Rev. Pau Za Khen (c. 1945–2007)

Rev. Pau Za Khen was a 62-year-old Christian pastor serving in Manipur, a hill-and-valley region in northeastern India marked by ethnic tensions, political unrest, and periodic religious pressure. By vocation he was a shepherd of souls—preaching Christ, strengthening families, and calling believers to endure with hope. In places where the church is small or vulnerable, pastors often carry not only the burden of teaching but also the quiet risks that come with public witness.

Abduction and Martyrdom (July 4–5, 2007)

On July 4, 2007, Rev. Khen was abducted from his daughter’s home by four men. The next day, July 5, his body was found brutally murdered: his hands tied behind his back, his eyes blindfolded, and his head severed. His attackers were not identified. The cruelty of the crime underscored a grim reality for many believers worldwide: the proclamation of the gospel can provoke hostility, and faithful servants may be targeted simply for being known as Christ’s messengers.

Witness, Courage, and the Church’s Response

Rev. Khen’s death remains a sober reminder that some who preach Christ still pay a costly price. His witness calls the church to courage without bravado, to prayer without bitterness, and to steadfast love without retaliation. Scripture trains believers to expect trials while entrusting ultimate justice to God: “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9). The church remembers such losses not to glorify violence, but to honor faithfulness and to strengthen resolve to serve quietly, forgive deeply, and stand firm.

Hope Beyond the Grave

Christian remembrance is never mere mourning. It is also proclamation: suffering does not have the final word. Jesus warned His disciples of opposition, yet promised His presence and reward: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). For believers in Manipur and beyond, Rev. Khen’s story invites renewed commitment to the gospel, faithful care for the vulnerable, and confident hope that the Lord will set all things right.