Rev. Dr. RUOLNEIKHUM PAKHUONGTE, President Emeritus, has been promoted to Glory

image1 (3)Rev. Dr. Ruolneikhum Pakhuongte, fondly known as “Khuma” by his overseas friends around the world, passed away in a private hospital in Shillong on July 10, 2018. He was 84. Dr. Pakhuongte was kept in state for two days in Shillong for well-wishers to pay their respects, and later his casket was flown to Imphal, Manipur and then escorted by hundreds of people from the airport to his home in Sielmat, Churachandpur, Manipur where he was finally laid to rest in his compound on July 13, 2018. Dr. Pakhuongte was the President Emeritus of the Evangelical Free Church of India, a title given to him by the General Assembly for his faithful service as President of the denomination for 27 consecutive years between 1979-2006. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Laltanpui (Tanpui) and his four grown children his sons Rev. Lallienvel Pakhuongte (current President of the EFCI), Michael and Isaac, and daughter Sari Rothangpui, and their spouses and 14 grandchildren. He had an illustrious career in ministry being and trained at an early age when starting from 3rd grade, due to hardships, he was compelled to move to other localities or villages to attend school. He attended high school at St. Anthony’s School but finished High School from Pherzawl, Manipur, and then his Bachelor’s degree from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. While he was awaiting the declaration of his exam results he worked briefly as a clerk in the Development Office under the Government. He then acquired his Master of Arts Degree in History from the then leading Indian university Allahabad University in Uttar Pradesh becoming one of the first Master of Arts degree holders from his Hmar tribe. He worked closely with his brother in law Dr. Rochunga Pudaite, and held such positions as Education Director, Principal of Sielmat Christian College, and in 1973 moved with his young family to Wheaton, Illinois, USA to work as Vice President for Overseas Missions of the Bibles For The World organization. However, as the church in India was growing and requiring a full-time President, the General Assembly in his absence voted for him to be the President. Answering the call of the Lord, he thus uprooted his family who was by then US Citizens and moved to Shillong where the EFCI has its General Headquarters. Not only did God use him to make immense contributions in the Christian circles, his efforts are greatly appreciated in various communities as well having been sent on peace missions during the unfortunate Hmar-Kuki war in 1959-60 risking his own life in the process, peace talks between the Indian government and the Mizo National Front in the 70s, and between the Hmar Peoples Convention-Mizoram Government in the 90s. A man of honesty, sincerity, humility, and compassion, and most of all an obedient servant of his Saviour Jesus Christ, Dr. Pakhuongte was held in high esteem by one and all and loved by them as well. He leaves a void that will be hard to fill. May God bless his family and ministry he has left behind on Earth. If you wish to send greetings to the family, you may do so at lalpakh@gmail.com or hqrs@efci.org.in