Download: Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham Honored with Distinguished First Zomi Bible Student Award
Zomi Christian Theological Seminary recognizes a Bible translator, educator, church leader, and pioneer of Zomi theological education
PHOENIX, Arizona — Zomi Christian Theological Seminary honored Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham, one of the earliest surviving students of the historic Tiddim Bible School, during its fifth commencement ceremony held in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 19, 2026.
At the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham received the Fellow of Distinction: First Zomi Bible Student Award in recognition of his pioneering contributions to Zomi theological education, Bible translation, Christian literature, church leadership, and missions.
The honor also recognized his historic place among the earliest generation of Zomi Bible students who received formal theological training during the ministry of American Baptist missionaries Franklin O. Nelson and Phileda O. Nelson in Tedim from 1947 to 1950.
A Life Dedicated to God’s Service
Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham was born on April 15, 1930, to Pu Kam Zam and Pi Cing Za Huai. He was one of four siblings. According to his biographical record, his father dedicated him to the service of God from the time of his birth.
That early dedication became evident throughout a lifetime devoted to Scripture, theological education, Christian publishing, missions, and denominational leadership.
In 1955, he married Syama Ngan Foong, also known as Nawno, the daughter of Pu Ah Ngwe and Pi Cin Zen. The couple was blessed with six sons and one daughter.
Among the Earliest Zomi Bible Students
Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham completed Fifth Standard in Tonzang in 1944. From 1947 to 1950, he studied at Tiddim Bible School, where he graduated with a Gold Diploma in Bible studies.
His years at Tiddim Bible School placed him among the earliest formally trained Zomi Christian leaders. The institution played a significant role in preparing pastors, teachers, evangelists, and church workers during a formative period in the history of Christianity among the Zomi people.
The award presented by Zomi Christian Theological Seminary therefore recognized not only his individual accomplishments, but also the pioneering generation of Zomi believers who pursued biblical and theological education during the missionary era.
Theological Education and Academic Recognition
Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham continued his studies in India and earned a Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Spicer Memorial College in Poona, now Pune, in 1957.
In 1991, Faith Baptist Bible College and Seminary conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, in recognition of his extensive contribution to Christian ministry, scholarship, education, and leadership.
His academic journey reflected the growing role of indigenous Zomi leaders in theological education and the formation of the church.
Contribution to the Tedim Bible
One of Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham’s most enduring contributions was his involvement in the translation of the Tedim Bible.
In 1972, the Tedim Baptist Association appointed Saya Go Za Kham and Saya Hau Lian Kham to work alongside Saya Kam Khaw Thang in the Bible translation ministry.
For the 1977 edition of the Tedim Bible, Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham translated the Old Testament books of Daniel, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah.
His translation work helped make the Word of God more accessible to Zomi believers in their own language. It strengthened biblical teaching, personal devotion, evangelism, preaching, and theological education across Zomi churches.
His contribution remains an important part of the history of the Zomi Bible and the development of Christian literature among the Zomi people.
Christian Publishing and Theological Education
Beginning in 1952, Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham served as editor of Lungvakna, a Christian publication associated with the ministry of Missionary Franklin Nelson.
Through this responsibility, he helped communicate biblical teaching, Christian encouragement, and church-related information to Zomi readers.
In 1953, he became a teacher at the newly established Zomi Baptist Bible School. His ministry as an educator helped equip a new generation of pastors, evangelists, teachers, and Christian workers.
He also served for two years with the Tedim Baptist Convention, also referred to in some historical records as the Tedim Baptist Association.
Leadership in the Evangelical Baptist Conference
From 1975 to 1990, Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham served as General Secretary of the Evangelical Baptist Conference.
Beginning in 1991, he continued his ministry as Executive Director of Mission. Through these leadership roles, he contributed to missions, church administration, organizational development, theological education, and the expansion of Christian ministry.
In 2016, the Evangelical Baptist Conference honored him with the title “EBC Pa,” meaning “Father of the EBC.”
The title acknowledged his foundational leadership, long-standing service, and spiritual influence within the denomination.
A Historic Recognition in Phoenix
During the July 19 commencement ceremony, Zomi Christian Theological Seminary formally recognized Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham’s historic place in Zomi Christian history.
The Fellow of Distinction: First Zomi Bible Student Award honored his:
- pioneering role as one of the earliest Zomi Bible students;
- contribution to the translation of the Tedim Bible;
- service as a Bible teacher and theological educator;
- leadership within the Evangelical Baptist Conference;
- work in Christian publishing and missions; and
- lifelong faithfulness to God, Scripture, and the church.
The presentation served as both a personal tribute and an institutional acknowledgment of the generation that helped establish the foundations of Zomi theological education and indigenous Christian leadership.
Preserving the Legacy of a Faithful Servant
Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham’s life is closely connected with the growth of Christianity, Bible translation, Christian literature, and theological education among the Zomi people.
From his early studies at Tiddim Bible School to his later service as a translator, editor, teacher, denominational leader, and mission administrator, his ministry demonstrated a consistent commitment to the Word of God and the advancement of the Gospel.
The award presented in Phoenix affirmed that the sacrifices and contributions of earlier generations must be remembered, documented, and passed on to future pastors, theologians, translators, educators, and Christian leaders.
By honoring Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham, Zomi Christian Theological Seminary also honored a wider generation of pioneering Zomi believers whose faithful service helped prepare the way for the growth of the church and theological education.
Rev. Dr. Go Za Kham’s life and ministry remain a powerful testimony to faithfulness, biblical scholarship, Christian leadership, and service to God across generations.
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