Bishop Joshua Zeliang: India National Bishop
Bishop Joshua Zeliang (formerly Wijonamai) was born in Nagaland, Northeast India, to a Hindu mother from Nepal and a backslidden Christian father. His birth was marked by crisis. Complications during delivery forced his father to face an unthinkable decision: save his wife or save his unborn son. He chose to save his wife.
In desperation, Joshua’s mother begged the doctor to save the baby instead. The village doctor, who was a Christian, suggested they pause and pray for a miracle. The doctor and nurses prayed fervently to Jesus, while Joshua’s mother cried out to her Hindu gods. As prayers rose from both sides, Joshua’s father watched in awe.
God answered miraculously, saving both mother and child. That moment became a divine turning point. His father repented and returned to the Lord, and in time, both parents faithfully served as pastors and missionaries until their final days.
Growing up, Joshua witnessed their selfless devotion to God and to the people around them. They lived generously, giving all they had to the poor and needy, modeling true philanthropy. Even more impactful, they instilled unwavering confidence in their son, often telling him, “You can do anything.” Their faith in him propelled Joshua to step out boldly in the earliest days of his ministry.
Ministry Journey
Joshua began his ministry as a Sunday school teacher in his teenage years, which soon ignited a passion for youth ministry. His faith became deeply personal during a defining youth ministry night when he was wrestling with God’s calling on his life.
One evening, his Sunday school children committed to an all-night prayer and fasting session. He recalls,
The room erupted in holy chaos as the Holy Spirit moved powerfully and children were filled with His presence, shouting praises and weeping in surrender. Some of the kids ran to me in a panic, pleading for help. I stormed into the room, intending to scold them and force everyone to sleep. But the moment I crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted. The Spirit of God saturated the air like a thick, holy fire.
One little girl, drenched in tears, cried out my name. As I knelt beside her, she reached out and touched me. Instantly, the Holy Spirit flooded my soul. I collapsed under conviction, sobbing through the night as I fully surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, committing to serve Him without reservation. I was just 17 years old.
The very next day, Joshua began preaching the gospel in the crowded marketplaces of his town. From that moment on, God’s call became unmistakably clear. That same fire continues to fuel every sermon, youth camp, and outreach today.
Expanding Leadership and Ministry
Joshua went on to serve as a worship leader, preacher, and traveling missionary. He pursued theological training, graduating from Bible college and seminary. He later served as a missionary and associate pastor in northern India for several years before God promoted him to pastor and director of a Discipleship Bible School, where he spent years preaching and teaching across India.
In 2008, Joshua clearly heard God’s voice instructing him to plant a church in Delhi. This resulted in the first Church of God of Prophecy congregation in India’s largest city. He pastored there faithfully until 2010, when Bishop David Browder invited him to serve as regional overseer of North India, a role he filled until 2016. It was then he was appointed national overseer (national bishop) of India, which is a position he continues to hold today.
Alongside church leadership, Bishop Joshua has always carried a deep burden for children. In 2007, he founded Grace Mission Orphanage. Today, the ministry cares for 38 children as a family unit in North India. In 2009, Joshua married Mhonbeni, his partner in ministry, and together they have parented these children while serving faithfully.
In 2018, the family moved from Delhi back to Nagaland, where they planted a COGOP church and established a vibrant ministry center in Virazouma Village called Reunion Church. Through every season, whether in classrooms and marketplaces, or missions and oversight, God has woven together discipleship, evangelism, and family care in Bishop Joshua’s life.
Ministry Challenges and Rewards
Bishop Joshua describes his ministry journey as a thrilling adventure with God that has been marked by gut-wrenching challenges and soul-stirring rewards. Early challenges included financial instability and the absence of strong mentors.
Launching into ministry at just 17 years old, he preached on the streets and served voluntarily in churches. As the only son, he also bore responsibility for supporting his parents while securing his own future. He worked part-time jobs
while feeling that some church leaders exploited his gifting without providing financial support.
After leaving the traditional church structure, he felt lost and without spiritual covering or family support. In desperation, he cried out to God to reveal the right people and the right organizations to walk alongside him.
Divine Breakthroughs and Mentors
God answered that prayer powerfully. Bishop Joshua shares,
Bishop David Browder connected me to the Church of God of Prophecy, filling in the missing pieces. They loved me, mentored me, and released me into leadership. Then came Bishop Tim McCaleb, who gave me wings to fly, pushing me beyond my limits. Walt and Verna Seager came in like ministering angels, always loving India, my family, and standing with us through every trial like true parents. Today, I am proudly part of the COGOP global family.
Greatest Rewards
Belonging to the COGOP family and witnessing God’s kingdom advance across India has been Bishop Joshua’s greatest reward. At Grace Mission Orphanage, he has seen children once marked by pain who are now thriving, with many of them serving the Lord in meaningful ways.
Through it all, he has learned that while challenges forge character, mentors and spiritual family fuel destiny.
The Future of India: A Harvest Ready
Bishop Joshua believes India stands at a divine threshold. With a population of 1.4 billion souls, the harvest is ripe. Today, the Church of God of Prophecy has 283 churches across India. This is a strong foundation, but it is only the beginning.
The vision is clear: Plant churches in unreached areas and train a new generation of leaders. Bishop Joshua explains,
Imagine thousands of fellowships, disciples multiplying, and revival sweeping from villages to cities. This isn’t just growth—it’s a kingdom explosion. With prayer-fueled momentum, India will shine as a beacon, drawing millions to Jesus.
When asked what advice he would give the next generation of leaders, he responded,
Root your ministry in daily prayer and Scripture. Love the broken fiercely, remain humbly teachable, steward wisely, and fix your eyes on eternity. Jesus equips the called! Follow Him fully and know that He is faithful and able. Greater harvests await.
Prayer for Ministry in India
When asked how we can pray, Bishop Joshua shared these specific requests, urging believers to intercede boldly:
- Wisdom and Leadership – Pray for divine strategy, bold oversight, and open hearts across India’s diverse regions, especially unreached areas (James 1:5; Acts 4:29; 2 Chronicles 7:14).
- Health and Strength – Pray for physical and spiritual endurance, protection from burnout, and continued mentorship (Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 27:17; Psalm 91).
- Orphanage Ministries – Pray for both orphanage works. We have 42 children in South India and 38 in North India. Pray for unity, provision, education, and fulfillment of God’s call on each child’s life (Psalm 127:3–5; Philippians 4:19; 3 John 1:4).
- Revival and Growth – Pray for Holy Spirit outpourings, new church plants, Bible schools, and Harvest Partners to pioneer the work (Habakkuk 2:14; Matthew 9:37–38).
- Provision and Resources – Pray for financial support for orphanages, pastors, and church construction (Philippians 4:19).
- Protection from Persecution – Pray for supernatural protection over pastors and churches, granting courage and boldness (Psalm 91:11–12; Acts 12:5–7).