Siangbawipa Rev. Dr. Robert Johnson Hospitalised In The US
Rev. Dr. Robert G. Johnson, the last missionary to Chin Hills, is in intensive care at a hospital in Redlands, California after suffering from what is said to be “internal aneurysm”.
Mostly known among Hakha Chins as Siangbawipa, Rev. Johnson has been given medical treatment as he is advised not to undergo operation because of his age.
“The Haka Siangbawipa is gravely ill and possibly near death. In April, he was diagnosed with an abdominal aortal aneurysm, which is life-threatening in its own right, and he participated in the decision not to operate because of his advanced age,” said his son, Richard Johnson in his email to Chin communities.
“My sisters believe that it is unlikely he will live until a scheduled family reunion at the end of June, so I am leaving this morning to visit him. Pray for us, and particularly for my mother, for the strength to see this all as God’s will, in its time,” added Richard.
Executive Minister of Chin Baptist Fellowship of America (CBFA), Rev. Dr. C. Duh Kam sent a message, asking Chin churches and individuals to have special prayers for Rev. Dr. Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth.
Rev. Dr. Robert Johnson and his wife, who are also known as Dicky nu le pa, meaning Dicky’s mom and dad, were the last of the eight missionary couples serving in the Chin Hills. The couple returned to USA after serving in Chin State from 1946 to 1966 as Burma’s military government issued an order to drive all foreigners out of the country.
Siangbawipa, an author of ‘History of The American Baptist Chin Mission’, made a trip to Burma in 1999 in attempt to attend the celebration of Chin Evangel Centenary, 100th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in Chin Hills, in Hakha, the capital of Chin State. But his intention to set his last foot on the land he had long yearned to revisit failed as the military junta did not allow any foreign visitors to go to Chin State.
