Lalrawngbawla

Compiled and Written by – Lalrawngbawla

Director for MYUM Publishing Ministries/Spirit of Prophecy and

Voice of Prophecy Department

Early Life

Lalrawngbawla was born on November 26 (Wednesday – 7:30a.m.), 1969 as the second son of U Hualhlira and Daw Zaikhumi in Tahan, Kalemyo, Sagaing Division, Upper Myanmar. He was born Adventist as his parents became Seventh-day Adventist believers even before they got married. On October 13, 1979, he was baptized at the age of ten by Pr. Lalthanliana in the small river in front of Tahan Church. He had four siblings: 1) Lalbiaktluanga (Late), 2) Raltawnliana (North Carolina, USA), 3) Lalremsiami (wife of World Wide Mission Evangelist – Lalchhandama, Sanmyo, Kalemyo), and 4) Lalrintluangi (Indianapolis, USA).

Education

Lalrawngbawla went to Tahan No. 6 Government Primary School near their house from kindergarten to grade 4 (1975-1980). After that he transferred to the Junior Bible Seminary (now called Upper Myanmar Adventist Seminary) at Siyin Ywa, Kalemyo four miles away from Tahan. He studied there from grade 5 through 9 (1980-1985). At that time, JBS was only up to Grade 9. As there was no bus service in that time and they didn’t have bicycles, he had to walk on foot every morning and afternoon together with some of his classmates during the school day.

In May 1985, leaving his hometown for the first time went to Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary (MUAS). There he attended from Grade 10 to the Ministerial Training Course (MTC) (1985-1990). After he finished MTC in March, 1990, he started working as Principal of Tahan Adventist Seminary, which was open up to Grade 8. In the summer of 1991, as the MUAS started offering courses for Bachelor of Arts for Religion, he started attending BA Religion course every summer. After he attended for six summers, through the grace of God, he graduated BA Religion in May, 1996.

At the year-end meeting of 2003, the Upper Myanmar Mission Executive Committee voted him to attend further study at Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Philippines for the Master of Arts in Education. Through the guidance of God, he arrived at AIIAS in the early of October 2005, and then he successfully finished his MA Ed course with two Emphases (Administration and Curriculum) in December 2007.

Marriage and Children

Lalrawngbawla got married with Vanramliani (Labawihi) on October 11, 1992. Vanramliani was born on October 3, 1973 and she is the fourth child among seven children of U Aithuama and Daw Lalnghinglovi, who lived in Tuingo village, Kalemyo Township, Sagaing Region. Her siblings from the eldest were: 1. Kamvuana (Tuingo), 2. Rozamliani (Tahan), 3. Ramchuana (Indianapolis, USA), 4. Vanramliani (Yangon), 5. Lalrinsangi (Tuingo), 6. Laldinmawii (Tuingo) and 7. Lalawmpuia (Maryland, USA).

God had blessed the new couple with four children, namely – Rohlupuii, Lalramparmawii, Enoch Lalbiakkima and Hannah Vanlalmalsawmi. The eldest daughter Rohlupuii, born on July 15, 1995, graduated BA Ed from MUAS in March 2016, worked as an English teacher at Yangon Adventist Seminary (YAS) for two years (2016-2018), and now lives in Indianapolis, USA with her husband Lalengzauva, have new born baby call Angela Lalpekmawii on March 25, 2021.

The second daughter Lalramparmawii, born on October 14, 1996, graduated BBA from MUAS in March 2017, work as an English teacher for two years at YAS (2017-2019), now studying MBA (online zoom) course offered by Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) with the full scholarship sponsored by AIIAS. The third child, the only boy – Enoch Lalbiakkima, born on June 30, 2000, finished high school from YAS, is now studying the final year of Bachelor of Arts in Theology (B Th) in Northern Luzon Adventist College (NLAC), Philippines through online. The fourth child, Hannah Vanlalmalsawmi, born on February 11, 2002, finished high school from YAS, now studying BA Ed second year in MUAS.

Ministry

Lalrawngbawla started his ministry on June 1, 1990 as the principal at Tahan Adventist Seminary and also as assistant church pastor at Tahan church. He worked there for six years (1990–1996). The eldest daughter was born here in Tahan. During those times the new Church building, new school building and new Mission house were built. In June 1996, he was transferred to Khampat village, in Tamu Township to work as Church Pastor and Middle School principal for eight years (1996-2004). Three of their younger children were born there. New school building, new Mission house were built. The two acres of paddy field was bought for the school property. Moreover, the school campus was extended by buying a piece of land, where the Maranatha building was erected.

As Lalrawngbawla was voted to attend further study at AIIAS, Philippines by the year-end meeting of Upper Myanmar Mission Executive Committee, the family transferred to Mawsi village in May 2004 to work as church pastor at Varpui church during his preparation for further study. On October 8, 2005, through the grace of God, he arrived safely to AIIAS for his study leaving his wife and four children in Myanmar to join him later. In May 2006, through the guidance of God, his family safely arrived in the Philippines. After he graduated successfully for MA Ed with two Emphases (Administration and Curriculum), the family said good-bye to AIIAS and returned to their homeland Myanmar in January, 2008.

After the family arrived safely in Myanmar, he was appointed to work as Librarian at Upper Myanmar Adventist Seminary (UMAS). The family settled there for one complete year and then in April 2009, the family moved to Pyidawtha village, Kalemyo Township. He worked there for seven years (2009-2016) as Church Pastor and Principal of Pyidawtha Adventist Seminary, which is open up to grade 10. During his time at Pyidawtha, a new school building and new Mission House in the Church campus were built. The church campus was fencing with brick and the church’s new toilet was repaired.

After working 24 years in the ministry, Lalrawngbawla got ordination on January 24, 2015 at Yangon Central Church. In the same year in July, through the grace of God, has a chance to attend the 2015 General Conference meeting in San Antonio, Texas, USA. After serving God in Pyidawtha for seven years, MYUM Quinquennial Session of 2015 appointed him to work in the Myanmar Union Mission as director for Publishing Ministries, Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) and Voice of Prophecy (VOP) department. Later he was also appointed as Coordinator for Special Need Ministries (SNM); now called Adventist Possibilities Ministries (APM).

During the year of 2016, the following activities were fulfilled by the grace of God: On January 7, 2016 the job was handed over from the former director Pr. Maung Maung Htay, who became the president of Yangon Adventist Mission. After handing over the responsibilities, Pr. Bawla conducted Student LE recruiting at MUAS and three secondary schools, which are Central Myanmar Adventist Seminary, Ayeyawaddy Adventist Seminary and South East Adventist Seminary during January 8-18, 2016. After that he returned back to Pyidawtha for the remaining duty and then the whole family transferred to Yangon on March 17, 2016 staying at apartment no. 202 in the Myanmar Union Mission Headquarters.

Departmental promotion training was conducted two times in South East Mission during 2016 (Lay Po Htah Church on May 10-15 and Htee Pa Doh Church on October 24-27). Through the leadership of SSD Publishing Director Pr. Vivencio Bermudez and South Philippines Union Conference Publishing Director, who now became SSD Publishing Director Pr. Ray Cabanero, Publishing Ministries advisory for Mission Publishing Directors and Union-wide LE Seminar was successfully conducted at Yangon Central Church on October 18-23, 2016. In the Upper Myanmar Mission, IEL/NDR and Departmental promotion training was conducted in two places. The first place was Paangpi Church, Kalemyo on November 4-8 for Tahan, Kalay, Tamu, Ganggaw, Falam and Hakha Districts. The second place was Lawibual Church, Tedim on November 9-12 for Tedim, Tonzang and West Manipur Districts.

In January and early February of 2017, Student LE Recruit training was held at the following Seminary: Wuyan Adventist Seminary (January 9), Mankring Adventist Seminary (January 10), Pyidawtha Adventist Seminary (January 17) and on January 18 at Upper Myanmar Adventist Seminary. The above four Seminary belong to UMM. At South East Adventist Seminary, the same training was conducted on February 5 and at Central Myanmar Adventist Seminary on February 8. The Union-wide Literature Evangelist Seminary was led by Pr. Abraham M. Del Rosario along with his wife Ma-am Beauty on August 23-26, 2017. VOP Certificate Awarding Ceremony was conducted at Shwe Pan Taw, CMM on September 27-October 1. After that, Publishing Ministries and SOP Promotion training was conducted at Mindat, CMM on October 4-10. At Joe Taung Church, Myeik Township, SEM, the same training was conducted on October 17-23. After that City Evangelist Meeting was conducted at Pyidawtha, UMM on November 24-December 5, 2017 and for the result fifteen new converted members were baptized.

In 2018, Student LE Recruit Training was held in the following Seminary: Central Myanmar Adventist Seminary (January 21), Mankring and Wuyan Adventist Seminary, UMM (January 26 & 27 respectively), MUAS and AYAS, AYM (February 1 & 2 respectively); VOP Certificate Awarding and Student Recruit training was led at South East Adventist Seminary on February 8-10. Pr. Johnny Lubis, SSD Vice President conducted a Special Needs Ministries (SNM) advisory at Pyin Oo Lwin, UMM on March 18 right after the Lead Conference. On April 5-15, follow up Evangelistic Meeting was conducted at Layshi City in Naga Hill, UMM among Naga tribes; by the grace of God 15 souls were baptized in the nearby small river adding five adult men who got baptized in the first Evangelist meeting led by Pr. Kai Khan Khual.

VOP Certificate Giving Ceremony was held at Mindat Church, CMM on June 14-16, after that LE training and SOP Promotion was led at Natkung, SEM on June 25-26. Pr. Lalrawngbawla conducted Youth Week of Prayer at PhaDo church, CMM on July 7-14. After that Pr. Bawla, along with Elder Hpone Naing attended Tri-Divisions Publishing Ministries Workshop in Hong Kong on August 13-18 in the same year. The commitment service was held at the grave-side of Abram La Rue. During September 13 to October 11, 2018 for almost one month, he visited churches in Western part of Upper Myanmar Mission for IEL/NDR Evaluation and departmental promotion. The churches he visited were Tahan, Myohla, Pangpi, Tuingo, Hakha, Lawibual-Tedim, Tonzang, Tiau and Varpui. He also conducted Student LE Recruit training at Anderson Adventist Seminary on September 27.

Lalrawngbawla could not hold any training in the early months of 2019 due to his sickness. On July 1-2 the first LE training for 2019 was conducted at Yibu church, SEM. On July 17-20, 2019, Union Wide Literature Evangelist Seminar was led by SSD Publishing Director Ptr. Rey P. Cabañero along with Ptr. Mario Pallaya (NPUC Publishing Director) and Ptr. & Mrs. Ty (The President of Philippines Publishing House). After that VOP Certificate Giving Ceremony was led at TaungBawSuh, AYM on August 30-31, at Padaukone and KyauhPhya, AYM on October 10-13, 2019. Then on November 19-20 in the same year, LE training was conducted at ManKring and Tanaing, UMM. After that Pr. Bawla held a Care Group Celebration in Hakha on November 30, 2019. By the grace of God, eight new members got baptized in that Celebration. 

In 2020, the following activities were conducted by Lalrawngbawla. Student LE Recruit training was held at Central Myanmar Adventist (January 12), Ayeyawaddy Adventist Seminary (January 18) and MUAS (January 19). After that VOP Graduation and LE training was combining in South East Mission at LaypoHtah (January 22), ThukaBee (January 23), SEAS (January 24), HteepaDoe (February 8), Upper Myanmar Adventist Seminary (January 31), and KyarKyaung, AYM (March 2). LE training and SOP promotion was held at Wagone Church, SEM (February 6), Matupi Church, CMM (February 13-15), and at Hmawbi, YAM (February 24-25). IEL/NDR Evaluation and LE training was conducted at Namma, UMM on March 6-7, 2020. Union Wide LE Convention through ZOOM on October 6 was led by SSD Publishing Director Ptr. Rey P. Cabanero; total attendee in that convention was 87 full time, part time, one time and future LEs. The first LE training through zoom was held for South East Mission on December 15, 2020.

In this year 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic disease has affected the whole country since last year March. So it is difficult to conduct any training. Among many crises, through the grace of God, Lalrawngbawla participated in the VOP Graduation and LE Promotion at Inn Mah, AYM on May 15, 2021. Through the leadership of SSD Publishing Director, MYUM/SAUM Publishing Ministries Sabbath Celebration was celebrated on September 18, 2021. LE training and SOP promotion through zoom was again held for South East Mission on October 3-5, 2021. Through the guidance of our merciful God and the hard work of each Mission’s director, all these activities could only be fulfilled.  May God continually bless SEM Publishing and VOP Director Pr. Saw Po Ku, AYM Publishing Director Pr. Kennedy Thein and VOP Director Pr. Churchill Thoung, YAM Publishing Director Pr. Maung Maung Htay, CMM Publishing and VOP Director Pr. Saw Andrew Tin, and UMM Publishing and VOP Director Pr. Kham Suan Mung.

One of Pr. Lalrawngbawla’s big aims and project to complete during his term is to print as much as Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) books in different major national languages, which are Myanmar, Karen, Zomi, Falam and Hakha. He was trying not only printing the SOP books in hard copy, but also producing them in soft copy. With the fund provided by SSD AFO E-Tithe SOP E-Publishing, the soft copies of 35 SOP books were collected. Moreover, 27 SOP books could be produced in Audio form.

Lists of Book Printed by the Year

Books printed in 2016

1. Patriarchs and Prophets        Myanmar
2. The Great Controversy          Myanmar
3. Call to Stand Apart                   Karen
4. Story of Jesus                             Karen
5. The Great Controversy          Hakha Chin
6. Adventist Home (Part 2)        Myanmar

Books printed in 2017

1. Counsels on Stewardship      Karen
2. The Great Controversy          Karen
3. Counsels on Stewardship      Tedim Chin
4. Preparation for Latter Rain   Myanmar
5. Counsels on Stewardship      Myanmar
6. Maranatha                                  Myanmar

Books printed in 2018

1. Counsels on Diet and Food   Falam Chin
2. The Great Controversy          Falam Chin
3. Adventist Home                        Tedim Chin
4. Steps to Christ                           Tedim Chin

Books printed in 2019

1. Evangelism                          Myanmar
2. Education                            Karen
3. Studying Bible                    Myanmar
4. 28 Believe                           Karen

Books printed in 2020

The Book of Revelation                 Falam

Gospel Workers                                Myanmar

Education                                            Myanmar

Daniel & Revelation                        VOP Lesson

Books printed in 2020

Steps to Personal Revival (The Holy Spirit booklet)                            Myanmar & Tedim Chin

GLOW Tracts Printed in 2021

Why Not Talk to God About the Sabbath –

in 7 Languages – 80,000 copies

A Better Future – in Myanmar – 20,000 copies

Books to be Printed In the Future

1. 28 Believes                                         Myanmar
2. Discipleship Handbook                  Myanmar
3. Timeless Truth                                   Myanmar
4. Bible Reading (Revised)                Myanmar
5. The Story of Redemption             Hakha
6. Christ Object Lesson                       Tedim
7. The Acts of Apostles                       Tedim
8. The Book of Daniel                          Falam
9. Gospel Workers                                Karen
10. Maranatha (Devotion)                   Karen
11. Stewardship                                       Karen
12. The Book of Revelation                  Falam
13. Messages to Young People          Tedim

VOP Lessons to be Printed

1. Kidzone for Children

2. Discover (to revised with color)

List of the Translated SOP Books in Myanmar with Soft Copy

1. Adventist Home                    (Audio available)
2. Christ Object Lessons   (Audio available)
3. Christian Service   (Audio available) 
4. Colporteur Ministry/Messenger of Hope       

    (Audio available)

• Counsels for the Church 1 & 2          

    (Audio available)

• Counsels on Diet and Food

    (Audio available)

• Counsels on Stewardship

    (Audio available)

• Desire of Ages        (Audio available)
• Early Writing          (Audio available)
• Education                (Audio available)
• Evangelism              (Audio available)
• Experiences and Views
• Faith and Work
• From Heaven with Love
• Gospel Workers      (Audio available)
• Growing A Responsible Child/Child Guidance                  (Audio available)
• Happiness Home Made
• Last Day Events        (Audio available)
• Life Sketch of Ellen G. White

        (Audio available)

• Maranatha (2018 Morning Devotion)

         (Audio available)

• Messages to Young People

          (Audio available)

• Ministry of Healing      (Audio available)
• My Life Today (2021 Morning Devotion)
• Patriarchs and Prophets (Audio available)
• Preparation for the Letter Rain

(Audio available)

• Prophets and Kings         (Audio available)
• Sons and Daughters of God

 (2015 Morning Devotion)

• Steps to Christ                   (Audio available)
• Story of Hope or Redemption

(2017 Book for the Year)

• Temperance                    (Audio available)
• The Acts of the Apostles (Audio available)
• The Great Controversy    (Audio available)
• The Story of Redemption  

 (Audio available)

• Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing  

 (Audio available)

• Towards a Better Future