I, Rev. Lhunjang (Hejang) Kipgen, was born in W.Buning village, Tamenglong district, Manipur. With my eight siblings, I had to help my parents in the farm since my childhood. Life was stagnant, yet peaceful in that small village.
September 1993 saw the fateful time when the tribal ethnic clash in the Manipur hills broke out. Violence, bloodshed and arson ensued. Many innocent people including women and children below 7 years were massacred. After doing all the destruction, they set the entire villages on fire so that no one could ever come back. My village also became a victim. The entire villagers were forced to leave. We fled and took shelter in the refugee camp at Sapormeina, Senapati dist. Manipur. We stayed there for three months under the care of Manipur Government. After completion of three months, we had to earn our own living. Left with nothing in hand, it was very difficult for a big family like us.
I asked my parents to send me to school. They looked each other and said: “Son, we don’t have money to send you to school!” and walked away. After they left me, I cried out to God, “Please help me Lord, I want to go to school”.
One day, I saw through the window, children like me going to school. It made me cry, because my heart’s desire was to go to school and study. But painfully enough we had no way out. To manage our living, we had to go down to the river and collect stone and sand. When evening falls, we would bring whatever we have collected, sell them and purchase our evening meal.
We continue to depend on this way for a year. By God’s grace, Mr. Ricky a field worker of Emmanuel Ministries offered me the opportunity to study at the Emmanuel Children’s Home. I finished my High School there and then stayed on to study in the Bible College.
I am married to Mrs Veiting an Evangelist, who shares the same vision as me. God has blessed us with two lovely children Blessy @Lamneichoi and Samuel @Kamgoulun.
During my studies as a B.Th student at Emmanuel Bible College, Kota, Rajasthan. God revealed and reminded me of my initial struggles when I had no one to rely on except Him. God continued to be faithful and lead me to the right people. Like me there are many destitute children in India. They wanted to study, but their parents are unable to provide for their needs. Some are orphans, who don’t have anyone to care for their future.
With this great burden and vision for destitute and orphan children, Ebenezer Ministry was founded by faith and lots of prayer. Our desire is not only to provide education but to love and nurture them in the knowledge of the Lord. God has called you and me to be a part of this ministry to give a bright future and hope to these helpless children.
If you want to see more about children's story click here
