A Light on the Hill
Outright rejection
We are in northeast India, in the jungle of the state of Assam. This is where the Zeme tribe lives. In the past, the Zeme practiced animism and worshipped a multitude of deities related to nature. Over time, their religious practices evolved under the influence of the Heraka movement, which reformed traditional beliefs and opposes any outside religious influence.
So how can we reach this tribe with the gospel? How can we overcome the obstacle of people's rejection? These are the questions that the ACP missionaries asked themselves when they arrived in Hangrum more than 25 years ago. In response, the Holy Spirit reminded them of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” “
Light and education
The missionaries asked the villagers how they could help them. The villagers replied, ”Our children have to walk 30 kilometers through the jungle to get to the nearest school. It is very difficult for us to take them there. “ ”Very well, -- replied the missionaries, who then founded a school in Hangrum with the help of ACP. Twenty-five years have passed since then. The school offers children an excellent education and opens up new opportunities for them.
But that's not all: many have also accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. During the school's big anniversary celebration, a young woman shared how the Shalom School in Hangrum changed her life: “Before, we lived in darkness. Thanks to this school, light has come to our village. We can't thank you enough!” -- On the occasion of the 25th anniversary, all 260 students received a special gift: their first personal Bible. The children's beaming faces testified to their great joy.
A new village is born
It is still impossible for outside missionaries to reach the villagers of Hangrum with the Good News. However, the teachers are the best evangelists. They enjoy great trust in the village because they teach the children to read and write. After a quarter of a century, 60% of the village population is Christian.
But the warning at the entrance to Hangrum has not lost its effect: if anyone converts to Jesus Christ, he or she must leave the village.
This is how a Christian colony developed on a hill near Hangrum. Of course, our dream and our prayers are that one day everyone will follow Jesus and that this separation will be abolished.
Even in this isolated village in the jungle of Assam, once again, the word of God does not return without producing its effect. It accomplishes what it sets out to do.
