Fierce Headhunter Tribe Conversion Begins
In the rugged hills of Northeast India, the Hmar people were once feared as fierce headhunters. But everything changed when, on a fateful February day in 1910, Welsh missionary Watkin Roberts brought the light of the Gospel to their land. Among those transformed was Chawnga, who embraced Christianity with conviction. With a heart full of hope, he dreamt of his son, Rochunga, translating the Bible into their native language.
A Father's Vision Takes Root
From a young age, Rochunga was dedicated to this mission. His father took him to a mountain peak, much like Abraham and Isaac of old, symbolically sending him on a journey of faith and education. "Wherever you go, my son, the horizon always stays before you, leading you onward," Chawnga told him, instilling a vision of a future guided by God.
At just ten, Rochunga embarked on a perilous 96-mile trek through the jungle to pursue an education that would prepare him for the task ahead. Despite the dangers, including a close encounter with a tiger, Rochunga felt protected, a testament to his father's fervent prayers.
Bible Translation Mission Accomplished
Rochunga's dedication led him to study in Kolkata, Allahabad, Glasgow, and Wheaton, mastering the languages needed for translation. In 1958, his monumental work bore fruit as he completed the New Testament translation into the Hmar language. Thousands of copies were printed and eagerly received by his people.
Global Gospel Ministry Transforms Lives
But Rochunga's vision extended beyond his tribe. In 1973, he founded Bibles for the World, a ministry dedicated to distributing the Word of God globally. Under his leadership, millions of Bibles have been sent to homes in over 100 countries, transforming lives worldwide.
Rochunga often reflected on the transformation of his family, saying, "We went from headhunters to hearthunters." His life's work, powered by faith and determination, was a testament to Jesus's transformative power. Through his ministry, Rochunga not only fulfilled his father's dream but also shared the hope of the Gospel with the world.
