Diechülie Haralu or better known as D. Haralu was one among the first pioneers who initiated numerous missions, both in Nagaland as well as other parts of the country. His contribution as a pioneer and generous donation is a challenge and a model to many wealthy Christians, opening their horizon in the stewardship of God-given wealth. He was originally a Zeliang, from Poilwa Village near Kohima. Here's a few facts of Mr. Diechülie Haralu, although it is impossible to record everything he has done and given to the ministry of the Lord. Mr. Diechülie Haralu belongs to a large and renowned family. They lived in Kitsubozou Colony (formerly known as Choto Bosti), He was born to Dr. Haralu & Mrs. Ruükhrienuo Haralu on the 23rd of April 1929 at Kohima, born to a big family of eight, name Diechülie Haralu, the sixth child. He grew up with his seven siblings, a happy secure childhood under his parent’s great care. He attended a school near his home called English Medical School run by American missionaries, along with his brothers and sisters.
During his childhood, he was known to be footballer and a good boxer. In the journey of his childhood, with all the attentions, he got joy, a very careful childhood. His early education was done at Kohima in English Middle school, which was run by American Missionaries. Eager to pursue his higher education, he admitted himself at Shillong where he completed his 7th Standard at Government High School, Shillong in the year 1943.
HIS INVOLVEMENT IN THE BRITISH NAVY:
During his studies at Shillong, a call came to the school, through a Government servant, to join the army, voluntarily to help the British. Ultimately, he came forward to join. He was considered as under aged, but still his application was accepted and advised him to join the Royal Navy. Consequently, he was sent to Bombay for appointment. After Bombay he was sent to Pune training school for six (6) months. After training he was posted to Karachi (Presently in Pakistan) in the year 1945. After serving one year in the junior Navy, he became a full fledged regular Navy and served for two years. Altogether he served for three years in Navy from 1945-1947.
HIS SUDDEN SICKNESS AND TREATMENT AND MIRACULOUS HEALING
Once again, his body showed signs of deterioration and a general sense of weakness, due to his previous ailment. The condition grew worst each day, and in 1977, he was taken to Assam (Dibrugarh Medical College) to be hospitalized. The medical experts out there diagnosed the disease as a relapse of Tuberculosis. They also cautioned that his lungs were severally affected and as such he was advised to seek immediate help in a better, place elsewhere. He was very much disturbed by what doctors commented, but through out the journey back home, one firm decision he made was to seek God's healing along, the only feasible option. At that time the work of the Holy Spirit was obvious even in Nagaland, and though he was naïve to all these, he was confident that God alone could heal him. On reaching Kohima on the 28th of May 1977, he requested his wife to contact the Ao Baptist Church to come and pray at his house. They earnestly prayed and the Lord revealed to them to pray for him. (This is a recount of an eyewitness who was present on that day) On the evening of 28th May 1977, a prayer group consisting of twelve visited his house to pray. It was on this memorable day, to his astonishment, some of them prophesied and accurately revealed his sins one after another. First the revelation of the Lord came to him as a shock, next he unconsciously broke into tears, seeking forgiveness.
During the prayer service he, experienced an unusual sense of calm and peace within, he presumed that it was his sin and burden being carried away by Christ. Along with this great encounter, the lord also healed his ailment that very moment. He immediately got out of his sick bed and shock hands with all those present. That eventful evening was also a time of renewal for his family, his wife and children too received new life in Christ.
HIS PROFESSION-THE BUSINESS HE WAS INVOLVED IN.
As a Contractor, he was very fortunate plus his determination to complete any given work before the stipulated time which made him earn more and more contract works. Back in Kohima in 1965 to 1968 some of the major works undertaken by him were, the (a) First Secretariats Building (b) The Assembly Hall, (c) the Kohima Stadium, (d) the police station and many others in addition to these. In the year 1969, the Government permitted him to run and manage the Bonded Ware House to supply liquor to the Para-Military, the police and to license holders for civil consumption. “In those days, this particular permit was considered the most coveted business within the business community.” As a matter of fact, his monthly turn over was a staggering amount. Well, for that moment, all that mattered was money! And yes, more money! But after accepting Christ as his personal Savior, he found this business conflicting with his conscience. With great difficulties he gave up this business and surrendered his license to the government. Since then he have had no other business except running army supply work till 1999 when he surrendered his License.
In his business world he was registered as a Government contractor and supplies, Army supplier and also invested in the hospitality business, namely Hotel Tragopan. In the seventies a mighty wave of Holy Spirit Revival swept all over Nagaland. Miracles followed one after another and many received healing, Mr. D. Haralu was one of those who were amongst the blessed.
HIS CONTRIBUTION DONE TO CHRISTIAN MISSIONS
Mr. D. Haralu was very much eager to develop the Christian activities in Nagaland for the extension of God’s Kingdom. Therefore, he made various contributions towards Christian missions some of them were: (a) Nagaland Missionary Movement (NMM) building in the year 1976. (b) Discipleship Bible College, Mount Miracle (c) Translation of the Bible to the Zeme dialect and many others.
In Conclusion, Diechülie Haralu lived a contended and adventurous life and in his demise he has left many achievements which will be written down in the annals of the Naga History. Like all great leaders he will be remembered as a leader, a philanthropist, a dedicated giver to the Lords Ministry, a good Father and a Jolly Granddad. All in all, he will be remembered as the “last of the surviving breed,” i.e., the generation that transformed Nagaland from a lawless land into a developed, economically sufficient State. May the good Lord give him a place nearest to His throne, for all the good deeds he has done in his lifetime.
