an important step under the leadership of Deacon Kakuamei in removing the stone that was worshipped as a god by the Rongmei non-believers. The stone was worshipped as the guardian of the village according to the Rongmei tribal religious belief. For a long time, due to the lack of an ordained minister, Latingkhal Church was led by the Elder Br Machunsingpou Ruangmei. Presently, the congregation has five families under the pastoral leadership of Br Dimchui Rongmei.

Women’s Ministry in Latingkhal

The women of the Latingkhal Moravian Congregation are a vital force in the spiritual life and community outreach of the church. Their ministry is exhortative and multifaceted, encompassing prayer, worship, and compassionate care. They demonstrate strong commitment, contributing significantly to the congregation’s growth and mission. In worship, the women’s ministry adds a special touch. They lead singing and present new songs on various occasions, enhancing the spirit of worship experience for the entire congregation. Their musical contributions bring a fresh sense of praise, joy and celebration. The women are also at the forefront of the congregation’s care ministry. As a group, they visit sick people, offering comfort, support, and prayer during times of illness. This compassionate outreach embodies the church’s commitment to caring for its members. Under the broader umbrella of women and children’s ministry, Mrs Dimjeng Rongmei plays a crucial role by giving classes to Sunday school children. Her dedication ensures the younger generation is grounded in faith, learning biblical principles in a nurturing environment.

Furthermore, Latingkhal Moravian women actively participate in the wider church community of the Northeast Moravian Church as well with other denominations in the region. They represent the congregation and take part in district women’s conferences, district women’s fasting prayers, and congregational visits. These activities foster a sense of connection and collaboration with other Moravian Churches and other denominations in the region.

Finally, the women are resourceful in supporting the church financially. They raise funds through the collection of offerings and the sales of traditional dresses. This initiative not only provides financial stability but also celebrates and preserves their cultural heritage. Through their collective efforts, the women of the Latingkhal Moravian Congregation exemplify a powerful and impactful ministry.

A key aspect of their spiritual practice is a separate weekly prayer meeting held every Thursday morning. These gatherings provide a dedicated space for women to come together, share their burdens, and lift one another up in prayer, strengthening their faith and unity.

BRIEF HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION OF HAFLONG MORAVIAN CHURCH

Haflong Moravian Church was born out of the historical migration of the Moravian members. Some prominent members of the Church moved to Haflong in 1988-1989, and later some followed in the search of livelihood. The fellowship was started by these families in May 1995. Br Gaining Ruangmei was the evangelist appointed by the Moravian Church to serve in Haflong, and it flourished and grew with more people coming to the Moravian family not only from Rongmei Community but some Nepali family too.

Br Khampow now serves as the evangelist to Haflong sharing along with the pastoral ministry of Br Jacob and Sr Suaihiamlu Pamei primarily in Haflong. The stipend for Br Khampow was initially paid from the Moravian Women’s fund.

Women Ministry in Haflong

Haflong Moravian Congregation is blessed with 13 committed women members who actively take part in the spiritual and fellowship life of the church. Each year, Haflong Moravian Women hold their annual meeting, during which resolutions for the year are prayerfully discussed and passed.

For the year 2025, one of the key decisions taken was to organise three fasting and prayer programs. By God’s grace, two of these have already been successfully held. At the beginning of the year, the women also organised a home visit and fellowship program, reaching out to the households of the Haflong Moravian Congregation, strengthening bonds of unity and faith.

The women also actively participate in regular congregational programs. Every Tuesday, they join the cottage or house fellowships conducted by the congregation. In addition, Haflong Moravian Women Fellowship meets every Thursday at 4:30 pm (IST), providing a dedicated time of prayer, learning, and mutual encouragement.

Beyond the local congregation, the women remain actively involved in the wider Moravian fellowship. Every year in March-April, Northeast Moravian Women organise a joint visit to the congregations of Latingkhal, Binnakandi, Silchar, and Haflong. These visits include times of fasting and prayer, along with household fellowship with each congregation. These moments of sharing are always deeply enriching, both spiritually and relationally. Furthermore, Haflong Moravian women faithfully take part in the Northeast Moravian Women’s Conference, held annually in the second week of October.

In addition to spiritual activities, the women contribute wholeheartedly toward fundraising efforts. Locally, Haflong women raise funds by purchasing vegetables from the Haflong market, reselling them in nearby places, and also by preparing curry for sale. For the District Women’s Fund under the Northeast Moravian Women, contributions are raised differently – through collection of members’ fees and individual contributions from the women across congregations.

All these activities together reflect the dedication, unity, and service of Haflong Moravian Women. Their efforts not only strengthen their local fellowship but also contribute meaningfully to the wider Moravian community in Northeast India.

Moravian Fellowship Silchar

Moravian fellowship in Silchar started with the vision of Br Kagauchung since the inception of Moravian Church in the Northeast, as it is an important city in Assam and the Northeast connecting people from various states for trade, education, jobs and even healthcare. The vision became a reality in 2023 with the recognition of the Northeast Conference and also with the recognition in 2024 SAMC Synod in Nepal.

The fellowship now has six families under the shared pastoral care of all the ordained pastors and ministers in the Northeast but with Br Jacob Gangmei primarily leading and coordinating the ministry in Silchar. Since the fellowship is in its initial stages there has been very few ministerial activities. However, some younger women in Silchar Moravian Fellowship are volunteering in the ministry of Sunday School for the children. The women have also been actively taking part in the broader ministerial activities under the Northeast women’s ministry and have been a significant and immense support to the women’s ministry.