By Dr Yumri Taipodia
Revd Beilieü Shüya (15.8.1928 to 18.9.2026), remembered as the first CRC woman to be ordained, passed away at the age of 98 in Kohima, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of Christian faith, missionary commitment, education, and service. Her life was a testimony to perseverance, spiritual conviction, and obedience to the call of GOD, extending her influence beyond Nagaland into Arunachal Pradesh.
The eldest of ten children of Lhousuohie Shüya and Zeno Dolie Shüya of Meriema village, she belonged to a family closely connected with the region’s Christian history. Her maternal grandfather was reportedly the second person from Khonoma village to embrace Christianity. Her mother was also the elder sister of Angami Zapu Phizo, the legendary Naga nationalist leader.
An Exceptional Educational Journey
Revd Shüya received her early education at Mission School, Kohima, before continuing her studies at Mission School, Golaghat, Government High School, Kohima, and Cotton College, Guwahati. She completed the first two years of her Bachelor of Arts degree at Scottish Church College, Calcutta, and her final year at Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
Her academic achievements extended across several disciplines. She obtained a diploma from the International Montessori Association, Kolkata, completed a Perspective Course in Education at William Carey University, California, earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and pursued a Master of Theology at Los Angeles University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Tenyidie from Ura Academy.
Her educational background reflected a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and the development of people through knowledge and faith.
A Life Transformed By The Holy Spirit
A defining moment in her spiritual journey came in 1946, when she experienced what she described as the filling of the Holy Spirit. From then on, her life became increasingly devoted to Christian ministry rather than earthly popularity or recognition.
In 1978, she was ordained at the World Mission Conference in Chennai, becoming the first CRC woman to receive ordination, according to accounts of her life. Her ordination represented a significant milestone for CRC women in Christian ministry and demonstrated her determination to serve despite the social and institutional challenges of her time.
Her Christian convictions also brought hardship. She was imprisoned for her faith and reportedly imprisoned again in 1956 because of her family connection with A. Z. Phizo. During periods of imprisonment in Kohima, Nagaon, and Guwahati, she translated numerous passages of the Bible. Even confinement could not silence her commitment to GOD’S Word.
Bringing The Revival Movement To Arunachal Pradesh
Among her most significant contributions was her involvement in introducing the Christian revival movement to Arunachal Pradesh. Along with a few fellow believers and missionary friends, she helped bring a new spiritual impetus to Christian communities in the state.
According to personal recollections, the early team undertook three days of fasting in a forest, seeking GOD’S guidance and spiritual empowerment. This pioneering work contributed to the establishment of the Christian Revival Church in Arunachal Pradesh.
Her missionary journeys were not without opposition. There were occasions when the police reportedly attempted to arrest her for preaching the gospel in the state. Nevertheless, she continued her mission, demonstrating courage and perseverance in the face of persecution.
I still vividly remember the excitement surrounding the visits of Miss Beilieü Shüya and Miss Rose, a missionary from Goa, to Jipu. People would say that GOD was going to perform signs, wonders, and miracles through their ministry. In Siji, where the community had embraced Christianity, the atmosphere within our families and the wider village was filled with spiritual enthusiasm and expectation.
These experiences contributed to the gradual establishment of the Arunachal Christian Prayer Centre, which became an important centre for prayer and spiritual renewal in the state. Revd Shüya frequently travelled across Arunachal Pradesh, sharing the gospel and encouraging believers through her ministry.
A Memorable Message At HaraHapa Prayer Centre
One of my most unforgettable memories of Revd Shüya comes from my 40-day fasting period at the House of Prayer for All Nations, where I listened to her preaching.
She shared that although she had travelled around the globe twice, she had never witnessed a manifestation of the Holy Spirit as powerful as the one she saw at HaraHapa Prayer Centre during a Pentecost Day celebration.
Reflecting on the growth of Christianity in Arunachal Pradesh, she explained that believers’ willingness to confess their sins, rebuke the devil, and seek GOD’S blessings was an important factor in the spiritual growth of churches across the state.
Her words reflected her conviction that genuine revival begins with repentance, prayer, and a sincere dependence on God.
She also recounted an incident from a nighttime missionary journey in Assam. While travelling with a fellow naga woman missionary, the two were waiting for a bus in darkness when two men allegedly attempted to catch them. They cried out, “Praise the LORD!” and the men ran away. She shared this experience as an illustration of her faith and confidence in GOD’S protection during missionary service.
Obedience, Courage, and International Mission
Revd Shüya frequently emphasised the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit. On one occasion, she reportedly described how she felt led by the Holy Spirit to travel to China, carrying two bags of New Testament Bibles. Despite the extensive checks at the airport, she said she managed to reach a church safely.
She also recounted participating in international mission conferences where representatives from various nations took turns leading worship and speaking from the pulpit. When her opportunity came, she stood alongside a fellow Naga woman missionary and led the gathering in the style of the Christian Revival Church. Such experiences reflected her confidence in her calling and her willingness to represent her faith across cultural and national boundaries.
Her international travels included Israel, where she reportedly undertook eleven pilgrimages to Jerusalem, as well as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Egypt, Russia, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. She also attended the inaugural breakfast of US President Bill Clinton, according to accounts of her travels.
A Legacy Beyond Generations
Beyond her missionary work, Revd Shüya served as a life member & vice-president of the Nagaland State Bharat Scouts & Guides. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Silver Star from the then President of India, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on July 11, 2007.
Her funeral service was held at Ura Academy in Kohima, after which she was laid to rest at her residence in Mission Compound on Saturday afternoon.
Revd Beilieü Shüya will be remembered not merely as a pioneering ordained woman, educator, and missionary, but also as a spiritual figure whose influence reached communities across state boundaries. For many believers in Arunachal Pradesh, her contribution to the revival movement remains a treasured part of their Christian history.
Her life leaves behind a lasting message: faith must be accompanied by courage, prayer, obedience, and service. Though she has departed from this earthly life, the spiritual seeds she helped sow will continue to inspire future generations.
