Life in Manipur, India is not easy – this is especially true of the fatherless, I know firsthand. My father, a pastor and the first military Chaplin in Manipur, died of tuberculosis while I was a young boy. My mother’s plight in life was a difficult one. She had to make difficult choices regarding childrearing of myself and my three siblings. My younger brother and sister were raised apart from our family in an orphanage.

 

Growing up without fatherly direction and discipline made leading a Christian lifestyle a challenge. I spent time with local gangs and at times was disrespectful to my mother.

When I was 13 years old, I heard the gospel through the message of a Pastor from our home town. My heart was deeply touched and God spoke to me of His love. I was fully convicted and convinced by his sermon – particularly his sermon based on the following scriptures: Romans 3:10, 23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-13; and Ephesians 2:8. These verses moved my heart to want to serve Him.

As I went through these pages of scripture, it enlightened my thoughts to accept the inspired word of God. My understanding towards Him became more firmly established. I thought, I was trying to seek God and find him, but it was the other way around. It was He who was seeking me and finding me – if only I put my trust in Him (Luke 19:10). I thank God for this unspeakable gift, Christ offered his life in exchange for the forgiveness of my sin. It was for me He was resurrected on the third day from the grave. I accept with assurance and experienced the knowledge of salvation on July 7th 1989. From that day on, I have loved reading the Bible and have a continued desire to learn more about Him.

 
In June of 1991, I went to a theological seminary. I completed my Bachelor of Theology (Bth) in 1995. After graduation, I went back to my hometown and worked among children helping them to know more about the true Word of God.

 

During an ethnic clash in 1997, I received two gunshot wounds, one in the shoulder and the other direct to the chest – nearly missing my heart. I lost a lot of blood and my prognosis was grim. After surviving this ordeal, I knew the Lord had bigger plans for my life.

In 1998, I continued my studies toward a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) and then Master of Divinity (MDiv). The burden and suffering of the down-trodden and neglected children moved my heart; so, I opened "Hope Ministry Centre" in 2002. The purpose of this ministry is to give shelter, to guide, and to educate orphaned children, and widows as directed by our Lord. I repented of my wayward behavior and turned my life over to the Lord to serve him in a mighty way.

I believe my calling is to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation. My mission is a commission and blessing from the Most High (James 1:27; Psalms 146:9; Jeremiah 49:11), which I am carry out with love and joy.