Contents BaptistBaptist News News A quarterly news letter of the COUNCIL OF BAPTIST CHURCHES IN NORTH EAST The Council comprises Baptist Editorial 02 Convention, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Manipur Baptist Convention, The Contextual Aspect of Missions 05 , Arunachal Missions from a Layman’s Point of 11 Baptist Church Council and Karbi Anglong of View Baptist Convention.

News Capsules 15 EDITORIAL BOARD Editor: Rev. Dr. A.K. Lama Testimony 20 Assistant Editor: Boinu Singson Mission Report from some member 22 Conventions Mission Department Sub-Editors: Dr. Asangla Ao Frontier Missions 36 Atungo Shitri Cover Page: Nagaland Missionary Movement 39 Arup Saikia and Naga Christian Fellowship, Pune 43 Leegang Loder Circulation: North East Centre for Training and 46 Meera Areng Research Rabindra Basumatary Serving In Mission 49 Jatin Gogoi Subscription: Missions that Seek Unity in Christ 53 One Year `. 100 (US$15) Two Years `. 180 (US$25) Report from Mongolia 62 Three Years `. 250 (US$35) Five Years `. 350 (US$50) What Kind of Parent are You? 65 Contact information: Introducing Association under 68 CBCNEI, Mission Compound CBCNEI Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam-781001 Taking Care of your Vision 73 Phone: +91-361-2515 829 (O) Staying at L.M Hostel which Shapes 77 Fax: +91-361-2544 447 email: [email protected] April - JuneWebsite: 2011 http://cbcnei.com 1 Baptist News Editorial

Dear friends,

What a joy it is for us to tell others about our hope in eternity with the Lord. It is, as someone had said, like “A beggar telling another beggar where the bread is available”. CBCNEI, as a family, we are committed to share this good news to the people of all Nations beginning from North East India. We are pressing toward fulfilling “Every believer a missionary, every home a missionary home, and every church a missionary church”. We are thankful to the Lord for our churches who are actively involved in sharing the Good News to others who do not know Christ. But it is also our desire to see all our churches taking active part in sharing this Good News in the form of praying, going or sending, and living a good Christian life. Everyone has a role to play in God’s mission. Mission is not a burden (as many people would think), but an opportunity God has given to us. At the same time, it is a responsibility attached to our calling (1 Pet.2:9). As Willis says, Missions originated in the heart of God. It is not something we decide to do for God, but God reveals his purpose to us so that we may have a creative part in his mission. (Willis 1985, 23) The ultimate goal of mission is to bring glory to God through Christ by proclaiming the gospel and making disciples of all nations. Since the Church was founded by God through Christ, who has a missionary heart, the Church needs to be missionary as well. Brunner writes, The Church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning. Where there is no mission, there is no Church; and where there

2 April - June 2011 Baptist News is neither Church nor mission, there is no faith. (Brunner 1931, 108) Here he is saying that the New Testament church is essentially a missionary body. When a “church loses its missionary vision and ceases to be missionary, it loses the right to be called a church in the New Testament sense” (Terry 1998, 118). The apostle Paul says, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor.9:16). Today many churches seem more concerned about their facilities and infrastructures than doing missions in obedience to the Great Commission of the Lord. They seem to have forgotten that they were founded by dedicated missionaries in humble obedience to the Great Commission of our Lord. Nurturing believers into Christian maturity within the local church is an important part of the church, and equally important is its mission to the world. Jesus commanded his disciples to, Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Mt.28:19-20) In obedience to this command to make disciples of all nations, as the church grows into maturity it should also bear fruit through sending missionaries to proclaim the good news and make disciples. It is not wrong to construct church buildings; it is necessary. However, simply having a big church building does not fulfill the purpose of its existence. Jesus wants His church and people to bear much fruit, John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Every tree that does not bear fruit is cut and thrown into the fire (Mt.7:19). As Christians we must bear fruit. As you read this issue of Baptist News, it is our prayer that you will be encouraged and challenged so that we will all involve in God’s mission. Due to space limitation, we are unable to share with you all the works done by the individuals, churches, associations and

April - June 2011 3 Baptist News conventions in the mission field. We have randomly selected few news items and testimonies of the missionaries to enable you to have a glimpse of mission work and the needs in the mission fields. The focus of this issue of the Baptist News is Mission. You will enjoy reading the mission updates from some member Conventions and few selected Mission partners. Though our partnership has been extended to twelve mission organizations, we are unable to update all of them. The followings are the Mission organizations we have officially entered into partnership: 1. Serving In Mission (NE), 2. North East Center for Training And Research 3. Interserve 4. UESI 5. SBAK Aizuto 6. Friends Missionary Prayer Band 7. Asian Rural Life Development Foundation 8. Transforming Leaders in Asia 9. World Vision India 10. Youth With A Mission (Frontier Mission) 11. Community Health Evangelism 12. Compass Ministry Beautifully written are the two articles from Rev. Dr. P. Dozo, a missiologist from Nagaland, and Mr. Utpal Bordoloi, a journalist from Assam. As you read their articles, you will experience new insights in doing mission. May the Lord bless you as you read this Baptist News. May He bless you so that you will be able to take part in His Mission. Bear the cross with Him and wear the Crown with Him in glory.

Pilgrim brother, Rev. Dr. J. Rimai Mission Secretary, CBCNEI

4 April - June 2011 Baptist News

THE CONTEXTUAL ASPECT OF MISSIONS

Rev. Dr. P. Dozo, Missiological Research Center, Dimapur, Nagaland

THE CONTEXTUAL ASPECT OF geography to fulfill His MISSIONS redemptive plan. The heart of Fast change is taking place God is mission (Missio Dei). around our world. The change is Mission here means ‘urgency of political, economic, social and God’s single plan of human missiological. That means ‘today salvation through Jesus Christ’ is different from yesterday.’ while the term Missions refers to Major signs of change are seen means, methodologies and in mindset, profession and strategies applied to fulfill that advancement. The approach, very salvation purpose of God. method and application of the Of course, as Stephen Neill past are no longer relevant lamented, not everything is today. The need is new tool, new mission. model and relevant device to fit Rise of Cultural Reaction in and meet the need of the Mission and western pattern modern generation. Everything were interwoven in the past. The needs to be relevant to the importance of the host culture context we live in. and its anthropological and Understanding missions of missiological aspect were often mission ignored. The missionaries God dealt and interacted with applied what they learned from men in the in human their seminaries. Cross-cultural contexts. He communicated education was not a curriculum of through human language, the mission studies. familiarity, analogy, and The results in a

April - June 2011 5 Baptist News total transformation of human movement. The aim was to carry society. Besides eternal and on the gospel mission in human spiritual benefit, it transforms soil without dislocating social education, health, social change, fabric and cultural web. development, and many other Paul Hiebert, Peter Wagner and benevolent works. But as other key anthropologists and George W. Peter said “The missiologists, the advocate of gospel is a judge of every church growth movements, culture and leaves no culture continued to influence the undisturbed when it is applied in missions worldwide. They full scope and measure” (Vital identified contextual issues that Missions Issues, Roy B. can either be hindrance or build Zuck,1989, p. 33). The Gospel bridges in a given culture. This mission should never ignore the branch of studies emerged as aspect of human cultures. missiology—a scientific Reformed cultural values can be investigation of church growth. In incorporated in church life in this study, factors such as human terms of cultural adoption. cultures and contexts, Context and Relevance indigenous systems became The rise of the Eastern (Asian) focal points of research. scholarship, anthropological People must come to Christ as insights, cultural sensitivity, stiff they are, without any superficial opposition to western change. They must continue to imperialistic tendency and the live in their cultural contexts and assessment of western mission be relevant. Paul’s dealing with methodology resulted in a new the Greek philosophers is a era of considering relevance of precise example. He based his mission to its context. This presentation on ‘To An Unknown caused the initiation of the God.’ In a given target of universal principle of church mission, the reality of practicable planting and growth in its cultural cultural ethos, while being context. Since India has cultural relevant, is an acceptable forms complexity and diversity, it had a and patterns. Take for example, special bearing on this new two worldviews of gospel 6 April - June 2011 Baptist News mission: rural and hi-tech the bush. Jesus explained the cultures. To the former target people as wolves and community, the gospel must foxes to the disciples before reach them in rural context while they went for mission. Survey, the latter in tech context. This key research and pre-field orientation remains same as the gospel will remove many ignorance of goes to west-east, black-white the mission field of our and meat-veg or rice-chapatti churches. cultures, Jews-Gentiles and 2. Relevant and holistic Naga-non Naga cultures. People must come to Christ and receive As discussed, the gospel must salvation as they are. It is a reach people as a message that simple missiological science. they need, and not as an introduction of western Living issues in mission or western Along with changing trends in duplication. Relevant mission, our missionary efforts approaches must be explored. must rise above traditional For instance, sports ministry for mindset and methodology. youth, health, education, Generation changes but salvation sanitation, teaching, economic plan of God never changes. The elevation, and technical issue is ‘the message must be approaches can be vital tools of communicated to the people gospel mission in the modern according to where and how they generation. are.’ To that end, the following 3. Interdisciplinary of steps may be taken into missiology and theology consideration: Students study theology to 1. Knowing the audience become church leaders while In our modern world, using the missiology is like medical help of social science, geo- specialization or skill training of anthropology, communication soldiers to combat. The latter and missiology, mission must go prepares for successful cross- with alertness, avoiding cultural task. It enables to face blindness and beating around cultural reality including April - June 2011 7 Baptist News anthropological, social, training and mentoring. A growing contextual, and religious belief church is the result of developing systems. Applying missiological volunteers. It is a biblical model. principle of church planting and Cells and house churches are growing, practicing the host relevant because they look like culture, and learning its language computer centers or medical can result fruitful involvement. clinical centers. A time may 4. A baby begins to grow come when the native believers resolve to build their own church Most sending churches expect building with their resources. an early report of high number of converts with denominational 6. Mustard seed instead a name flags and signboards. In fact, a The Lord Jesus points to the new church is like a baby child. It rudimentary stage of the takes an appropriate time for Kingdom of God when he talked nursing, feeding, and nurturing about a mustard seed. The seed toward growth process. A refers to the Word and not a balance care avoids premature denominational caption. What the development. Following audience needs is a clear acceptance, proper care is the message of eternal life, need before numerology and acceptance, and growth. They denominational identity. After all, need discipleship to continue the we bring people to Christ and not same process of multiplication. to a church or a denomination. Churches grow when laid on Identity follows maturity. strong foundation. Church 5. Cell or house church instead planting must be guided with a of mega mentality vision of reproducibility. It is biblical and practical to plant 7. They will follow us and multiply believing The converts will follow the fellowships as house or cell examples of pioneering churches. The effort of mission missionaries and not results reproducing persons and denominational identity. Mission multiplying circles. This process is like salt and light that have happens through discipleship, natural attraction. The plants are 8 April - June 2011 Baptist News the offshoots of the seed sown mission must be to listen to the by the planters. The believers gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit will follow the missionaries’ for the right vision, decision, quality and values they see in focus, application and direction. them, and not the offer of their Mission is the heart of a living money, education or caliber. church. The Bible talks about They will follow them because human tongues confessing Christ they see the beauty of Christ in and knees bowing down before them. The life and testimony of a Christ (Phil 2:10, 11). The missionary speak louder than the question is ‘Who and how will volume he speaks. It attracts that be accomplished?’ The people more than advertisement mission of church must fulfill it. he makes about his The apostle Paul urged us: denomination. Let them come to “People will hear and believe Jesus and have life. only when people are sent to 8. Secular form with gospel preach” (Rom 10:14-16). The content question is “Who are the It is a matter of clear conscience preachers to be sent by whom?” in the purpose of mission. They are the believers to be sent Secular form here means by the churches. The final contextual methodology, relevant question is “Who are those application and approach in people to be communicated to mission. For instance, a physical believe?” They are those people care is more important for a yet to accept Christ, believe and starving or dying person instead receive salvation, living in the of reading from the Bible and hills, plains and valleys around preaching with lengthy prayer. and beyond. Mission incorporates Recommended reading: discernment of a wise decision 1. Ajith Fernando, Sharing the Truth in for each moment. Love. DHP, Grand Rapids, MI (2001) 2. David Hesselgrave, Communicating 9. Eyeing a nucleus strategy Christ Cross-Culturally. Grand Rapids, The Holy Spirit is the director of MI (1991) mission of God. Our efforts of 3. ______, Contextualization, April - June 2011 9 Baptist News Meaning, Methods and Models. Baker, Grand Rapids, MI (1989) 4. Dayanand Bharati, Living Water and Indian Bowl. ISPCK (2001) 5. Edward R. Dayton/David A. Fraser, Planning Strategies for World Evangelization. William B. Eerdmans Pub Coy., Grand Rapids, MI (1980) 6. George W. Peters, A Biblical Theology of Missions. Moody Press, (1984) 7. Jacob Kavunkal & F. Hrangkhuma, The Bible and Mission in India Today. St. Paulas (1993) 8. Jey I. Kanagaraj, Mission and Missions. UBS, Pune (1993) 9. K. Lohe & Toshi Ao, Till All Nations Hear. MRC, Dimapur (2006) 10. Louis J. Luzbetak, The Church and Cultures: New Perspective in Missiological Anthropology. Maryknoll, New York (1988) 11. Mark T. B. Laing, The Indian Church in Context. CMS/ISPCK, Delhi (2003) 12. C. V. Mathew, Mission in Context: Missiological Reflection. MIIS/ISPCK, Delhi (2003) 13. Max L. Stackhouse, Apologia, Contextualization, ..... (1988) 14. Paul Hiebert, Anthropological Insights for Missionaries. Baker Books, Grand Rapids,MI (1985) 15. S. D. Ponraj, Missionary Anthropology. MEB, Chennai (2004) 16. Richard H. Niebuhr, Christ and Culture. Maryknoll, NY (1999) 17. Roy B. Zuck, Vital Missions Issues. OM Books, Secunderabad (2002). 18. Roger Hedlund, Roots of the Great Debate in Mission. TBT, Bangalore (2002) 19 ______, Evangelization and Church Growth: Issues from Asian Context. CGRC, McGavran Institute, Chennai ((1992) 20. Stephen Neill, A History of Christian Missions. Penguin Books (1975) 21. Timothy C. Tennent, Building Christianity on Indian Foundations. ISPCK, Delhi (2000)

10 April - June 2011 Baptist News MISSION FROM A LAYMAN’S POINT OF VIEW Utpal Bordoloi is a member of Guwahati Baptist Church. A free-lance writer, he was a full-time professional journalist for more than 20 years. Part 1 : A conversation A: ‘Tell me about your religion.’ B: ‘What do you want to know?’ A: ‘As much as you can tell me. Well, Let’s start from First Principles. What kind of a Hindu are you? Do you worship Vishnu? or Shiva ? or Kamakhya Devi ?’ B: ‘I worship Ma Kamakhya.’ A: ‘Then you must have offered blood sacrifice at Kamakhya Devi’s temple.’ B: ‘Yes.’ A: ‘What kind?’ B: ‘Pigeons, roosters, goats, buffalo.’ A: ‘Why?’ B: ‘To get something.’ A: ‘What?’ B: ‘To pass exams. To get a good job. To get a good wife. To get a son.’ A: ‘And what else do you offer sacrifice for?’ B: ‘What do you mean?’ A: ‘There is something you have left out.’ B: ‘What?’ A: ‘Do you also not give blood sacrifice for your sins?’ B: ‘Oh yes! I forgot that part.’

A: ‘Then, you know BolirBidhan.’[In Assamese, BolirBidhan means the Law of {blood} sacrifice]. Every Hindu knows BolirBidhan. Blood must flow in any sacrifice. Well, Jesus Christ came into this world to end BolirBidhan. ‘God came down into this world in human form, as Jesus Christ, and offered himself as the ultimate blood sacrifice for us. So that we human beings could be free from BolirBidhan, have forgiveness for our sins and enjoy eternal life with Him.’ B: ‘You mean, Jesus Christ is God’s Avatar? He is a sacrifice for us? A: ‘Yes, you can put it that way. B: ‘That’s fascinating. I always thought Jesus Christ was just another great April - June 2011 11 Baptist News holy man, like Gautama Buddha or Ephesians 1:4, 5: ‘For He chose us Prophet Mohammed. Tell me more in Him before the creation of the about this. Can you give me a copy world to be holy and blameless in of the Bible?’ His sight. In love He predestined us Part 2: A Christian Layman’s to be adopted as His sons through random thoughts on Mission Jesus Christ, in accordance with The conversation began a process his pleasure and will’ that continues, with the questioner, Mission is essentially a task of a highly educated and senior Communication. Government servant, continuing to I have been a professional print study the Bible. Whether he media journalist for nearly 30 years. ultimately comes to Jesus or not is And journalism is all about up to the Holy Spirit working communication. according to the will of God. The I was trained in an old, serious lay Christian who answered his school of Journalism, [nowadays questions did his job by introducing most journalism is superficial], and him to the Word of God. some lessons that I learned during A Pastor once taught in a Bible my training remain ingrained in me. study: ‘The Word of God is like a As an apprentice subordinate editor chained lion. Our job is to let loose and trainee reporter I was taught the lion. And leave it to the Holy ‘First, understand the subject matter Spirit to do the rest.’ thoroughly. Only when you are sure A lay Christian’s Mission is to let that you understand what it is all loose the lion. And not worry about about that you start writing or who comes to Jesus or does not. editing. Because if you do not Trusting the Holy Spirit is to do understand it yourself, how much God’s will. do you think the reader will This, I believe, is in conformity with understand?’ the Bible. My wife and I were once shocked Romans 8:29, 30 : ‘For whom He when an evangelist appointed by a foreknew, He also predestined to be local church in Guwahati, a convert one confirmed to the image of His who had studied Theology in a Son, that He might be the first-born seminary in South India, said he among many brethren … And whom argued with non-believers, mainly He predestined, these He also Hindus, that Christianity was called ; and whom He called, these superior to all other religions He also justified ; and whom he because all scientific and justified, these He also glorified.’ technological developments of the 12 April - June 2011 Baptist News modern world was the work of man, why Jesus was born, does not Christians! Obviously, this take much effort. professional missionary had no Bible reading Christians [there are understanding of his subject. His many who do not] know the Great history was wrong, too. As was the Commission laid on us by our Lord: methodology of his Mission. ‘Therefore go and make disciples ‘Second,’ I was taught, ‘place of all nations, baptizing them in the yourself in the reader’s shoes. You name of the Father and of the Son may know big words. Don’t use and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them. Keep the message short and them to obey everything I have simple. Use short words and simple commanded you.’ words. You are in the business of But in practice, this is difficult for a communicating. You are to lay Christian in a secular communicate a message or an profession, in a society where more idea. If you use language which the than 95% of the population is non- reader does not understand, the Christian. [And our Roman Catholic message is lost and you have failed brethren do not make things easier your task.’ with their fixation on statues and It may be of interest that two of my images – witness, for example, the trainers, Hindu gentlemen both, extraordinary spectacle of the wax advised us trainees to read the effigy of John Bosco with a bone Bible in modern English translation, from his right hand embedded in it, particularly the four Gospels, as a being paraded all over North East model of simple, clear and perfectly India from April to June :thousands understandable writing and of Hindus in Assam worshipped that reporting. The Gospel of Mark, in effigy and the impression spread particular, reads like a quality that Christians are not very different newspaper. It reads like an from Hindus. ‘You also worship eyewitness account because of its idols,’ a Hindu college teacher said vividity. to me, and all I could say is ‘what The conversation reproduced they are doing is against the Bible,’ above is an example of going to showing him Deuteronomy 5 ] where the audience is, and taking But there is another way a layman him step by step, to a point of can witness, which is what mission understanding. He already knows is all about. Let us return to the last the concept of a blood offering. clause in Matthew 28: 20 – From that point, to lead him to an ‘teaching them to obey everything I understanding of why God became have commanded you.’ Elsewhere April - June 2011 13 Baptist News in Matthew, it is reported that Jesus I have seen some church leaders, told a Pharisee the two greatest always busy in mission, use people commandments: ‘Love the Lord and discard them like a used your God … and Love your menstrual cloth. neighbour as yourself.’ What’s the point of their ‘mission’? It is in the second great Their sermons? Or their witness? commandment that many of us, Paul said it: ‘If I speak in the including myself, fail. We do not tongues of men and of angels, but love. There is less love in Christians have not love, I am only a and in their churches than there resounding gong or a clanging ought to be. A little story may cymbal… ‘ illustrate. Without Love, there is no point in A peon of a church in Guwahati was Mission. once sent to deliver a letter to an ‘For God so loved the World…’ important leader of the church describes the Supreme example of known for his inspired sermons, his Mission. witness and his Mission work. The These are only the views of a peon went eight kilometers theologically untrained Christian standing in a crowded bus in the layman, an inveterate sinner. blistering heat of a June afternoon, Presumably the B.D’s and the D.D’s then walked one kilometer more in and the Reverend Doctors know the blazing sun from the bus stop to better. They are, after all, the the church leader’s house to deliver professionals in this business of the letter - sweating, tired, Mission. For many of them it is a dehydrated. career and a livelihood. The church leader took the letter I have often observed that some and dismissed the peon from his professionals with theological doorstep. He did not ask him to training tend to address each other come in and rest, cool off under the more than they address the fan, and drink a glass of water. For concerns of the ordinary church the church leader, the peon simply member, the layman, or the non- did not register as a human being. believer. He was just a servant. The peon, Finally, it is my observation [I may be incidentally, is a Christian and a wrong] that Baptist News does not member of the same church. speak to the concerns of the If we Christians behave like this with ordinary, lay Christian church our own brothers, how shall we member. behave with non-believers? 14 April - June 2011 Baptist News NEWS CAPSULES

A’chik Baptist Krima No. 1, incidents in future. Peace-Building Workshop The members expressed their On the 19th and 20th of April 2011, gratefulness to the CBCNEI, through the initiative of the APBF and BWA for providing the CBCNEI and funding from APBF, financial resources for the A’chik Baptist Krima No- 1 workshop and prayed that their organized ‘Peace-Building ministries of peace-building will continue to bring blessings to many more even in the future.

Mission Awakening Seminar The Karbi Anglong Baptist Convention organized a “Mission Awakening Seminar” for Karbi Workshops’ at Nisangram and Anglong partnering with Asia Hudakona respectively, where Soul Winner from April 25-27, altogether around 100 2011 at Jirson Asong, Diphu. participants attended the Rev. Allan Chan, Director, Seed workshops. Ministry, Singapore with his It was felt that the Seminars came team and Rev. G. Khing, Director at the right time for both the Asia Soul Winner were the main communities to reflect on the resource persons. This was the past ugly incident which brought first Seminar which was ever held unnecessary bloodshed and in interdenominational level. suffering to the members of both Altogether 95 church leaders the communities. The members attended the seminar. felt that after a review of what has Leaders Consultation Meeting gone wrong, and affirmed that Leader Consultation Meeting was definite action steps should be held from May 27 - 29, 2011 at taken to prevent any untoward April - June 2011 15 Baptist News Rongkroi Garo Baptist Church for to Youth West Karbi Anglong’s 5 Secretary.He Associations. The following finished his BD issues were discussed and degree from some resolutions were taken: Union Biblical 1.Leadership unity and Seminary, Pune. service, Themshang had worked for 2.Church Growth, different private companies 3.Denominational issue, before he joined the seminary 4.Finance integrity and and also had the privilege to 5.Income generating projects serve his seminary in IT section Altogether 62 leaders during his studies in UBS. participated. Mr. Rajeswer Bey. Bank Manager, Rev. Athang Mr. Shyamanta Sebu and Rev. Davidson Ingti Boro has been were the main resource persons. appointed as a new librarian for CBCNEI’s New Appointments Library & Manipur Baptist Archives department. He did his Convention has BA (Anthropology) from Jawaharl appointed two Nehru College, Boko and MLISc young men to from Guwahati University. co-labour for the promotion of the convention. Mr. Mr. Elvis Hicks Wibonbou Abonmai has been completed his inducted as the Assistant to B.Com from Mission Secretary. He earned his Pragjyotis College, M. Div degree from Oriental Guwahati and Theological Seminary, Bade, joined CBCNEI as Dimapur. a Receptionist in CBCNEI Mr. Thamshang Horam has Conference Centre. been appointed as the Assistant

16 April - June 2011 Baptist News 61st CBCNEI Annual General Delegates from other Meeting (April 29-May 01, 2011) organization like Interserve, The 61st Annual General Meeting North East India Church of CBCNEI was held at Nagaon Council, Zomi Baptist Church Baptist Church, hosted by Assam Mizoram, Church Auxliary SA and Baptist Convention under the Shillong Baptist Church also able leadership of Mr. R. K. were present. Rev. R. Lalnunzira, General Secretary, was invited to bring greetings on behalf of NEICC. Quail band, Guwahati led the praise and worship and choir from Eastern Theological College, Jorhat enthralled the Raychawdhuri. The theme was meeting with special songs. based on Colossians 2:2, "United in love...for Enrichment in Christ". The speakers and NCCI Conference resource persons were, Rev. (June 21 - 24, 2011) Reid Trulson, Executive Director, BIM; Rev. Benjamin S. L. Chan, Area Director, BIM; Mr. Sushant Agrawal, Director, CASA; Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama, General Secretary, CBCNEI; and Mr. R. D. Shira, President, CBCNEI. National Council of Churches in Altogether 170 delegates from India together with Council of the six conventions, Assam Baptist Churches in North East Baptist Convention, Arunachal India organized a National Study Baptist Church Council, Garo Conference on "Integral Mission: Baptist Convention, Karbi Rethinking Mission in India Anglong Baptist Convention, Today". It was held in Guwahati Nagaland Baptist Church Council Baptist Church. Altogether 65 & Manipur Baptist Convention delegates from all over India took part in the meeting. attended the conference. The April - June 2011 17 Baptist News resourse persons and speakers General Secretary, presented were Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad; two papers: The Status of Rev. Dr. P. B. M Basaiawmoit; Theological Education in the Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi; Dr. and The Mystery Hrangthan Chhungi; Rev. Vinay of our Unity in Christ. In the Peter; Rev. T. I. James; Mr. A. K. General Assembly on Aug 10, Goldsmith and Rev. Dr. A. K. the Chairman of the Membership Lama. Committee declared CBCNEI as the Associate Member. The house gave a standing ovation to the CBCNEI. Dr. A.K. Lama, the Congress General Secretary, gratefully More than 400 Baptist leaders acknowledge it. and the delegates from around the world attended the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from July 4-9. Dr. Wati Aier felicitated (July 4 - Dr. Anjo Keikung (NBCC), Rev. 9, 2011) Keviyiekielie (NBCC), The "Denton & Dr. Wungnaothing Konghar Janice Lotz (MBC), Mr. R. K. Raychawdhuri Human Rights" (ABC), and Rev. Athang Sebu award was (KABC), represented the four presented to conventions of CBCNEI. In two Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Principal of different gathering of Oriental Theological Seminary, Commissions, Dr. A. K. Lama, Dimapur during the Annual gathering of the Baptist World Alli- ance (BWA) in Kuala Lumpur, 18 April - June 2011 Baptist News Malaysia. Dr. Wati, the convenor of the Forum for Naga reconcilia- tion is being recognized for his efforts for nearly two decades in seeking to broker peace be- tween various Naga factions. [See BWA pictures on cover page]

Krimas (Associations) attended. The seminar program highlighted the growing menace of human SEMINAR ON ENCOUNTER-ACT trafficking in the Northeast region HUMAN TRAFFICKING & and its safeguards, protective AWARENESS ON KEY LEGAL rights of the women and children ISSUES under various Indian laws, public rights under right to information, The Department of Justice and consumer rights, and Peace, CBCNEI in collaboration Constitutional rights of religious with Garo Baptist Convention freedom by various renowned organized a two days seminar on resource persons from Impulse, Encounter-act Human Trafficking Shillong, CBCNEI, Guwahati and GBC, Tura.

and Awareness on Key Legal Issues on 26th -27th July 2011 at Tura Baptist Church, Tura where 25 participants from various

April - June 2011 19 Baptist News

Testimony

I, Onima Tali belong to Adi tribe from Arunachal Pradesh. I grew up in a staunch non christian family. I was married to a man who was a drunkard and was beaten up by him a number of times. I along with my kids had to take refuge in our neigbhours house to protect ourselves. There was neither peace in the family nor in my heart. I was on the verge of giving up and did not see any reason to live, I even thought of ending my life. One day my husband fell sick and requested the christian leaders to pray for him. He began to recover for some days. However, due to excessive drinking, he died. The death of my husband was a turning point in my life as I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. God opened the way for me to pursue my B.Th from Missiological Research Centre (MRC) in Nagaland despite my family problems. Within the span of two years, Mrs. Aimi Pertin, whom I regard as my spiritual parents, took care of my children. I am grateful to Mr. Kathose and Mrs. Hotoni Aye of Dimapur, Chekiye Village, for sponsoring me during my studies. After the completion of my course, I served as a Home Evangelist within my local church. I visited homes, prayed, counseled and preached to both believers and non believers. During the Silver Jubilee celebration of our association, Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama, who was the main speaker made a great impact in my life through his message. I met him personally and sought guidance for my future involvement in my ministry. Now I am privileged to serve as a Community Development Worker under CBCNEI, preaching the Gospel to the unreached. To God be the Glory! 20 April - June 2011 Baptist News

Testimony

I, Mr. Jakir Hussain, was born in a Muslim family. As a Muslim, I abide to all the practices of Islam. However, Islam never gave me the real peace in my life. So I began to study different religious books but in vain. I faced problems one after the other which kept me in deep pain.I came across a new friend to whom I shared my inner feelings. It was back in 2002-03 that my friend Shamesh Uddin presented a book called "Kitab-Ul-Mokaddas" and a Holy Bible. He shared the Good News from the Bible and told me that I can get Nizad (Deliverence) from my sin. I began to study the Bible intensely. The two passages spoke to me: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matt 7:7) and John 14:6, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". The Holy Spirit led me to take water baptism from Kushimkhol Baptist Church, William Nagar and decided to follow Christ for the rest of my life. I am now serving the Lord as a Community Development Worker under CBCNEI and I am glad that the Lord is using me for His King- dom.

Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God. ~ Willam Carey

April - June 2011 21 Baptist News Mission reports from some member Conventions Mission Department:

Mission: Karbi Anglong Baptist Convention [By Anderson Tokbi, Mission Secretary, KABC]

We the church planters and facilitators of Karbi Anglong Grass Roots Church Planting Movement (the Mission Department’s endeavour) are grateful to God for His grace and blessings bestowed upon us, and for using us as His instruments to reach out to people also bade farewell to one Church with the message of love, hope and planter and dismissed two church salvation. We are also indebted to planters. Everyone served in full- those partners, patrons and well- time basis but given just a meagre wishers who encouraged us, prayed allowance. We try to live and serve for and supported us in different by faith not by sight. ways and capacities. May the Lord bless and keep them and His PROGRAMS AND STRATEGIES countenance shine upon each of 1. Retreat: Retreat programs are them. organized every year for the church Altogether there are 29 church planters and facilitators. planters (10 women and 19 men) 2. Basic Training and monthly and two staff in our mission Debriefing: The Department department. We selected 14 least conducts short and basic trainings evangelized areas and deputed two for the new church planters. church planters in each area. Debriefing with a time for sharing Three of our church planters are experiences, prayer and mentoring now studying theology in south church planters are also held every India, while one promising church month. This is an effective strategy planter, Ms Premi Terangpi died that makes our ministry an due to Malaria and jaundice. We 22 April - June 2011 Baptist News encouraging movement. 6. Humanitarian services: Our 3. Non-formal theological church planters often show the love course: The Department facilitates of Christ by sharing their little ration a basic theological course (1 year) with the needy people in their fields, for our Church planters and lay- caring the sick and helpless, leaders of three churches in Diphu helping the farmers etc. As such our town by partnering with the Bible church planters are respected and Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP). received well in most of the places Each one is provided ten books by non-Christians. which are very informative and 7. Jail Ministry: The Department useful for personal life and ministry. also conducts prison ministry in 4. Special Outing: A special outing collaboration with Diphu Baptist programs are held to teach the art Church and Nagaland Missionary and principles of church planting. Movement, Dimapur. We are Some church planters go out to grateful to God for the opportunity share the Gospel in the as a number of Christian and non- neighbouring villages. Christians were transformed. 5. Water project: The Department 8. Gospel film: The Gospel films also makes an effort to provide safe ministry is another aspect of the and easy water facilities to the Department’s approach to villagers in partnership with Mr. & evangelism. This film ministry is Mrs Imli Jamir and Mr Theja of very effective but require certain YWAM. Attempt will be made again equipment to meet the needs. in 2011 for the welfare of the 9. Field visit: The Department villagers and building relationship workers visit the church planters in where our church planters are order to effectively understand, posted. encourage and monitor their works. Some places which are visited more than once due to the challenging needs, like persecution and sicknesses. Sometime senior and effective church planters are sent to supervise their co-workers. 10. Prayer and Fasting: Fasting and prayers are integral to the

April - June 2011 23 Baptist News Department’s mission and whose honorarium are directly paid evangelism. by their churches. One church PARTNERSHIP planter is sponsored by 1. Partnership within KABC: Rongkangtui Baptist Church of Puta There are four categories of Karbi Baptist Association. We have partnership within KABC. been receiving partial sponsorship a) Guardian churches: There is for one church planter from Diphu an understanding and cooperation Baptist Church and its Women with some local churches and department and also from associations to become the Hidibonglong Baptist Church. Our guardians of the church planters. agreement period with PKBA area We are grateful to all the guardian No. 2 to work together in Kungripi churches for their acceptance, area has come to an end. (Total guidance and assistance provided contribution received: Rs. 58,600). to our church planters. New c) Patron: We are very blessed to believers are encouraged to have about 14 families as our dear become members in these and faithful patrons. Mostly they are guardian churches. These from Diphu town itself. They are very churches do not make financial faithful in pledging and contributing commitment yet some of their generously, sincerely and regularly members help our church planters towards our church planting from time to time. ministry (Total contribution b) Local churches and received: Rs. 2, 78, 095). departments: We continue to d) Well-wishers: We are also mentor the three church planters of grateful to those few individuals and Diphu Baptist Church and families who took part in our Emmanuel Baptist Church of Diphu, ministry by providing material and financial assistance whenever we approach them for help (Total contribution received: Rs.83, 513).

2. Partnership from outside KABC: There are two categories and received total contribution Rs. 2,31, 200):

24 April - June 2011 Baptist News a) Partnership from within India: OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE USA. In partnership with Mr & Mrs Imli I am very thankful to God and all Jamir of Gauhati (YWAM those who encouraged / supported Missionary) the Department me to attend the BWA Annual launched church planting ministry meeting in Hawaii (USA) as an in 2005 January. The terms of the official delegate and as a member partnership agreement is of the Emerging Leader Network of completed. We are very happy to the Baptist World Alliance; and to receive moral and spiritual support say ‘Thank You’ on behalf of KABC from the Council of Baptist to the International Ministries of the Churches in Northeast India; the American Baptist Churches in the partial financial sponsorship from USA, at Valley Forge, for sending Balading Baptist Church, Tura and their missionaries and money to our Nagaland Missions Movement, Karbi Anglong since 1859. I was Dimapur for one church planter accompanied by each; and from BTCP ministry and Mr J. I. Kathar and Mr. Bijoy Teron; Outreach Welfare Society. and the gist of this trip and other b) Partnership from outside mission promotion is attached India: We acknowledge and herewith. appreciate the love and concern shown towards us by the leaders of FINANCE the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) We did not have any church or and Asia Pacific Baptist Federation individual or organization to support (APBF). We take pride in God for the us financially when we initiated this incredible contribution of the ministry. We simply put our trust and International Ministries of the confidence on our Lord for American Baptist Churches in everything. However, few individuals sowing the seeds of the Gospel, and churches and organizations upholding and nurturing us till date have now stood behind us to pray since 1850s. We are indebted to and support us. In 2010 we received them all. A mutual friendship for a total amount of Rs. 8,62,610 plus partnership with the American Opening Balance Rs. 23,304; out of Baptist Churches of the Dakotas which Rs. 2,31,200 was received has started recently. from outside our Convention and Rs. 6,31,410 was received from

April - June 2011 25 Baptist News were destroyed and some people were beaten up because of their faith in Christ in 2010. PLANS APPROVED BY KABC EXECUTIVE BODY a) 10 New Church planters (8 men & 2 women): replacement = 5, new within our own convention. The total fields = 5. expenditure was Rs. 8,68,929, and b) Assist Healing ministries at 60 % of it was spent on the monthly Diphu, Deithor & Cheharlangso by allowance of church planters and providing men & money. 20 % on theological education. c) New life Conference at Diphu in March in coordination with Mr. Imli NEW BELIEVERS & Jamir CHALLENGES d) Raise fund for Church Planters KABC church planters have worked Hostel. hard to bring to Christ as many e) Necessities: Church planters souls as possible, however only 117 hostel, more patrons for monthly adults from other faiths have taken allowances and a vehicle. water baptism as the public confession of their inner conviction. We are sorry for all that we have About 2000 people may have heard failed to do and achieve in 2010. the Gospel.Many have experienced We commit ourselves afresh to miracles in their lives by the power strive harder for the glory of God. of the Holy Spirit. Many people have May I request you all to be our expressed their interest to receive prayer warriors, partners, patrons Christ as their Saviour but hesitated and well-wishers for the furtherance due to threatening and persecution of His Kingdom. by their villagers. In fact, few houses

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light" ~ John Keith Falconer 26 April - June 2011 Baptist News

Mission: [By Prince Paul, Mission Secretary, ABC]

On behalf of the Mission of churches and growing Department of the Assam Baptist numbers of believers within the Convention, I would like to thank churches. The follow-up the editor of Baptist News for programmes and Timothy Meet giving this opportunity to highlight programmes have been the Mission Activities that are periodically organized for the taking place in the ‘Harvest Field’ House Church Leaders to push of Assam. The department is like the movement further and an infant which cannot do much deeper. to address the God-given tasks and to the multiplying B. Evangelistic Consultation: challenges. We are thankful to To encourage the local churches God because He is stepping and the leaders for before us to follow Him and to evangelization, the department glorify His name alone. organizes an Evangelistic Consultation, where participants A. Church Plantation Movement are explored by way of spiritual and Discipleship: mapping of their respective The key focus of the Convention districts, and by the Word of is to plant Churches and disciple God. The department has taken the new believers belonging to decision to organize a series of the unreached people groups. the programmes for all the The House Church Movement is affiliated associations so that the official mission strategy to more churches and the local plant new churches. This leaders can be reached-out this movement is named as the ‘’New year. It is an eye-opening Vine of Jesus’’. In ABC history, programme for the delegates to we are witnessing multiplication have awareness and knowledge

April - June 2011 27 Baptist News of the Harvest Field of Assam. of ABC. We praise God for this. Some churches and individuals have come forward to help the E. Pastoral Training Convention and also to get Programme: involved in the field. Since 2007 Pastoral Training Programme is being organized C. Mission Conference: separately for all the affiliated Mission Conference is one of the associations. The goal of this major programmes of the training programme is to educate department. We invite the and to help the untrained pastors evangelists, mission leaders and with the church related subjects the church planters to the and issues. Majority of the mission conference and give Pastors under ABC churches are them more insights, untrained, therefore, Pastoral encouragements and awareness Training Programme such as of Harvest Fields and send them these is helping them to lead back to their respective fields their local churches more with zeal and boldness. As a effectively. It is also an activity to result some churches have assist the local associations to already appointed local build-up their churches. The evangelist to spread the Gospel supportive hands of the local in their neighboring areas. This churches towards the ABC and year we are organizing mission development of church affairs of conference for the second time the local churches indicates that in the month of September at churches are benefiting through Nagaon. this programme.

D. Outcome of the above F. Publication: programmes: 1. ABC Magazine: The number of baptized The “PRERONA” is an official members from the other faith is magazine of the ABC. It is 1850 which is not seen before; published quarterly and both and 65 House Churches are Assamese and English articles established in the last financial are published for readers. year (April, 2010 to March, 2011) 28 April - June 2011 Baptist News 2. Our Daily Bread: volunteer church planters to go The “Our Daily Bread” translated and look after the House into Assamese is published Churches and to enter into a new every year as “Amar Doinik Ahar” area where he/she can go easily. for the members of the ABC local churches. The goal is to assist I. Blanket Distribution: the members in their daily The Mission Department also personal cum family devotion. helps the needy families of the 3. House Church Hand Book: House Churches by giving them To assist the House Church two blankets to each family. Leaders to lead the churches, to There are so many people who disciple the new believers and to do not have even a single multiply the church, “Griho blanket to use in the winter Mondolir Hatputhi” a hand book season. Therefore, it is one of is being published during the the great concerns to lift up their Annual Conference of ABC. It economic status too. helps to teach the new leaders. We thank God for all the G. Partnership in Mission: opportunities and blessings that As ABC family, we are trying to He has been giving to us to work build-up partnership with the for Him in the state of Assam. We different mission agencies, believe that He will help us more churches and individuals to to work for Him in the days to explore the ABC ministry and to come. serve the people of Assam. All glory and honour to Him H. Bicycle to the church alone! planters: The Mission Department is distributing bicycles to the

"We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first." ~ Oswald J. Smith

April - June 2011 29 Baptist News Mission: Manipur Baptist Convention [Rev. Alani Shongsir, Secretary, Mission & Evangelism, MBC]

The Mission and Evangelism and Himachal Pradesh. Department works along with the * Foreign Mission Field: China, 29 member associations under Bangladesh and Myanmar MBC. The Department partners with the member churches, MINISTRY AT A GLANCE: individuals, families, and other * MBC along with the Mississippi like- minded groups and send Baptist Convention Church Board around 500 missionaries and have been conducting Church evangelists who work both within Leadership Training at MBC and outside the state. The Centre Church, Imphal. This year mission fields of MBC are: altogether 74 people, including * Manipur: Imphal Valley (People pastors, women, youth and belonging to these communities: children attended the training. Meitei, Nepali and Muslim) etc. * Strengthening the home front is * Assam, Tripura, Arunachal an important emphasis of MBC Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Mission department. There are Pradesh, Jharkhand, about 180 individuals and Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal

30 April - June 2011 Baptist News families with children have become believers. whom we are Our activities are: cottage partnering in fellowship, children camps, sending visiting families for counseling evangelist to and prayer meetings, etc.” Jese Abonmai, Evangelist witness and * In partnership with the Tangkhul bring people to Christ. Church, Delhi, the Mission & * The Ningol Ministry is a ministry Evangelism department is to the tribal or Christian women in ministering to the commercial Manipur who have been married sex workers and people living to men of different faith. It is no with HIV and AIDS, particularly in wonder that many non-Christian the Imphal Municipal areas. husbands have given their lives Awareness camps, worship to Jesus Christ through this services, personal counseling, ministry over the past few years, are some of the features of this and many of their children are ministry. Wonchung Jajo, an being baptized as well. evangelist to the people living * Jese Abonmai, an evangelist of with HIV and AIDS says: “Life, I the ministry in Greater Imphal learnt it the hard way. I was testifies, “It has always been a married to a drug addict, and was blessing to be in God’s left a widow when I was still too vineyard, especially in the Ningol young, but the love of God ministry. Along with all the surpassed all my feebleness and blessings, also come burdens gave me strength. I find the and challenges. It is rather painful meaning and purpose of my life to hear from many Ningols how after I took refuge in God’s mighty they have been cheated by their care. The miraculous respective husbands who failed transformation to keep their prenuptial that happened promises. Nevertheless, God in my life is has begun his wondrous work what I wish to and unexpected breakthroughs share with other have taken place. Many who are living husbands along with their and undergoing similar Wangchung, Evangelist April - June 2011 31 Baptist News experiences. Therefore, although Theological College and have in a very insignificant way, I’m completed. sharing the hope in Christ to the wives of the 2. Youth with a Mission (YWAM): addicts and to the victimized Our partnership is to reach widows living with HIV/AIDS, so unreached people. We are that they might come out supporting 2(Two) missionaries victorious as I’m now. The namely: Mr. Jim Panmei and hardship and the greatest Esther Guite. At Present both of challenge I’m facing now is to them are working in collaboration take care of some children whose with YWAM in China. parents are no more because of 3. Mississippi Baptist the dreadful HIV/AIDS. Convention: * Under the partnership with Since 2006, MBC Mission Harvest team, ‘Open-Air’ department and Mississippi preaching had been conducted Baptist Convention are several times. Villagers listen to networking to build God’s the gospel messages from their kingdom in Manipur. Under this veranda and many respond to partnership, various trainings for the gospel message by church leaders are being taken committing their lives to up to strengthen the local Christ.God is transforming many churches to fulfill the Great lives like never before among Commission. people of other faiths. 4. Foreign Mission: * Mission & Evangelism § Bangladesh Mission Field: department is also networking Despite closed doors to the with the following organizations: work of evangelism, God is 1. West Baptist working in Bangladesh through Convention: our missionaries. This year our Under this partnership program, missionaries could reach seven we are supporting 2 (Two) hundred ten (710) persons with theological students. Both of the gospel of Jesus and 54 of them study at Manipur them have come to know the Lord and accepted Him as their

32 April - June 2011 Baptist News Lord and personal Savior and took water Baptism.

§ Myanmar Mission Field: Around 80 Missionaries are being sent to Myanmar through MBC associations as missionaries. We have appointed a coordinator to coordinate the work in Myanmar in order to strengthen the Mission field. ♦ Looking for New Partnership from 2011. ♦ Bless India Vision 2020. ♦ Institute of Community Transformation. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the prayer partners for your constant prayer, unceasing support and unflinching trust. Continue to uphold our Mission department in prayers, so that God may continue to enhance its effectiveness day after day.

A preacher was completing a temperance sermon. With great expression he said, “If I had all the beer in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river!”. The congregration nodded their approval. With even greater emphasis he added, “And if I had all the wine in the world, I’d take it and throw in into the river, too!”. The people clapped and were saying “Amen”. And then finally, he concluded, “And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and throw it into the river!”. As he sat down, the song leader then stood up quite and announced, “For our closing song, let us sing Hymn # 365 “Shall We Gather at the River.”

April - June 2011 33 Baptist News MISSION: GARO BAPTIST CONVENTION [By Bikash G. Momin, Mission Secretary, GBC]

For the past many years the inhabited areas. And through the Mission work in GBC was very work of the evangelists many are slow. But within the past ten to coming to Christ. Once in a year fifteen years the churches have the Mission Board sends out the realized the need and urgency of students for two months as Mission and now many churches volunteer evangelists to the and individuals are seriously unreached Garos who have just involved in doing mission. What finished their SSLC, HSSLC, BA GBC as a whole has been doing examinations. This year we have and achieved are highlighted sent 21 young people and within below. one month they evangelized 20. 1. Evangelism for the heathen 2. Cross-cultural mission – GBC natives. One of the greatest is partnering with other like- challenges GBC is facing is to minded church bodies and bring the few remaining mission agencies in spreading unreached Garos to the saving the Gospel to many people knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is groups like the Nepalis, Bengali estimated that there are Muslims, Bengali Hindus, approximately 25,000 songsarek Biharis, Rabhas, Boros, Hajongs, Garos residing in about 65 Koch-Rajbhongshis, Banais, villages that are yet to be won for Mishings, Maltos of Jarkhand, Christ. GBC plans to send Sikkim, Punjab etc. It is evangelists to all these villages supporting more than 15 for evangelism. At present there missionaries working among are about 132 evangelists who these people groups in different are already working in various parts of NE India and beyond. mission fields in the Garo 34 April - June 2011 Baptist News 3. Foreign mission – In obedience to the Great Commission, GBC is also involved in spreading the Mr. Tengwat Sangma, Gospel in the neighbouring Missionary to Zambia countries like Nepal, parts of the New Testament had Bangladesh, Bhutan and been completed. Cambodia. In partnership with Nepal Baptist Church Council we 5. In order to bring awareness are supporting six evangelists in on mission th,e Mission Board six mission fields in Nepal. It is organizes Mission Awareness also partnering with Serving In programmes, Cross-cultural Mission (SIM)-International by Conference, etc. It provides supporting a lady missionary health care services, relief, Miss Canberra Marak in Sudan education etc. and Mr. Tengwat Sangma in These are some of the mission work that we are doing. Many Churches are ready to support and Juwindro A. Sangma Miss Canberra Marak, Missionary to Sudan also planning Missionary to Nepal Zambia and a missionary couple to send out the missionaries to in Thailand. In July Mr. Juwindro other parts of India and even A. Sangma is going to Nepal as overseas. Many young people a missionary. have committed themselves to 4. Bible translation – Hawakhana go for overseas missionaries Baptist Church, a member-church and some are in the process of of GBC, is partnering with training to go. Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) in translation of the Scripture into Hajong language. Some April - June 2011 35 Baptist News

Frontier Missions, NE India - Bhutan (Youth With A Mission) [By: Almond Syiem FM Director, YWAM Frontier Missions]

Frontier Missions (FM) is a separated from the gospel, have ministry stream within Youth With neither heard about Jesus nor A Mission (YWAM) that seeks to met anyone who has serve God among unreached demonstrated His love. YWAM people groups and segments of Frontier Missions is determined society, believing that these to change this situation. groups can be meaningfully and fruitfully engaged through church The reality of Unreached People planting. According to the Joshua Groups (UPGs) and their urgent Project, which is a research need for the Good News have initiative seeking to highlight the strongly prompted YWAM ethnic people groups of the Frontier Missions to be world with the least followers of meaningfully involved in church Christ, there are more than 6933 planting among the least ethnic people groups in the reached, the ones that so far world, mostly residing in a continue to be neglected by geographical area now popularly most missionary initiatives. In known as the 10/40 Window South Asia, Frontier Missions covering countries of Africa and (FM) is involved in church Asia that are between 10 planting among the unreached in Degrees and 40 Degrees North India, Nepal, Bangladesh and of the Equator, that have very Bhutan and is interested in little or no access at all to the pioneering in Sri Lanka and gospel. Almost 3 billion people Maldives as well. In the whole of residing in unreached South Asia, through the communities, mostly found in this pioneering efforts of church part of the planet, continue to be planting teams and through

36 April - June 2011 Baptist News partnerships, we have seen Rajbangshi, Assamese Brahmin, about 10000 people come to Bengali Muslims, Mishing, know Christ. In many situations, Chakma, Koch, Rabha, Marwari, church planting has also been etc.) that need to be engaged integrated with mercy ministry through intentional, Holy Spirit where God’s love is empowered and culturally demonstrated in practical ways to relevant church planting efforts. the poor, the suffering and the outcasts. In Assam, one of the ways God has led us to engage the North East India-Bhutan is an FM unreached is through strategic area within the South Asia Region partnerships. YWAM Frontier and covers 6 states of the North Missions had a partnership for 8 East (excluding Tripura), Sikkim, years with the Karbi Baptist north Bengal and Bhutan. For Convention (KBC) which saw more than 10 years now, there more than 800 people come to have been church planting efforts Christ and scores of house among the unreached in this area churches planted. The Karbi and some of the people groups work was recently handed over that have been engaged so far to the KBC. At present Frontier are Bengali Hindus, Bihari Missions is having a 5 year Hindus, Bihari Muslims, partnership with the Council of Assamese Muslims, ethnic Baptist Churches in North East Bhutanese groups such as the India (CBCNEI), Guwahati in Ngalongpa and the Karbi. In church planting work among north Bengal, during the last 5 neighbors (Muslims) in Assam. At years or so, almost 100 people the centre of both these have believed in Christ and several house churches have emerged. The challenge though remains formidable – there are still many people groups (e.g. Meitei, Ahom, April - June 2011 37 Baptist News partnerships is one of our FM are given the opportunity to avail staff, Imli Jamir, along with his of an excellent training program wife Sarah, who have labored called the SOFM (School of tirelessly to train, coach and Frontier Missions). The SOFM is strategically invest their time and structured into a 3 month skills on selected groups of interactive Classroom Phase people and individuals from followed by a 2 years Internship within these indigenous Placement with a team working communities to reach out and among an unreached people plant churches among their own group. Condensed one-week people. seminars/ trainings are also made available from time to time YWAM FM Staffs, SOFM and staffs also receive ongoing Students & some guests coaching and mentoring as they Partnership with CBCNEI being serve the Lord on the field. signed Our goal is to help facilitate YWAM Frontier Missions has people with a calling to the also been sending out people to unreached fulfill their God-given work among unreached people destiny through mobilization, groups in other countries. Till training, coaching and date, more than 15 people have placement, a significant part of been sent out to work among which happens through different ethnic minorities in China partnerships. It is our prayer and as well as 2 people among the our heart’s desire that many Khmer people in Cambodia. more people from the North East Most of these missionaries are respond to God’s call to the least from the North East – Mizoram, reached, the neglected ones. Nagaland, Manipur and . We do believe that preparation and training is a vital aspect of cross-cultural mission work. Therefore, missionary candidates

38 April - June 2011 Baptist News

Nagaland Missions Movement (Nagaland Baptist Church Council) [Rev. Wati Longkumer, Director, NMM]

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND fourth Annual Session of the The Gospel of Christ first NBCC in 1971. At the following reached the Nagas through the Annual Session steps were sacrifices of the American Baptist initiated to enable the NMM to missionaries whose labors function as a mission established the church among a organization. Separate few tribes. In 1955, when the last constitutions for the NBCC and missionary family withdrew from the NMM were adopted in 1972 Nagaland, the Nagaland Baptist which granted certain Church Council (NBCC) took up independence to the Board for the unfinished task of the management of the NMM. evangelizing the remaining AIMS AND OBJECTIVES unreached tribes in Nagaland. In 1. Preaching, teaching and 1960, a Home Mission Board witnessing the Gospel of Christ, was formed for this purpose. As to bring revival in the churches, this ministry developed a and extend its mission outreach decision was made in 1969 to to different unreached peoples employ a full-time Secretary for by sending missionaries, Home Mission Division. The first 2. Church-Planting; to establish Home Mission Secretary was churches for nurturing new appointed in 1970. Also that year converts for the extension of for the first time 20% of the yearly God’s Kingdom. budget was designated for Foreign Mission work. To reflect 3. The co-ordination of the this broader scope of ministry various mission endeavors of the name Nagaland Missions Nagaland tribal church Movement (NMM) at the Thirty- associations and individual April - June 2011 39 Baptist News churches. cities from NBCC churches. 4. To promote co-operation with 3. Evangelism among Non- other evangelical bodies and Christians in Nagaland: With the organizations, entering into support/sponsorship of partnerships with like-minded churches, evangelists are national and international mission appointed to work among the organizations for broader non-Christians in Nagaland. mission enterprise. NBCC has appointed a 5. Making every Christian home a coordinator for independent missionary supporting family. churches in Nagaland. 6. Making the love of God 4. Hospital Ministry: In manifest through humanitarian coordination with the Pastors and social services. Fellowships and Medical The Ministry Programmes of Superintendents of different NMM District Civil Hospitals, NMM is operating this ministry. 1. Cross-cultural Missions: NMM coordinates in sending out 5. Prison Ministry: To reach out missionaries both within and the inmates in prisons with the outside of the country. It also love of Christ, NMM has started sends out professionals and prisons ministry. At present, in skilled workers to different partnership with the Karbi places of work as well as to Anglong Baptist Convention, an witness as tentmakers. It also evangelist for Diphu jail has been arranges short term mission trips. appointed. We are in the process of coordinating with 2. Naga Christian Fellowship: churches and different district jail We have Naga Christian authorities within the state to Fellowships in different cities in reach out to the inmates and India and abroad. It is workers. established to give pastoral care, spiritual nurturing and 6. Trainings & Consultations: fellowship to reach out to NMM organize trainings and increasing number of students consultations for associations and working people/families in and churches on missions. It

40 April - June 2011 Baptist News also arranges cross-cultural and dues, membership fees nor any English language training funds from other organizations for program for missionary the operation of its mission fields candidates. We are in the or home office. It looks to God process of organizing summer in faith for its support. school of missions in partnership Missionaries, evangelists and with the Baptist Union of some office personnel receive (BUD). salaries through the faithful 7. Holistic Ministry: The NMM is contributions of Naga Church involved in holistic ministry. It is associations, churches, families involved in relief and and individuals. If any overseas rehabilitation, healthcare, contributions are received they education, and developmental are applied to capital work for the natural calamity expenditure such as building, victims and poverty in the vehicles or property. mission fields. NMM AND THE CHURCH 8. Research & Information: To The missionaries and be updated with what is evangelists of the NMM are sent happening in the churches at to “unreached fields” to establish home and in missions around the churches among people that world, NMM collects and have no church. There is no disseminates information among intention to compete with any the associations, churches, denomination or other mission partner organizations, sponsors, and every effort is made to avoid field workers and friends. the development of such 9. Partnership Ministry: We situations. The goal of NMM is to build partnerships with various establish churches that will likeminded organizations for joint become self-supporting, self- mission enterprises at both governing and self-propagating. national and international levels. NMM AND OTHER MISSIONS FINANCIAL POLICY The harvest fields of the The NMM is an indigenous unreached are yet so vast that mission. It receives neither

April - June 2011 41 Baptist News we cannot accomplish the task association. alone. Therefore, we continue to 4. You can sacrificially donate co-operate and coordinate the from your monthly income work through partnerships with towards the support of like-minded national and missionaries and their work. You international mission can also encourage others to organizations. The mission support NMM with their gifts. partnership agreements are 5. You can join the NMM subject to review and renewal PARTNERS by committing an periodically. annual donation of Rs. 1, 000/- or WHAT CAN YOU DO? more for the operating expenses 1. You can subscribe to the NMM of the ministry. Mission News and pray regularly 6. If the Lord is calling you, you for the concerns shared there. can offer yourself to the NMM for 2. You can start a prayer group in missionary service. your home or join a prayer group 7. You can write and tell us what to pray for the work of the NMM. you intend to do, with the Lord’s 3. You can arrange to have NMM help, to share in the ministry of missionaries invited to your the NMM. church or association mission conferences to present the missionary challenge and encourage your church or

God uses men who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him. ~ Hudson Taylor

42 April - June 2011 Baptist News Naga Christian Fellowship, Pune [Re-published from: NAGALAND BAPTIST CHURCH COUNCIL, Nagaland Missions Movement, Annual Report 2010]

Mr. Achu Chang is the son of into a congregation of over 700- Imtichuba Chang from Noksen 800 members including national village, Tuensang District. He is a and international members. member of Noksen Town Baptist NCF Regular Activities Church. He did his B.D. at Union * Sunday Worship-11:30 A.M. to Biblical Seminary, Pune and for 1 P.M at City Church, Quarter his internship program, worked in Gate. an NGO, ECS for 7 months. His wife is Hichila Chang. He has * Cell Group Meetings in 12 been working as Pastor NCF different parts of the city-Weekly Pune since 2004. * Axis 517 (Prayer meetings NCF was established in 1985. It’s based on 1 Thessalonians 5:17) church members are around 700- – Alternate Thursday 800 people. It celebrated its 25th * Women’s Prayer Fellowship- Year (Silver Jubilee) in February Every Wednesday 2010. * Working People’s and Family God’s faithfulness had carried Fellowship-Second Sunday of NCF, Pune for 25th years, which every Month. the Church celebrated on Apart from these regular February 20th -21st 2010, basing activities, NCF also has a variety on the theme “Aman” – Being of Special Sundays that are secure in the Lord (Deut 7:9). celebrated continually throughout The Church which initially started the year. Some of these have with just 30 to 40 members has already have been celebrated grown today, by God’s grace, this year while others are eagerly awaited; New Year Sunday, April - June 2011 43 Baptist News Ladies Sunday, Men’s Sunday, who assist the Pastor and the UBS Sunday, Outgoing Core overall activities of the Church for Leaders Sunday, installation of eight (8) months. Every evening New Core Leaders Sundays, the interns visit students flats & Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, PG taking Bible studies and Prayer and Fasting, Freshers’ praying for them. The Sunday, Cell Group Sunday accommodation, conveyance, (Four times annually), Working and stipend during the internship People’s and family Fellowship, is provided by NCF. Friendship Sunday, Celebrating NCF guest house started Culture, Thanksgiving Sunday. functioning since April 2009. This World Sunday School day, Pre- lodging is furnished with liveable Christmas service, Christmas quarters and a kitchen for the Service and countdown service comfort of the guests: A haven on 31st December. for the visitors and a platform of NCF Pune also organizes opportunity for the NCF leaders special events/meetings like: and members to meet parents, NCF and NSUP (Naga Students elders and friends from home. Union Pune) leaders retreat cum Missionary and Orphanage outing, Theological students’ Support: seminar, Cell Group leaders God’s call is realized in various orientation, Workshop/ places; for Ms. Aileen it was Motivational meet for all the 12 received from NCF, Pune. Aileen Task Groups/Core teams, had worked with YWM for Outreach within and beyond the several years but as her financial city, Working People’s and support was at stake. She was Family Fellowship retreat, sandwiched between the Sunday School Teachers pressure of family to take up a training/workshops, Christmas secular job for her security or to Carol and outreach, and Annual stay in her commitment to serve Camp. the Lord. The call from NCF Pune A different addition to the Church was the confirmation for her that Administration structure since God wanted her to be in full time 2009 are the Interns from UBS Ministry. For many years, NCF 44 April - June 2011 Baptist News has been supporting 2. Pray for our plan to missionaries, and this year we have our own church are supporting Aileen. She is building. We really do serving in the outskirts of Delhi, not know how, when working for the Muslim and where, but unto His community. Wisdom, Mercy and NCF Pune is also supporting five Richness we submit. (5) orphans in the city of Pune. In conclusion, NCF Pune Furthermore, we have identified extends our gratitude to NMM, some students in need and are NBCC, and all our parents and rendering a very small monthly well-wishers for your constant pocket money to two students. support and encouragement. These reports are stated as a We have set a greater goal and testament of how NCF, from have yet to face bigger nothing, has been lifted up and challenge, but with your prayers transformed into a supportive and partnership we step forward. and sending church. We are NCF Mission Statement: NCF praying that in the coming year exists to reach out and disciple we will be able to extend and young people, to teach and enlarge our responsibilities and develop love for God, love for commitment. His Word and for His people Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of through regular Christian basics your tent, stretch your tent such as: quiet time, bible curtains wide, do not hold back; studies, witnessing, fellowship lengthen your cords, strengthen and worship. your stakes.” Prayer concerns: 1. Pray that the students and the working people and all the members of NCF Pune, will be a testimony to others.

April - June 2011 45 Baptist News Introducing North East Centre for Training and Research (NECTAR) [By Rev. S. Nengzakhup, Executive Director]

NECTAR stands for North East Commission. Centre for Training and NECTAR is a registered society Research. It started as an end- under the government of result of a series of Mission Meghalaya, obtaining income tax Consultations held in Shillong by exemption, 80 G and FCRA leaders of various Churches and certificates. denominations in North East Vision India; through shared concern to train and send out from the To reach the vast numbers of region. It was a growing stream, unreached people of North East reaching out cross-culturally in India and beyond. partnership with Missions and Mission Churches of North East India and To call and enable the Churches beyond. What was long since to fulfill their mission mandate dreamed of setting up an towards the completion of the interdenominational Missionary Great commission. training centre for the region Aims and objectives finally became a reality. In order to achieve the Vision NECTAR is an indigenous and and Mission stated above, interdenominational faith venture NECTAR lays the following aims launched by like-minded and objectives: evangelical leaders of North East 1. To impart training in cross- India. It does not exist to cultural mission studies including compete with the Church but short term, long term and tent- rather to be a helping hand and making. facilitator to the Church, especially in fulfilling the Great 2. To conduct mission motivation 46 April - June 2011 Baptist News and mobilization seminars, schools in teaching English. It is consultations and conferences to normally held during mid January bring awareness, assist and to Mid March every year. partner with the churches to fulfill 2. Cross-cultural Training (CCT): It their responsibility for world is a four-month intensive cross- evangelization. cultural missionary training 3. To provide skills in Church program for fresh missionary planting, integral mission, Bible candidates, missionaries in the Translation and Literacy, church field without missionary training, leadership and management etc. pastors, mission leaders etc,. 4. To develop research base for Normally, the course runs from studying global trends in mission Mid April to Mid August every and church planting. year. 5. To initiate Networking and 3. Mother Tongue Bible Partnership ministries with like- Translation and Literacy (MTBT minded NGOs, Institutions, &L): The length of the training Churches and Mission varies depending on the level of Organizations for the fulfillment of the trainees and their need. The the Great Commission. focus is to train and equip mother Core Values tongue speakers to translate the Bible in their own language. Integrity, Transparency, Excellence, Relevance, Partnership and Networking: Partnership and Networking. NECTAR strongly believes in Training Programs Partnership & Networking because Mission does not 1. English Teachers Training belong to one particular church (ETT). It is a two-month intensive or denomination. program. The main purpose of ETT course is to encourage and NECTAR partners with Serving In equip North East Indian young Mission – North East India (SIM- Christians to go as self- NEI), English Language Institute supporting English teaching China (ELIC), Word for the World missionaries and help improve Bible Translators (WW), Council the Church run English medium of Baptist Churches in North East April - June 2011 47 Baptist News India (CBCNEI). Associate provide the financial need of membership is being sought to NECTAR through His Church the North East India Churches general and the North East Indian Council (NEICC). Churches in particular. NECTAR Where are our graduates? receives moral, prayer and So far about 210 young men and financial support from individuals, women from North East India families, fellowships and have graduated from NECTAR’s Churches. ETT & CCT. Most of them are PRAISE Points: working in cross-cultural church 1. Praise the Lord for His planting work while just a handful faithfulness in providing the need of them are involved in the of NECTAR from its inception till church mobilizing the churches date. into mission. Majority of our 2. Praise the Lord for providing graduates work in the eight committed and qualified teachers states of North East India, W. for all the training programs. Bengal and Himachal Pradesh. 3. Praise the Lord for all our Our graduates are also working prayer and financial supporters. in Thailand -2, Bangladesh -2, Bhutan -2, Cambodia-1, Vietnam- PRAYER Points: 1, China-12, Sudan-4, Ghana-1, 1. Pray for more supporters. Zambia-1 and Kenya-2. The Bible 2. Pray for all our graduates is being translated into Bugun, working in mission fields for Tutsa and Tagin languages (all health, financial provision, and from Arunachal Pradesh). fruitfulness in their respective Governance & Management: ministry. NECTAR is governed and 3. Pray for a piece of land for managed by Board of Directors NECTAR and a building. comprising church and mission 4. Pray for committed new staff leaders from various tribes and for NECTAR. denominations. Funds: NECTAR looks up to God to

48 April - June 2011 Baptist News

SERVING IN MISSION (SIM)

[Neiwete Chirhah, SIMNEI Deputy Director, NMM Missionary seconded to SIM. Also served in sudan for one year]

Founded in 1893, SIM is a worshipping the Lord today in community of God’s people who thousands of churches in and delight to worship Him and are through SIM’s 118 years of passionate about the Gospel, ministry. SIM’s ministries include: seeking to fulfill the mission of evangelism and church planting, Christ in this world. The purpose mentoring and discipleship, of SIM is to glorify God by church leadership training and planting, strengthening, and theological education, linguistics, partnering with churches around literacy, Bible translation, media the world as we evangelize the including radio ministry, relief and unreached, minister to human development, health and need, disciple believers into sanitation, prevention of HIV/ churches, and equip churches to AIDS and home-based care for fulfill Christ’s commission. Having infected and affected patients, its International Headquarters in education, children and youth the , SIM is an ministry, accounting and international, interdenominational administration, etc. The Lord can and intercultural mission use any profession for His organization that serves in all the service with SIM. five continents of the world. SIM North East India was SIM’s motto is “By Prayer”. established in 2007, having a Currently, nearly 2000 motto “From North East India to missionaries are serving the the Ends of the Earth with the Lord with SIM in more than 60 Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ” countries. Nearly twenty million (Acts 1:8). The purpose of SIM Christians worldwide are North East India is to facilitate

April - June 2011 49 Baptist News and partner with North East Indian and tribes; we were reached first churches to send missionaries to to reach others in our turn. We the “Ends of the Earth” (Acts 1:8) cannot blame our forefathers for where the harvest is plentiful and not going to the “ends of the workers are very few. This earth”, nor can we leave the task generation of world mission is for our future generations. Our the generation of North East generation is our responsibility Indian Christians. Let us bless We have human resources – we the nations of the world! SIMNEI have many educated and is very thankful to God and to committed young men and CBCNEI and its constituents for women; we have spiritual the strong partnership we are resources - we have both young having for world missions. The and older men and women who majority of our missionaries love the Lord so much and who come from the CBCNEI are men and women of prayers; constituents. we have financial resources – the Why did we North East Indian Lord has blessed North East people receive the Gospel first India with natural resources as while many other people groups well as resources from other in India and the world remained sources. By God’s help, our unreached? The answer to this young men and women are question is simple and clear: The capable of doing missions in Lord wants us to be his foreign lands. And we North East missionaries to these nations Indian people are accepted well in many countries. Within three years of its establishment, the Lord has helped SIMNEI to send 17 missionaries to 7 different countries. More than 10 candidates are in 50 April - June 2011 Baptist News the pipe-line. To send provides, house rent, medical missionaries overseas is costly. expenses including evacuation, Therefore, as of now, sending field missionary care expenses, churches will contribute half of visa and work permit fees, the support requirements and language learning costs, children SIM will help raise the other half. education subsidy, ministry Sending churches will contribute related expenses, income tax for living allowances (salary), where applicable, orientation provident (pension) fund, expenses, psychological passages (ticket fares for first assessment costs (field), first- time going and furlough), time settlement subsidy medical expenses during (furniture, utensil, etc) where furlough in North East India, applicable. missionary care expenses at In Acts 1:8, our Lord Jesus Christ SIMNEI office, pre-field cross- commanded us to witness him cultural missionary training simultaneously in Jerusalem expenses where applicable, pre- (among our own localities or field medical check-up and towns and villages), Judea (in immunization costs, pre-field areas where our own people psychological assessment group live – our district, state, costs, equipments for ministry etc), Samaria (among the (camera and laptop computer) neighboring people groups and where applicable, pre-field visa tribes) and to the “ends of the and work permit costs. SIMNEI earth” (foreign/overseas will help raise, as the Lord countries). As the world’s population increases, the number of non- believers too is rapidly increasing, especially in our “Samaria” and “Ends of the Earth” regions. After more than two thousand years of our April - June 2011 51 Baptist News Lord’s death for the salvation of these “Macedonian” calls, many the people of the world and the churches in North East India have risen Lord’s Great Commission a vision to send missionaries to of his disciples to go to all the “ends of the earth” (foreign nations with the Gospel, nearly countries), but they do not know 7000 people groups/tribes the how, where, and what of this around the world are yet to be foreign mission endeavor. In reached with the Gospel of the response to this challenge, SIM Lord Jesus Christ. What if, these North East India wants to partner people are just waiting, waiting and facilitate North East Indian for two thousand years, for North churches to fulfill Acts 1:8 in its East Indian Christians to bring the entirety by sending out their Gospel to them? We must take missionaries, not only to these “Macedonian” calls very neighboring people groups, but seriously, lest they wait for too also to the “ends of the earth” long. where the needs are so great. In obedience to our Lord’s command and in response to

NBCC Youth Triennial Conference

Theme “Being Rooted in the Word of God” Date: October 21-23,2011 Venue: Akuvuto, Dimapur, Nagaland. Please pray for the: * Speakers for God’s anointing power. * Young people for renewal life for Jesus. * Host Association & Needed Resources. * Participants. * Conducive Situation and weather.

52 April - June 2011 Baptist News

Missions that Seek Unity in Christ (A Bible Study on the first Chapter of Colossians) [By Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama, General Secretary, CBCNEI]

I. Introduction: activities together, today My prayer is that through this because of the coming of Bible study we are further Christianity, they are divided. In encouraged and persuaded to a small town, there would be deepen our commitment three denominations often toward Christian unity as disconnected from each other. desired by the Lord himself (Jn In most cases, they would 17:21-23). ridicule each other, downplay In Arunachal Pradesh in spite of each other, and even compete severe persecution in last thirty with each other. years, Christian population has Observing the situation grown to about 16% today. On apparently, one of the political the one hand, we rejoice for leaders of our state in his public numerous churches already addressed warned the people planted and many are coming about the danger of Christianity to accept Christ as their Lord that destroys culture and and Savior daily. On the other divides people. The evidence hand, Christianity has brought today only makes his false more social division and statement true. disunity. In a place, where tribal In 1963, Bishop Stephen identity and common ancestral Neill wrote, lineage bound the ordinary “In many areas where people together so vividly that Protestant missions have been they would help each other in at work, Roman Catholic harvest, join hands with each missionaries have later come other in building their thatch in, and set themselves to houses, and would do all social ‘complete’ the imperfect April - June 2011 53 Baptist News Christianity of the Protestant ecstatic worship experience, the converts. Where older charisma, the use of the gift of churches have been at work, the Holy Spirit. Christians of the Pentecostal * the name and the groups have come in, and ownership of the Church assured the converts that, Recently several Baptist unless they speak with Churches are renamed as the tongues, they can have no Methodist Church. For last assurance that they have twenty years, several other received the Holy Spirit. Baptist churches have been Anglicans have been known to renamed as the Believers convey the blessing of Church. The spirit of division episcopacy to those who among Christians is aroused thought they were getting on from various quarters. There very nicely without them. All are some engaged in the so this is very sad; but it may help called mission at the us to realize that we are not expense of unity. The high really so very far from the New priestly prayer of our Lord does Testament and its problems.” not hold any importance to (Neill, Stephen, Paul to the them. Colossians, p.11, 1963) In a problematic situation like Our energy is wasted in trying ours is there any hope? What to reconvert each other. We are should be our attitude? What often segregated by should be our strategy? What is * the strong affinity to the the road map in the Bible? ethnic identity, custom, and II. The Mystery of our Unity cultural tradition (tribalism). in Christ * the emotional and The Church at Colosse denominational loyalty to the was a believing community. sponsoring churches of the Paul called them as holy and west. faithful brothers (sisters * the preference on included) in Christ (1:2). He

54 April - June 2011 Baptist News thanked God for their faith and a serious threat to the church. love which sprang from their Indeed, the problem of the heavenly hope in Christ (1:3- church at Colosse was of 5). He acknowledged that the serious nature. The proponents gospel is growing and bearing of this new ideology were trying fruit among them (1:6). Yet the to win converts to their school of Church at Colosse was not a religious preferences. perfect Church. She was * They were stressing the need young and in danger of for observing some Jewish disunity. The Colossians were Laws and ceremonies (2:11- under the influence of some 12, 16-17). new religious and philosophical * They were laying emphasis teachings. Some on some special or deeper commentators name the knowledge (gnosis). problem as Colossian Heresy, but I would like to differ from * They were promoting the them. need of angels as mediators to God. (2:18-19) The problem mentioned in the text is neither unique to Colosse * They were exclusivist. They nor it is of a heresy. I believe believed in the special privilege that it is a problem of any and “perfection” of those select young immature church. It is a few who belonged to these pandemic problem of biblical philosophical elite (2:8, 18-19, illiteracy, rampant even in our 23). times. A little deeper reflection Many immature new converts shall enable us to find our own would become victim of their churches deep into it. trap, because their teachings, When any teachings, humanly speaking, had three theological debates, attractive elements. arguments, religious practices 1. They had fine sounding undermine Jesus Christ and arguments (2:4) his two great commandments No matter how sound the on love, they are likely to cause April - June 2011 55 Baptist News argument may be if it is done at worship of angels, ecstatic the expense of unity and love, it spiritual experiences is not worth. Paul wrote to (contemporary worship, or Timothy, “As I urged you when I seeker sensitive worship can went into Macedonia, stay also become primarily focused there in Ephesus so that you more to experience than the may command certain men not truth). These practices had to teach false doctrines any visible impact on self as well on longer 4 nor to devote others, and hence they are themselves to myths and attractive. They could meet the endless genealogies. These needs of human sensuality. promote controversies rather Often such emphases on than God’s work— which is by subjective experiences induce faith. 5 The goal of this disunity in the Churches, command is love, which comes because humanity differs in this from a pure heart and a good matter. conscience and a sincere faith. Paul considered them wrong (1 Tim 1:3-5) for two reasons: 2. They followed human 1. They undermined traditions and the basic supremacy and sufficiency of principles of the world (2:8, 20- Christ (1:15-19; 2:9-12); the 23). headship of Christ (2:8), and The emphasis was on religious the finality of the work and the practices, such as circumcision authority of Christ (2:20-23). which was already part of their 2. They made one self- cultural tradition. Hence it was absorbed rather than Christ convincing to them. absorbed. They promoted 3. They followed certain human traditions and the basic religious practices, rituals, principles of the world (2:8). festivals, popular celebrations People were judged on the (New Moon or Sabbath Day), basis of externals and one’s practice of piety, humility, human ability to practice

56 April - June 2011 Baptist News religion (2:16-17). These knowledge of God practices encouraged sensual — they shall have great indulgence (2:23). In fact, the endurance and patience followers of Jesus Christ were These five are the precursors expected to put to death their for unity in Christ. I wonder, how earthly nature on a daily basis many times we pray like Paul. (3:5-10). Our prayers are often about Paul feared that these practices activities, achievements, and would lead the church astray mission adventures, rather than from the simplicity of the faith our life, our ways, our fruits, our and obedience in Jesus Christ. knowledge of God, our Whether the teachers and endurance, and patience with proponents of these were each other. sincerely ignorant or carnally What is the second response of motivated, it was sure that they Paul for the problem would cause confusion and impending disunity at Colosse? division in the church. B. The Second Response: What was Paul’s response for Preach and Teach the such a threatening situation? Mystery of our Unity in A. The First Response: Pray Christ for Virtuous Life Paul took the believers at Paul responded it with Prayer. Colosse back to the Bible. He We read them in 1:10-12. told them about Jesus Christ Paul prayed for five things, that once again. That Jesus is the — they may live a life supreme and the sufficient. We worthy of the Lord think that all Christians know — they may please him in about Christ but that is not every way entirely correct. Paul mentioned explicitly about the — they shall bear fruit in supremacy and the sufficiency every good work of Christ in 1:15-20; — they shall grow in the

April - June 2011 57 Baptist News Paul believed in the sufficiency revealed. In understanding this of Christ so much that he goes mystery we shall find our unity. on to say in verse 24: According to him, the antidote Now I rejoice in what was to the confusing division in the suffered for you church is the Word of Christ. I must admit that I have often The Word of God in its fullness become cynical and skeptic of is the mystery revealed in the chronic problems of disunity Christ. And this mystery is the among Christians and I begin key to the unity of not only researching for new insight, churches but all humankind. new idea, new methodology of What is this mystery? The church management and Greek word mysterion simply administration etc., but Paul means hidden thing. In its corrects me when I read 1:24. usage, in Paul’s time, the word The finished work of Jesus mysterion meant secret Christ on the Cross has the religious matter confided only to power to bring necessary the initiated, or entrusted to the transformation in us. Because select and not meant for the Christ’s death is sufficient and in ordinary. The mysterion is not Him all our needs are met, we obvious to the understanding do not need to look at anything of the common. It is hidden beyond and outside Jesus from the ungodly and wicked Christ. We do not have to men but plain to the godly. In convert one another to a our context it is not yet plain to denomination or church many immature believers. Our affiliations, but we can rest in ministry is to make it plain to Christ together in spite of our them. differences. We are one in The word mysterion appears Christ if we choose to simply fifteen times in Paul’s writing focus on Christ alone. (Rom. 11:25; 16:25; 1 Co. Paul considered Jesus Christ 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 3:3f, 6, 9; as the mystery of God 5:32; 6:19; Col. 1:26f; 2:2; 4:3; 1 Tim. 3:16), seven times 58 April - June 2011 Baptist News in Ephesians and four times in be united to each other in love. Colossian. The context of all the And thus, enjoy the fullness of references is God’s plan of Christ. In fact, the fullness of reconciling all nations to Christ in us requires us to die in himself. The mystery was Christ so that we may fully unite hidden but it is now made to Christ and hence unite to all known in and through Christ. his followers. That in Christ, Gentiles are also Conclusion: included. God has now So like Paul, it is our turn now: removed all barriers. God First to Pray consistently wants to bring all humanity for the virtuous life of the under Christ. Paul was precise followers of Jesus Christ in 3:11. He wrote, Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised Second to Preach and or uncircumcised, barbarian, Teach the Mystery of our Unity Scythian, slave or free, but in Christ Christ is all, and is in all. Practically speaking: This mystery was kept hidden 1. We must labor struggling for ages but now God has with all his energy to help the chosen to reveal it to his saints, Church grow mature. who are not only Jews but also 2. We must make the Word of Gentiles. (1:26-27) It was God known in its fullness. upsetting news for the Jews in 3. We must help the the first century. It may be churches to focus on the upsetting for some so called supremacy and sufficiency of exclusivist, holier than thou, Christ. Refrain from any sheep stealing groups coming teaching, no matter how sound from the churches of our time. they may be, refrain from Paul wanted all believers to emphasizing any religious understand this mystery. He rituals, practices, spiritual required them to comprehend disciplines of piety that makes the implications of the sufferings one self-absorbed undermining of Christ, grow in maturity, and April - June 2011 59 Baptist News the supremacy and the sufficiency of Christ. Let us major on the major teachings of Jesus Christ and not get distracted by petty small religious practices and theological preferences. 4. We must teach them to put to death their self and put on Christ on a daily basis. 5. We must encourage them to seek peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matt 5:9). 6. We must guide them to seek the wisdom of Christ and obey. 7. We must teach them to pursue unity in divine unconditional love for enrichment in Christ for that is the hope of the glory for all humanity. Prayer: Almighty God! please help us to live a life worthy of you, enable us to honor you in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in your knowledge and wisdom, having great endurance and patience with one another, living as one family, witnessing one Gospel, representing one Church, and serving one another and serving the one and the only Lord Jesus Christ. Help us do mission without undermining our unity in your son Jesus Christ. Amen!

“Our deepest calling is not to grow in our knowledge of God. It is to make disciples. Our knowledge will grow - the Holy Spirit, Jesus promised, will guide us into all truth. But that’s not our calling, it is His. Our calling is to prepare the world for Christ’s return. The world is not ready yet. And so, we go about introducing a dying world to the Savior of Life. Anything we do toward our own growth must be toward that end.” ~ Jeffrey Bryant 60 April - June 2011 Baptist News

Reflection

Pabitra Kumar Achowe (Board Member, Christian Literature Centre, CBCNEI)]

Don’t wait for another day to trust in the Lord Today is the day, there may be no other, Forsaken you may be, not forgotten.

He watches, you are not alone, He holds each precious tear in His hand, Reads in it, the silent complaint.

There is no reason to fret, it isn’t over yet. He waits, not because He is busy someplace else He waits because He wants to comfort you first.

Says He, smile pretty dove, you are mine, And I’ll love you till the end of time.

The Church was badly in need of painting. So the Pastor decided he’d do the job himself. But all he had was one bucket of paint. So he got a bunch of buckets and some water, and he thinned the paint enough to cover the entire Church. Then he spent all day painting. That night it rained very hard and washed all the paint off. The Pastor was quite discouraged and asked God, “Why...why God, did you let it rain and wash off all my hard work?” To which God thundered His reply, “REPAINT, REPAINT! AND THIN NO MORE!” April - June 2011 61 Baptist News

A Report from Mongolia Aphrezo Krose with wife Sylvia

The Seventh Asia Lousanne focus and Congress on Evangelism was work is held in Ulaanbaatar from June 1- among the 4. The theme of the Conference Mongolian was Unchanging Gospel for Youth, drawing their attention and Changing Asia. More than 200 energy to sports which otherwise leaders from all over Asia could easily be turned to Alcohol attended the program. Dr. A. K. & drugs. And the Mongolian Lama, the General Secretary Youth, not all are Christians, who presented a paper on “Training attend his football classes are Pastors in North East India. The already growing in their skill and Churches in Mongolia is growing temperament as they learn to fast. Several missionaries are control their emotions and working hard to reach out the practice Self-control. They also unreached people group. The learn Obedience & Humility by needs are enormous. Rev. Ricky being disciplined. Something Medom, Chaplain NCF, Delhi was like this can hardly happen in a also a delegate from the Church setting or sitting in a northeast India in this boring class room. conference. He went to visit and This is Transformational Mission stayed with Alphrezo Krose, a at its best. And in the 21st missionary from Northeast India. Century this is the way to go if A brief report and reflection from we are to succeed in Ricky Medom is included here. Evangelizing the World. Each “Aphrezo Krose from one using their God-given gift Medziphema (Nagaland) is a and talent to serve as Certified Football Coach from the Missionaries. Businessmen, Dutch Football Association Artists, Musicians, Sports trained in Amsterdam. His main people, Academicians working

62 April - June 2011 Baptist News as tent-makers and spreading & recognized by our home the Good news of Jesus Christ. boards & Church organizations Traditional Missions have proven or not. to be ineffectual, irrelevant & at With 95% of Nagas being time downright unbiblical and declared as Christians, the unethical in their approach thus evangelization of our people is being unwanted in many done. What we need is a countries and regions. Many so- National renewal which would called Missions group merely try produce a Christ-honouring, to transplant their denomination Bible-meditating Nagaland using or particular group. Some try to as our motto the Command that show their growth and activities Christ gave us: Love the Lord by poaching on what others have your God with all your Heart, done, claiming established Soul & Mind & Love your ministries to be their own as they neighbor as yourselves. unashamedly muscle their way Much of Asia is still unreached. It in. This is Mission expansionism remains as the least evangelized at its worst and sad to say being Continent with vast populations of practiced by some of our own Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists & Missions organizations. Communists. Naga Missionaries Instead of being stuck in the past and Naga Churches can provide and unable to move forward a substantial and effective Force except going round in circles to evangelize Asia & the World. wasting precious resources, we Large numbers of our youth are should humble ourselves and be already in Mission fields or are courageous enough to come out ready to go with the right training, of our boxes. God is continually guidance and direction. The at work and great things are Church can be part of this great being accomplished by those movement in various ways. who are obedient to God and For a start, encourage those being led to go where God already in the field. Visit them wants them to be. Many Naga intentionally not just as an aside youth like Aphrezo are at the from tourist jaunts! Even Church/ cutting edge of Missions, Denominational leaders consider whether they are acknowledged meeting missionaries as April - June 2011 63 Baptist News secondary from their ‘whatever main work’. Or others use the excuse of meeting missionaries/mission fields but spend more time shopping and sightseeing! Spend quality time with them, listening to them, caring about their trials and victories they experience. Visit their mission fields. Send them cards/gifts on their special days like birthdays and anniversaries or Christmas, etc. Or better still offer to pay their fares for home visitation once a while to rejuvenate and reconnect with loved ones. Local Churches/Mission Boards can designate certain percentage of their budget and commit it to fund trainings & field trips for cross- cultural missions. A major reason for failure in Missions is due to lack of proper cross-cultural and language training. A sound foundation will ensure fruitful partnerships. But these require funds that individuals can hardly raise on their own.”

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ DEVELOPMENT COURSE LEVEL 1 CBCNEI in partnership with the Children’s Bible Ministries(CBM), New Zealand will be organizing a five-day Teachers’ Development Course Level 1 from 7th to 11th November, 2011 at the CBCNEI Conference Hall, Guwahati. The Churches interested in training the Sunday School Teachers are requested to recommend names of those who have a heart for and are involved in Children’s Ministry for attending the course, through their respective conventions before 15th October, 2011 by completing the Registration form given below. Participants will be provided free boarding (regular meals + accommodation) during the training period but the participants/respective Conventions will be responsible for the participants’ own travelling expenses and incidentals. Only 6(six) seats are reserved for each Convention. So please hurry up and submit the particulars on the Registration form duly completed to your Conventions with registration fee of ` 300/- by way of Bank Draft/Multicity Cheque drawn in favour of CBCNEI at Guwahati. 64 April - June 2011 Baptist News continuation of Part II, published in Issue 62 Vol. 1

What Kind of Parent are You? and How will that Affect your Children? Part-III Dr. Beulah Wood, lecturer in Pastoral Studies and Counselling, SAIACS, Bangalore, first reached India 42 years ago. As a mother and grandmother she longs for people to reach a Gospel understanding of family life.

Case Study 1 Case Study 2 Arenla’s parents loved their Lian’s parents believed that if daughter, and wanted her to they provided for all his wishes bring them honour. They he would always love them. surrounded her with rules and When he was younger, they punished her if she broke a rule. always let him watch his favourite For fear of criticism or TV programmes, told his sister to punishment, she obeyed. She wash his plates for him, gave him never argued, never spoke to a bicycle, and paid for extra boys, and if she reached home coaching when he did not focus too late her mother shut her in enough on his math. her room. Her parents were like When he was under 12 years ‘Policemen’. old, his weak parents did not When she grew up and started help him make rules for himself, work, friends invited Arenla to because they hoped he would stop at a hotel and drink a glass love them so much that he would of wine on the way home from not disappoint them. They have work. They invited her day after not been firm with him. They are day. Of course, her parents were ‘Worm’ Parents (flabby and not present to impose a good without back-bone). decision. What would Arenla do? When he was at college, friends April - June 2011 65 Baptist News told Lian about watching Arenla’s parents were pornographic movies on the “Policeman Parents”. They made internet. They said he was a a great many rules but they were ‘Mommy’s boy’ if he would not their rules. They were not written watch them too. What will Lian in Arenla’s heart because her do? parents had not focused on *** training her to think wisely for herself, with God’s rules in her The Principle heart. They had only focused on One of the well researched forcing her to obey them. principles in parenting is that When Arenla became a teen- parents must coach their son or ager, the peer pressure from her daughter to have the rules friends easily made a barrier inside them. Then they can between Arenla and her parents’ make their own good decisions. rules. Why? Because the rules If the parents make the rules and were not inside her. Now she tell them to their teen-agers, the was away from her parents and teens have not learnt to make they could not make many good decisions themselves. decisions for her. How much Then they will face temptation better if her parents would without the tools to resist. That is teach her to write wise rules in a recipe for trouble. her heart for herself! Results for Arenla in Case study 1 This is the method God uses with humans, and the method parents The pressure of her friends, must use with their young peer pressure, may push Arenla people. Listen to this scripture. into going against her parents’ “Teach me, O Lord, the way of instructions. She may think, your decrees, that I may follow it “Father and Mother will not know. to the end. Give me I’ll just try a glass of wine this understanding, so that I may once.” She may move to keep your law and obey it with all frequently drinking wine when my heart” (Psalm 119:34). this is far from her family’s values. If Arenla follows ‘with all her 66 April - June 2011 Baptist News heart’, she chooses to place the rules inside herself, and there is no half-heartedness. Results for Lian in Case Study 2 For Lian the opposite problem occurs. His mother and father’s parenting is slack. They did not imprint fair and firm decisions in his heart, ready for when they were not present. His parents may be horrified when they find their son does not know how to say ‘No’ to his friends and has let himself regularly watch porn. They have themselves to blame. They did not teach him the ability to set his own standards in his heart. They did not even tell him the rules. There was nothing to stop this teen-ager agreeing with the wishes of his peers, and peer pressure easily came between him and his parents’ instructions. Lian had never learnt how to make good decisions. He did not have the rules in his heart. His parents should have taught him from Proverbs 3:3-4, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and humankind.”

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789In OBITUARIES Page – 69 where Mr. Kth. Thamon, mentioned as 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789

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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789 April - June 2011 67 Baptist News Introducing Associations under CBCNEI Dear readers, in this issue we introduce Nagaon District Baptist Association, Assam and Kuki Baptist Association, Nagaland. Please pray for them. - Editor

1. Nagaon District Baptist Association, Assam [By Yohan Ao, Executive Secretary]

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S PROFILE: · Accepted the Lord as personal Savior and took water Baptism on 20th January, 1985. · B.Th. from Servanthood Bible College, Dimapur, Nagaland · Worked as the fellowship in-charge –cum-Youth Director of Lumding Baptist Church for 2 years. · Joined Moria Mission Field as an evangelist among the fiwa Tribe in Assam for 2 years. · BD degree from Eastern Theological College Jorhat, Assam 2000 · Served the South Bank Baptist Mission, Jorhat among the Mishing Tribe in Assam as an Evangelist-cum-field Treasurer for six years. · At Present, the Executive Secretary of the Nagaon District. Baptist Association from April, 2010. NAGAON DISTRICT BAPTIST ASSOCIATION: Nagaon Town Baptist Church was the pioneer Church of Nagaon District Baptist Association. It was established in 1844 on 8th February by Dr. Miles Bronson and Dr. Pit

68 April - June 2011 Baptist News Holland Moore. Gradually the Church expanded to Udmari and Balijuri. In the year 1903 under the leadership of Dr. P.H. Moore, Nagaon Dist Baptist Association was established. The following year 1904 the first NDBA Annual conference was held at Udmari Baptist Church. NDBA celebrated its centenary celebration in the year 2003. At present, our Association comprises of 22 local Churches with a total membership of 2150. Annual income of 2010 was 2, 38,875 (Two lacs thirty eight thousand eight hundred seventy five only) Present Association officers and workers: 1. President Mr. Aminath Degal (Dejoovalley) 2. Vice President Mr. Siril Horo ( Bordol) 3. Exe. Secy Mr. Yohan Ao (Lumding) 4. Treasure Mr. Bishram Horo (Topotjuri) 5. Youth Promoter Mr. Lorance Horo (Singimari) 6. Area pastor Mr. Krorontio Nayak (Dejoovalley) Mr. Sunil Horo Udmari 7. Evangelist Mr. Kornal Prodhan (Chapanala)

PLANS FOR THE YEAR 2011-2012: · To develop financial strength and office infrastructure. · To invest leadership. · To develop proper system of the church and their spiritual spare. · To place Mission work as a core of NDBA. · More attention to be given to the Sunday school and youth dept. · To give more attention to Sunday School Children and the youth

April - June 2011 69 Baptist News

Kuki Baptist Association, Nagaland

[By Rev. H. Minlien Singson, Executive Secretary]

The Kuki Baptist Association all over Nagaland. Nagaland (KBAN) was There are seven departments established in the year 1953 as under the association such as one of the Baptist Associations General, Mission, Finance, under the Nagaland Baptist Women, Youth, Development, Church Council with its head Christian Education and Property. office at Khaibung, Medziphema. The mission centre runs a KBAN has 14 churches with 3191 vocational institute known as baptized members; and also has Dorcas Training Centre to impart a branch centre at Ahthibung Hill weaving and tailoring training for Town, under Peren District. The the drop-out students, widows branch centre covers six villages and down-trodden girls. They are where, Rev. Janglam Singson is being inducted and given the placed as the in charge of the basic Bible knowledge and from Pastorate and administration. time to time trainees and The general aim and objective is production units employees are to build the kingdom of God by demonstrative participation through corporate faith, work and life of the Kuki Baptist Churches in Nagaland. KBAN also endeavors to initiate unity and nurture all the Kuki Baptist Christians, Church workers for the mutual and spiritual development

70 April - June 2011 Baptist News Association. The Association also has a partnership ministry with Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB), Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM) and Nagaland Missions Movement (NMM). sent out to visit different churches Under the Development Wing, a and also to the people of other wing called Northeast Rural faith. They are trained in order to Development Agency (NERDA) survive themselves and also with its head office at Ahthibung mould their life spiritually. This Hill Town under Peren District is training centre is looked after by established. The main objectives the women department of KBAN. are to uplift the poorest and Under the Youth Department, marginalized sections of the there is a Praise and Worship society through various means; team in the association level conducting trainings, seminars, formed in 2006. The youth retreats and awareness department is headed by the campaign on HIV/AIDS. In Youth Secretary, who took up the collaboration with Nagaland programs- True Love waits and Development Outreach, 9 Self Sports Ministry, where many Health Group (SHG) are being youths from different churches formed and still more to form. have taken initiative to lead a There are many widows who are clean and spiritual life. daily wagers; are helped to Under the Mission Department, a understand about capacity mission field was opened in building in the form of SHG. All 2006 at Bokhaghat, Assam and these activities are under taken also missionaries are sponsored by the development wings. for Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh Apart from the activities like and Himachal Pradesh mission plantation of trees and bamboo fields. Apart from the Association, are taken up with the help of the Churches also sponsor 13 Nagaland Bamboo Development missionaries outside of Agency, headed by Mr. Palal Nagaland, recognized by the Misao, Development Secretary April - June 2011 71 Baptist News of KBAN and also GBs of Saijang, Pielhang and Inbung village who have donated the land for the bamboos and trees plantation. Please pray for the growth and upliftment of KBAN ministry.

Christian Writers' Workshop

New Woman Ministry is organizing a "Christian Writers' Work- shop" from 25 - 29 August, 2011 in Pine Brook Centre, Barapani. The resource person is Dr. Beulah Wood from New-Zealand, a visiting professor of SAIACS, Bangalore. She is a well known writer and has authored many books to her name. Any one interested may fill the form. The registration fee is Rs. 500/- and the food and stay is Rs. 1500/-. Only two seats are allocated to each church or Institute.

For further details please contact: Atola Subong [email protected] ; 09436116795 or Konya [email protected]; 09085311351

SUBSCRIPTION NOTICE Baptist News subscription is now only `.100/- per year. We have reviewed our mailing list. If you wish to continue receiving the “Baptist News”, please renew your subscription. Fill out the form enclosed in this issue and mail it to us. ~ Circulation Manager ~

72 April - June 2011 Baptist News Taking Care of Your Vision [By: Dr. John Sangma; Incharge Medical Officer, Babupara Christian Hospital, Nisangram (A Hospital Unit of CBCNEI in East Garo Hills)]

1. Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the inner eyelids and covers the white of the eyeball. Symptoms include sudden onset of irritated, red eyes, watery discharge, burning, and sometimes itching and difficulty in bright light. It can occur in one eye or both the eyes. Causes: The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a viral infection. Other causes include seasonal allergies, bacterial infection, and reactions to eye medications. How it is transmitted? Viral conjunctivitis can be transmitted from one person to another by casual contact, sharing towels or pillow cases, facial contact, or sharing of cosmetics. It can occur before, during, or after a bout of cold and running nose because the same virus which causes the cold can cause conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious in the first 10-12 days and may last up to 2-3 weeks. Epidemics tend to occur in closed institutions (e.g., schools, hostels, hospitals, camps, nursing homes, workplaces). Other methods of transmission are through air droplets and possibly swimming pools. It is also spread by ophthalmologists’ contaminated fingers or contaminated instruments and eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis usually occurs in the spring and summer and is not contagious. It causes itching in addition to redness and tearing. It is caused by allergies to pollens from plants. Bacterial conjunctivitis, like viral conjunctivitis, is contagious. Most people, who develop bacterial conjunctivitis, also have other eye conditions such as dry eyes or inflammation of the eyelids. There is a sexually transmitted type of conjunctivitis, called chlamydial conjunctivitis, which often produces symptoms of long duration.

April - June 2011 73 Baptist News Basic therapy and treatment\: Hygiene is very, very important. Hand washing is a must. Treatment varies depending on the specific cause of conjunctivitis. For viral conjunctivitis using a cool wet cloth 3-4 times day and applying artificial tears will relieve the symptoms. If there is a suspicion of bacterial conjunctivitis antibiotic drops or ointment are usually given. Allergic conjunctivitis may be relieved by over the counter medications of anti allergic eye drops. Supportive therapy is important, such as sunglasses, artificial tears, and cool compresses. The virus is shed in the tears. Bedding and towels need to be washed frequently. The patient should not share towels with others. The use of steroid is controversial. Let your doctor decide on the use of steroids. In Vision Centre, Babupara Christian Hospital, we came across many patients who lost their quality vision following the rampant use of a steroid eye drop called BETNESOL N which is available easily over the counter and frequently prescribed by the quacks and the pharmacists. Every household in our area is familiar with Betnesol N eye drop which has become a topic of serious concern. No self medication of Steroids please and definitely not Betnesol. Means of prevention: It is necessary to pay attention to the health education of population as well as to improve hygienic habits. Avoid close contact with persons suffering from viral conjunctivitis. Do not share bedding or towels with infected individuals. Emphasis must be placed on prevention of spread of the disease, so your child may be quarantined from school for up to a week or two until the symptoms subside. The most important precaution is to be extremely strict with hand washing. Practice good hygiene and please wash your hands, wash your hands and wash your hands… ***** 2. Cataract: A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness in the natural lens of the eye. Problems associated with Cataract: Like a dirty window, a cloudy lens makes it difficult to see well. Patients with cataracts usually

74 April - June 2011 Baptist News complain of blurred vision. This may interfere with tasks such as driving or reading. Other common complaints include double vision, poor night vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare, spots in your vision, less vivid perception of colors, temporary improved nearsightedness, changes in eye pupil color, frequent eyeglass or contact lens prescription changes, colored haloes around sources of light at night, and dimness of color vision. Occasionally neglected cataracts can “hypermature” causing an increased pressure within the eyeball, causing pain, loss of vision, redness, and watering from the affected eye. This is a medical emergency and should be attended at once, or eyesight may be permanently lost. Causes: The development of cataracts in the adult is related to aging, sunlight exposure, those who have diabetes or other health condition smoking, heavy drinkers, poor nutrition, eye trauma, systemic diseases, and certain medications such as steroids. Treatment: As far as Allopathy is concerned, there are no medicines to treat cataract. The answer lies only in surgery where the cataract is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. Probable Cost: Charged anything between Rs 5,000/- to Rs 50,000/-. Babupara Christian Hospital perform cataract surgery for Rs 3,000/- (Non foldable lens) and Rs 7,000/- (Foldable lens) per eye. How to prevent? Age related cataract can really not be prevented; the onset can be delayed by adhering to a balanced diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation to diet (antioxidants). Cataract can also be delayed by prevention of excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation by using good quality UV protected sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. Avoiding injuries to eyes where such professions increase susceptibility to injuries by using protective glasses, avoiding addictives, foods containing preservatives, etc.

April - June 2011 75 Baptist News The Resolutions taken in the 61st CBCNEI Annual Meeting at Nagaon. (April 29-May 1, 2011, Assam.) I. APPRECIATION: We the delegates of the 61st CBCNEI Annual meeting record our APPRECIATION to the Host Church, Nowgong Baptist Church, Nowgong; Nagaon District Baptist Association, Nagaon for all necessary arrangement for all the delegates for comfortable stay during the annual meeting. We also wish to THANK Resource persons, in particular; Rev. Reid Trulson; Executive Director, BIM, Rev. Benjamin S. L. Chan, Area Director, BIM, Mr. Roderick D. Shira CBCNEI President, Mr. Sushant Agrawal, Director, CASA and all others. Also thanked Praise and Worship Team, ETC Choir, interpreter, Prince Paul and all the delegates from the CBCNEI Conventions, Associate Members and Invitees for meaning participations. 2. We MOVE: The delegates envisage to move that, all Churches within CBCNEI and the Region are to strife for the greater ‘Unity in Love for Enrichment in Christ’ through Bible Studies, Pulpit teachings and various other ministries. We suggest that each Convention will develop their own programs and plans toward an achievable unity that will lead to closer co-operations. 3. We ENCOURAGE that all the Churches within the CBCNEI area to Observe Green Sunday/Earth’s Day along the International Environment Day on first week of June from 2012. During this preceding Sunday a tree each may be planted by all Church members as a token of participation making this world a greener place for humanity and all other existence. 4. We STAND against the rampant CORRUPTIONS in the Churches and State establishments, as Christians witnesses to the society and world, that we urge every members of the local congregations to maintain transparency and to uproot all corrupt practices within and outside of the Church.

Resolution Committee Members: -All Regional Secretaries -Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama, General Secretary, CBCNEI -Rev. (Ms) Toshinaro, Member -Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Member -Rev. Dr. Anjo L. Keikung, Convener. 76 April - June 2011 Baptist News

STAYING AT L. M. HOSTEL WHICH SHAPES [By Khaling Benjamin, Lewis Memorial Hostel, Guwahati]

I am grateful to God for all the deal with it on their own that hurts wonderful opportunities; and to me to see their hurts. CBCNEI for giving me this space in A few thoughts... the Baptist News column. I am Think of the rain as the pain you’re Khalin Benjamin - “Jack of all trades feeling in the moment. Think of it as but master of none...” — I know a something you drive through, you little bit of everything (not literally walk through, that no matter how everything though), but somehow I fast you run or drive, it still engulfs have some knowledge in the field of you and makes you wet, and cold. computers, that’s how I’m best And maybe you feel alone in that known in the hostel amongst my rain. Maybe you don’t think it will friends. I am now in my final ever stop, at least not until you’re semester, pursuing Bachelor of soaked to the skin. The rain is Science in Information Technology coming down until it stops, and no in NIIT and belong to Khoibu (Uipo) sooner. You don’t know when it will Tribe from Chandel District, stop, neither do I. But go and get an Manipur. umbrella, or look for shelter. It will Lately, I have noticed a lot of stop. Trust me. Even Noah only had tragedies in my life as well as with to go through 40 days of rain. lives of those around me. And I have Well, I’m sure it’s purely God’s plan, noticed that the only way to deal for my whole stay here in Guwahati. with it is by surrounding myself with I always passed by this place a lot of those who care. I have observed times but never ever thought I would that my friends who take the longest come here and pursue my higher to heal are those who spend most of education here. Then, through a their time without friends and family. friend, I came to know about L.M. Even if I try to be there for my friends, Hostel and then applied for a seat. some would rather be alone and By God’s grace, I was selected April - June 2011 77 Baptist News amongst many who have applied for Praise & Worship. I am a worshiper the same but couldn’t get. I still and I want to bless the Lord with remember the first day in the hostel, songs of praise. I want to sing songs praying for a wonderful stay in this that glorify Him, honor Him, to sing hostel and also to have a good about who He is and what He has rapport with my fellow friends. You done for us. But I must also confess, know, it was even more exciting I am not a good leader, neither a because, this was going to be my good singer but thanks to NCFG for first hostel life experience. giving me this wonderful privilege When I first came to L. M., I was just and accepting me for who I am. I a mere listener, not much of a talker. am so blessed each time I lead the So, I mostly lived a life of an people into Praise & Worship. It’s a introvert. Never would I volunteer for great challenge for me personally any good cause, except in some because I am a guy who has a cases where I was bound to be a serious problem facing the crowd, part of such because of hostel speaking to them and singing too. It norms. But being here, I’ve learnt a was something that I’ve never done lot through different activities that before. But, through the course of takes place in and around the time, I’ve learnt with every mistake I hostel. Staying in this hostel is like a made and now I must say that my turning point in my life. In my 2nd year stage fears have decreased of college and my stay in the hostel, tremendously. My prayer is to live an I started taking part in Naga exemplary life not for the sake of Christian Fellowship activities and earning accolades from people but joined the NCFG Praise & Worship to receive blessings from the Lord. band in the year 2009 as a bassist. I enjoyed being in the band as I am interested in music and also playing instruments. Since we were all students, some had to walk out of the band and also the place for their further studies elsewhere. So, in the early part of 2010, we didn’t have P&W leader so I along with others started leading the congregation in

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Edited and published by CBCNEI, Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam - 781001, India Printed by: April - June 2011 79 Baptist News Signature CBCNEI) Code : Cheque / Draft Pin O / sh Ca * M. (in favor of * ) 5. Mode of Payment : 0/- . 180/- . 35 ick issue to start from t ion : ______ears Rs ears Rs Y Y ive wo January ( F T Convent ia ion / October / Baptist News Subscription Form ): 0/- 5 Associat July / . 2 ion : . 100/- Assam-781001, Ind April / i, AL LETTER Church / ears Rs itor Y ear Rs ist News Y CAPIT The Ed Bapt CBCNEI, Panbazar Guwahat Three One ing from : eriod of subscript tart S Address : Mail to: 1. Name ( 3. Name of your 6. 4. P 2. 80 April - June 2011