The Zo people, also known as Zo Chin, are an indigenous ethnic group from the Chin State of Myanmar, with a rich and unique cultural heritage. Historically, the Zo people belong to the Tibeto-Burman group, tracing their lineage back to the ancient highlands of Tibet. Our oral tradition tells us that we are descended from our common ancestor, Pu Zo, after whom the Zo people are named. Unlike many other ethnic groups, the name "Zo" reflects our ancestral origins rather than any geographical or climatic feature.

During the British colonial era, Myanmar was a province of India, and as the countries gained independence in the late 1940s, the Zo people found themselves split across national borders, residing in both Myanmar and India.

The Zo people are part of the larger Chin ethnic group, which includes various subgroups such as Falam, Hakha, Tedim, Matupi, Mindat, and others. Despite these subgroups sharing a common heritage, the Zo people have preserved their own distinct language, customs, and traditions over the centuries. The Zo language is known to be complex and challenging to understand, even among the neighbouring ethnic groups within the Tedim area.

In 1962, in a desire to preserve our cultural and religious identity, the Zo people formed the Zo Baptist Association, breaking away from the Tedim Baptist Association. This allowed us to worship God freely in our heart language, the Zo dialect, and express our faith through our unique cultural practices. The association was officially recognized by the Myanmar Baptist Convention in 1972.

As part of our commitment to spreading the Gospel, the Zo Baptist Association launched the "Diamond Year Mission," a bold initiative to bring the message of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups in Myanmar. We also established the Zo Christian College, a training centre for future missionaries, with the goal of preparing leaders to carry the Gospel to all corners of the nation.

Despite the challenges of living across different countries and preserving our distinct cultural identity, the Zo people remain deeply connected to our faith and heritage. Our traditions, folklores, and songs have been passed down through generations, serving as a testament to our uniqueness among the other ethnic groups in the Chin Hills.

At Zo Baptist Church, we take pride in our heritage while dedicating ourselves to the mission of spreading the love of Christ. We invite you to learn more about our rich cultural history and join us in worshipping God with all of our hearts.

Zo Translation