Maturam is situated at southern Chin State, the western part of Burma, sharing its border with Mizoram state of India. Matu is one of the Chin tribes of Burma.

Maturam remained as the unreached virgin land for Christianity until 1940s though all other Chin Hills had been reached by foreign missionaries in 1905. The first missionary arrived to Matu land only in 1944. With the arrival of the Christianity, the people of Matu embraced Christianity and they have been quickly influenced by Christianity.

Matus did not have Christian Hymns and Bible in their own language, but Rev. Ngai Tim who was the first ordained Pastor among Matus translated Christian Hymns into Matu Language in 1963. As a result, spiritual revival (HLIM SANG) took place through out Matu land. 

In 1985 the British and Foreign Bible Society gave their approval to translate the Bible into the Matu Language. Rev. Chan Thleng took that opportunity to begin to translate the Bible into the Matu Language. His translation was done by hand, and without any financial help from the Western World. However, before it was printed, a fire destroyed all of Chan’s hard work and his documents in 1987. However, Chan began again the translation work, and completed the New Testament which was printed in 1991. The first Matu Bible New Testament Dedication was held at Valangpi Village, in February 1992.

By the editing of the Matu Bible Translation Committee, the second edition was added with the book Psalms and Proverbs and was printed in 1998 by the Bible League. 

And also Rev. Lawk Thing had translated Matu Bible New Testament (Bible International) in 1998, but the dedication ceremony was held in Matupi only in 2002 due to lack of fund and transportation difficulties. The bible could reach Maturam by the help of Matu bible project committee Aizawl, Mizoram financially and also with manpower. It dedication was first held in Aizawl, Mizoram before sending it to Maturam.

By the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the hard work of the translators, Rev. Chan Thleng and friends, proof readers Rev. Dr. Aung Lai Matu and Pastor Zozum, and the support of Wycliffe Bible Translators during Summer Institute of Linguistic, and the help of the Bible League, the translation work has been completed and printed in 2005.

The Bible dedication was held at Valangte, Matupi township on May 6-7, 2006. More than 2000 people marched to the Bible Dedication ceremony. Many people were very excited and were shouting, crying, dancing and singing with joy and happiness. The youth groups performed many choirs and acting songs. The people were afraid of the military, but during the Bible dedication service there was not any disturbance from any one; the service went smoothly and peacefully.

God bless Maturam

Matu Holy Bible Dedication Committee
New Delhi, India
Date: 4^th June 2006