Service of Organization: Zo Presbyterian Church
Zo Presbyterian Church
Sunday, October 12, 2025
2:30 PM
New Worshiping Community Highlight: Zo Presbyterian Church, Rev. Sarah Lane
A Vision Rooted in Faith: A Moving History of Zo Presbyterian Church (USA)
In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a divine spark ignited a journey of faith, unity, and resilience that would become the Zo Presbyterian Church (USA). It began with a simple moment—a drive through the city, a sign that read "Presbytery of Greater Atlanta," and a man with a vision. The Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup Taithul, a devoted pastor and visionary leader, felt a stirring in his soul. Compelled by faith, he entered the Presbytery office and, with humility and boldness, declared his dream: to establish a Presbyterian church for his Zo people—a community of immigrants and refugees seeking a spiritual home in a new land.
His words found a warm reception with the Rev. Dr. Lindsay Armstrong, Executive Director of the New Church Development Commission (NCDC). With her steadfast support and the NCDC and Presbytery’s encouragement, the dream took root. On October 9, 2016, the Zo Presbyterian Church (USA) was born. That day, families and individuals gathered not just to worship, but to dedicate themselves to a shared vision—a church that would serve as a beacon of hope, fostering spiritual growth and community for the Zo people in the United States and beyond. The NCDC joined in the joyous celebration, providing lunch and a birthday cake, marking the occasion with warmth and fellowship.
The Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup’s vision was expansive. He saw the Zo Presbyterian Church as more than a local congregation; it was to be a unifying force for Zo people worldwide, transcending denominational boundaries. He dreamed of a church that would nurture the spiritual and practical needs of immigrants and refugees, offering a sanctuary of belonging and healing. His vision extended to uniting Zo communities across the U.S., with plans for a National Council for the Zo Presbyterian Church within the Presbyterian Church (USA). This was a call to gather a scattered people under one spiritual umbrella, fostering connection and purpose from Atlanta to every corner of the nation where Zo people reside.
Tragically, just three months later, on January 8, 2017, the young church faced an unimaginable loss. After leading worship and delivering a sermon, the Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup set out on a mission of compassion, accompanying a parishioner in need of urgent medical care. En route to the hospital, their car became stuck on a railway track and was struck by a slow-moving train. The parishioner escaped, but the Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup, the church’s founding shepherd, lost his life. The Zo community was enveloped in grief, their leader taken in the very act of serving others.
Yet, in the shadow of this tragedy, the Zo Presbyterian Church chose resilience. The fledgling congregation resolved to carry forward their pastor’s vision. With the unwavering support of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta through NCDC and the Rev. Dr. Lindsay Armstrong, the church pressed on. The NCDC provided guidance and resources, helping the community navigate their loss while keeping the mission alive.
From that Presbytery office in Atlanta, the Zo Presbyterian Church has grown into a testament to the enduring power of faith. It stands as a spiritual home for the Zo people, offering worship, community, and hope to immigrants and refugees. The church continues to embody the Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup’s dream of unity, extending hospitality and spiritual revitalization to Zo communities far beyond Georgia’s borders. Today, it is a living legacy—a movement that connects hearts, uplifts spirits, and builds a future filled with promise.
The foundation of this church was laid by the hands and hearts of its founding families and members, who stood together in faith on that inaugural day in 2016:
Clinton Lane, Sarah Vungsuanching Lane, Angelina Nuamneihoi Lane, Cameron Mangdeiching Lane, Katherine Chingmuonlian Lane
John Pauno Zo, Hau Lam Cing, Cing Sian Ngai Lian, Thawn Zomin Lian Khai, Cing Nian Vung
Chin Gen Mung, Niang Nuom Mang, Cing Sian Muong, Thang Sian Tung Sang, Pau San Muon, Vung Sian Dawng
Nel Khan Niang, Hang Do Nang
Sharon Niangneikim Jackson, Jacob Travis Jackson, Abigail Neilam Jackson, Anable Zozam Jackson
Thang Lam Lian, Hang Ngai Nieng, No Nun Nuom, Hang Muon Khuol
Thang Muon Lian, Lam Bawi, Cing Deih Niang, Khai Sian Muan Thang, Pau Sian Piang, Lian Ngai Khuol
Thang Khen Pau, Cing Dei Man, Hau Tung Lian, Cing Sian Lun, Niang Man Huoi
Pau Lian Khai, Ngai Lian Ching, Thang Van Muan, Cing Lun Hoih
Thang Lian Hau (Haupa), Mang Muan Cing
Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup Taithul – Founding Pastor
Chin Lam Lun
Lam Khaw Lal
Thang Lam Hau
Khup Lian Khuol, Ciin Ngai Ching, Suon Pum Dal, Khai Sian Lian Mung
Khup Sawm Lian
Today, the Zo Presbyterian Church (USA) honors the memory of its founding pastor and the faith of its founding members. Their courage, dedication, and love continue to guide the church as it grows, serving as a light to the Zo people and a testament to God’s grace. As the church moves forward and becomes an official congregation of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. on the 9th anniversary of our founding, it carries the torch of the Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup’s vision, uniting communities, nurturing faith, and building a legacy that will inspire generations to come. To God be the Glory!