A temporary faith keeper in Mizoram: Being a refugee pastor

I am a pastor from the Chin community in the Chin state of Myanmar. In 2021, I moved to Mizoram as a refugee when Myanmar came under military rule following a coup against the democratically elected leaders. A majority of the country’s civilian leadership was jailed. My husband, who was a political leader, was put on the wanted list. 

I now live in one of the many Chin refugee camps in Mizoram that were donated to us by the locals, and I work at a church near Aizawl. The locals in Mizoram have wholeheartedly accepted us, and civil society groups such as Mission Foundation Movement and Young Mizo Association have helped us find informal work and access to necessities such as food, water, and electricity. However, things are still different for us than they were when we lived in Myanmar.

We are adjusting to a new way of life, learning Mizo, and trying to live in harmony with the communities that are hosting us in the state. But my people are now scattered across Mizoram. The members from my church in Myanmar are spread across Siaha, Lunglei, and Tuipang districts in the state. This makes my work as a pastor difficult; I can’t reach all of them.

Currently, I go from camp to camp in Aizawl district to preach the gospel. Unlike in Myanmar, I don’t get a salary for this work. My engagement at the church here is entirely voluntary. I have never brought up the topic of a monthly pay because I am aware that, as a refugee, I am only a temporary member here.         

Reverend Malsawmi is a pastor in Mizoram.

As told to Rodingliana, IDR Northeast Media Fellow 2024–25.

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Know more: Learn why the Mizos are helping the Chin refugees in their state.