Kalemyo Airport

We had been invited by the Chairman of Chin State Development 1 month prior to actually going. Sept 14th we landed at the foot of a very large mountain that would be our constant companion and would eventually hold the memory of my greatest pain.

Chin State does not have it's own airport so Kalemyo was the only way in and out of that region.

When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised when we were welcomed with a wonderful brunch by the region two top chief army officials.  

While eating , local officials came to us with the relief effort official documents in hand.

The purpose of this trip is to assist in the developement and alleviation of poverty in Chin State.

Sweets for the kids

As we drove through the horrible weather and difficult roads the minister stopped to purchase sweets for the neighboring villagers.

He said it was his custom to do this, so that he might have something for the villagers as he drove by.  

To my surprise as we drove through the villages all the children recognized his car they ran up to the vehicle and received their candy. It was so simple and yet so meaningful to these villagers.

Beautiful Mountain near Lumbang

Lumbang village

On our way to Chin State our journey consisted of climbing high and seemingly endless mountains and steep drops into valleys. On one such an occasion we drove into a valley were at the center of the valley there was a smaller mountain that was surrounded by all the other larger mountains. It was as all these other mountains were looking at this little one in their center.

What was most remarkable was that on this strategically placed mountain there is a Buddhist temple. I had heard on several occasions that there had been a cross build on that mountain. I had also heard that many Christians had been persecuted in this region and then many Chin flee to other countries.

Due to my concern for the people, after some hesitation, I boldly asked the Minister of religious affairs what had happened to the cross and I wanted to know what had happened to those persecuted Christian brothers and sisters. At that moment the minister who had been working in his office for 10 years had no knowledge of such a thing, the driver had been there for 16 years but had never heard of such a thing.

As I stayed on the subject longer, the Minister then suggested for us to build a cross on a spot next to the Buddhist temple that I may build a cross.  I explained that I would not take such an offer because I was not interested in building a cross to make a statement, or even to compete with Buddhism.

He continued to offer me other places but my heart was set on that mountain, the "special mountain" surrounded and admired by all other mountains.

He continued at the next day breakfast asking the towns people for any information they might have. The locals who had been there longer then he did remember a cross but no one remembered the actual story of its disappearance.  

I also did asked some of local residents about the same question but many did seem not remember clearly how that temple was built on that hill.

I prayed that houses of prayer that worship Jesus day and night will be found all over Chin hills again for the people who love Jesus.

Recently, I received official invitation from the Minister to return during the Christmas to have a good news celebration in Chin state publicly.

Var Dam

At the foot of  that  "special mountain" with the Buddhist temple, there is a dam. This dam provides electricity to the whole town of  Falam. Summer time there is no rain and no river so there is no electricity which leaves schools and hospitals completely in the dark. The minister was insistent that we to view the dam so we began a 10 minute walk  in it's direction.

I began by carrying Samuel who was not willing to walk and then passed him on to Daniel. The minister kindly offered to carry him the rest of the way and even though he was very short of breath he insisted that it was his joy and honor to do so.  I felt bad but didn't see the opportunity to take Samuel from him so I just hoped for the best.

Var Dam was built to generate 0.5 MW to 1.0 MW of power for Falam town. The local authority is looking for more ways and location to provide power generation for Falam town so that hospital, schools and even cottage industry can be powered.

We also wish to help any way that improve the living condition of the people of Falam. Falam township has about 20,000 inhabitants.

Above: Var Dam

Left: Var Hydropower machine