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David Van Bik (28 July 1926 – 19 August 2000) was the Lai Bible translator, a Chin biblical scholar,[1] the author of Chin-English and English-Chin dictionaries, an ordained Baptist minister,[2] and a recipient of the honorary Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater Berkeley School of Theology, USA.[3]
David Van Bik was among the most prestigious Chin Christian leaders of the 20th century for his 'outstanding contribution' to the Christian ministry in the Chin Hills, Myanmar.[4] Rev Robert G Johnson, D.D. who was the last American Baptist Missionary to the Chin Hills and worked closely with Rev David Van Bik called him 'a man of faith and works'.[5] Rev Johnson likened him to Lai people's 'precious gem' in the context of his translation work for Lai Baibal Thiang (the Holy Bible in Lai language).[6] Historically, David Van Bik was the first degree holder of Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) among Chins in Myanmar.[7] In 1955, he achieved the B.Th degree from the Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas, USA.[7] He was also the first Secretary of the Hakha Council of Churches in Hakha, the Capital City of Chin State (formerly the Chin Hills).[8]