There are moments in a people’s story that live far beyond the day they happened—moments that define identity, renew hope, and remind us of who we are in God.
For the Zomi people, one such moment occurred from November 30 to December 2, 2005, when the Zomi Festival of Praise (ZOFOP) filled the public Field in Tedim, Zogam with a sound so grand, so unified, and so holy that it still echoes in the hearts of thousands two decades later.
It was not just a gathering.
It was not simply a festival.
It was a miracle of unity and worship.
The Day the Hills Heard 4,000 Voices Lifted to Heaven
On the festival’s final morning, the valley fell silent—then rose with a thunderous chorus as 4,000 Zomi voices joined together to sing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Young and old, men and women, entire villages and congregations—every voice becoming one offering before God in their native Zomi traditional attire.
This was not only the largest worship choir in Zomi history, but one of the largest single-venue praise performances ever recorded in the world. The sound shook the hills, stirred the soul, and moved many to tears.
“Praise the LORD! Sing unto the LORD a new song; sing His praise in the assembly of His faithful people.”
— Psalm 149:1 (TB77)
For three days, unity overshadowed division; worship overcame worry; harmony silenced differences.
The Zomi people—scattered across regions and denominations—stood side by side, declaring with one voice that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Sacrifice and Hard Work Behind the Glory
Such unity did not happen easily. It was the fruit of:
- Months of rehearsals in churches, homes, and village halls
- Youth training late into the night under candlelight or generators
- Choir leaders coordinating across towns with limited resources
- Pastors fasting, praying, and preparing hearts spiritually
- Communities walking long distances or riding trucks for hours
- Volunteers organizing logistics with joy and sacrifice
ZOFOP was the result of a people who believed that worship was worth every step, every voice, every effort. It showed the world—and reminded ourselves—what the Zomi can accomplish when we walk in unity, humility, and love.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
— Psalm 133:1 (TB77)
Looking Back With Gratitude — And Looking Forward With Expectation
For many, ZOFOP 2005 remains one of the most emotional and life-shaping experiences they have ever known.
It was a mountaintop moment—one that revealed God’s presence, power, and pleasure over His people.
Twenty years later, we look back not only to celebrate but to remember:
- What God did when we came together in one heart and one voice
- How He met us when we worshiped with unity and humility
- How He blessed the work of our hands when we sought Him first
But memory alone is not enough. We are now living in a time of:
- political turmoil
- uncertainty
- ideological divisions
- economic hardship
- fear and instability
- community fragmentation
The Zomi people—across organizations, denominations, political opinions, and social groups—face challenges deeper and heavier than many generations before us.
If there was ever a time to lift our voices again, it is now.
A Return to God for Healing, Peace, and Restoration
As we reflect on the unity of the Zomi Festival of Praise, we are reminded of God’s eternal promise:
“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”
— 2 Chronicles 7:14 (TB77)
This is more than a verse. It is a divine invitation — and a warning. The Lord is calling the Zomi people once again:
- To repent of bitterness, division, pride, and conflict
- To seek God’s face with renewed humility
- To rebuild unity across political, tribal, and ideological lines
- To worship together with the same spirit that filled the playground Field in 2005
- To intercede for healing, peace, and restoration in our land
- To believe once more in God’s power to revive Zogam
If God could unite 4,000 Zomi voices in 2005, He can unite an entire generation today.
If He healed hearts, then He can heal our land now.
If He moved once in such power, He can move again in even greater measure.
A Prayer for Revival in the Zomi Land
As the 25th anniversary of ZOFOP draws nearer in 2030, may we rise again as a worshiping people—
not only to break records, but to break chains.
Not only to sing loudly, but to love deeply.
Not only to gather bodies, but to unite hearts.
May the Lord breathe revival, peace, and restoration upon Zogam once more.
May the sound of praise return to our valleys.
May the next generation lift their voices higher than ours.
And may unity, love, harmony, and repentance define the Zomi people again.
ZOFOP taught us what is possible.
God is calling us to believe for more!
At Zomi Press, we celebrate such historic moments that unite our community in faith and song, fostering empowerment and cultural pride.
Join us in honoring our shared heritage—follow #Zomi #ZomiPress @ZomiPress for more inspiring stories. Visit https://zomipress.com or connect via our social channels to engage and grow together.
