More than 2,000 people gathered at Pamti Lisu Traditional Park on February 18 to celebrate the Lisu Lunar New Year, with members of RVA Lisu actively participating in a day that blended cultural tradition with Christian faith.

The celebration began with an ecumenical prayer service from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., bringing together Christian leaders from different denominations in a rare display of unity. Fr. Joseph Chwar Thar, coordinator of RVA Lisu, led the opening prayer.

Rev. Ye Ne Se from the Assembly of God preached about the seriousness of sin and called for repentance, while Rev. Dr. Wa Ye Ze prayed for the remission of sins for the Lisu people. The Word of God was shared by Rev. Dr. E Be Ne, who emphasized that “the real and only newness is God.” He reminded the congregation that all earthly things will pass away, but Jesus remains ever new, quoting Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Mr. To Le explained the meaning of the Lisu Lunar New Year, tracing its roots to Genesis and God’s creation of light, sun, and moon. He described how Lisu ancestors followed the moon’s movements for farming, with one full cycle making a month and twelve cycles a year, explaining why the lunar new year changes annually. He noted that many Eastern countries, including China, Korea, Japan, and Singapore, also celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Mr. To Le outlined the celebration structure: from the 1st to the 5th day, families celebrate at home with relatives, and from the 5th to the 15th day, celebrations expand to village, city, and national levels. While Lisu ancestors were once animists, today many Lisu are Christians. “We can Christianize our culture with Gospel values,” he said.

Traditional customs include eating food stored from the previous harvest, wearing the best traditional dress, singing Lisu songs, playing flutes and harps, and dancing in circles. Young people seek forgiveness and blessings from elders, parents forgive their children, and the young care for the elderly.

Fr. Joseph Chwar Thar noted that RVA Lisu plays an important role in promoting culture through dialogue, using its social media platform to share information about the festival and helping thousands participate virtually.

Participants expressed joy at the gathering. Mr. Paul Ye Mi, a photographer from RVA Lisu, said, “We could see so many new Lisu friends from all the places. I felt that our culture is really a gift from God that we can unite and have a common talk on this day, regardless of what religion you are.”

Cecilia Gu Se Mi, attending for the first time in her life, said, “I found so many countless Lisu people from all over. I became convinced how beautiful our culture is. We should not cast it away even though the age of technology is advancing.”

After the prayer service, hours of traditional dancing and cultural performances followed, with most participants proudly wearing traditional Lisu dress, creating a joyful and colorful atmosphere. The celebration became a meaningful moment of unity, culture, and faith—reminding the people that while earthly things pass away, true and lasting newness is found in Christ.

By RVA Lisu Service