Contents Baptist News A quarterly news letter of Editorial 02 the COUNCIL OF BAPTIST Understanding of 04 CHURCHES IN NORTH EAST Childhood: Pastoral INDIA Counseling Perspective The Council comprises Assam The importance of 12 Baptist Convention, Arunachal pre-natal care of the Baptist Church Council, Garo child Baptist Convention, Karbi Talitha Cumi: Children as 14 Anglong Baptist Convention, an Encounter in between Manipur Baptist Convention A Devotional: My 20 and Nagaland Baptist Church favorite things Council. Grace Children Home 22 DITORIAL OARD Assam Christian Fellowship E B “The Promised Seed” 26 Editor: Rev Dr A. K. Lama Assistant Editor: Ms Kaholi Zhimomi Children of alcoholic 30 Sub-Editor: Dr Asangla Ao parents Design & Layout: Siamliana Khiangte Sponsor a Child: NEICORD 37 Circulation: Ebenezer Orphanage Home 42 Jatin Gogoi Jinoy G. Sangma “Ministry among the 60 Ningthoujam Rojit Singh the street children,” A Biren Saikia project of World Vision Subscription: “Street Children in 63 One Year ` 150 (US$20) Guwahati,” A Perspective Two Years ` 250 (US$35) from a visitor from USA Three Years ` 400 (US$50) The contribution of 65 Five Years ` 600 (US$80) CBCNEI towards Children Ministry Contact information: CBCNEI, Mission Compound Nagaland Alliance for 67 Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam-781001 for Child Rights(NACR): Phone: +91-361-2515 829 A Concerted Effort for Fax: +91-361-2544 447 Child Rights in Nagaland eMail: [email protected] Lead like Jesus - One day 74 website: www.cbcnei.in encounter Facebook: facebook.com/cbcnei

Baptist News, October - December 2013 1 from the desk of editor

Dear friend,

This month we have witnessed two phenomenal events which give hope to those who aspire to be an agent of CHANGE in our society. First, the result from Delhi Legislative Assembly election that took many of us by surprise. A newly formed party of political novices with limited resources was able to fetch 28 seats and dethrone a powerful ruling party. Given in the existing corrupt system, no psephologist or political analyst dared to predict it. If anyone had asked me about its chances to fetch these many seats prior to the election result, I would have responded impossible! The second is the funeral service of late Dr. Nelson Mandela which drew top leaders of fame from all over the world. It was a historic event of the century. Dr. Nelson Mandela, a black leader from a remote poor village, spent 27 years in a single cell dungeon for plotting to overthrow the white ruling regime of Apartheid South Africa by violence. Who would have ever thought that the pris- oner would become the greatest president of the century? He became great because he not only librated the oppressed but also the oppressor. He fought for the right of his enemies, ex- tending his love and forgiveness to them. Could somebody have predicted about such a glorious ending of a life that was incar- cerated for long? Impossible is the answer. These two events should compel Christian leaders to reflect on the possibility in God who can turn a person’s integrity, Christ like

2 Baptist News, October - December 2013 love and forgiveness, and commitments to serve people for CHANGE into God-size possibility. Yes, it is possible. We have arrived to the end of 2013 and we would like to end it with optimism of God-size possibility. Through this Baptist News, we desire to bring awareness on various issues in our society that needs a God-size possibility of CHANGE. In this issue, we are focusing on Children—the defenseless, vulnerable, future of our Church, Society, and our Nation. The editorial has been able to solicit few articles that look into various possibilities of extend- ing ministry to our children. Much is left and much could be said. The objective is not to be comprehensive but to draw our atten- tion to the areas of concern and to help us reflect with the ques- tions such as: What is our role as a follower of Jesus Christ in ministering to our Children? What can we do as Christian par- ents? What can we do as Church? Our desire is to see that the readers are made aware, challenged, and encouraged to engage and become the agent of CHANGE. The editorial team would be glad to hear from you sometime. Let us know your point of view on certain issues that you are facing in your immediate context. We welcome your suggestions, ar- ticles, and the report that will enlighten the members of the Bap- tist family across the world. From all the editorial team, we wish you a very Happy New Year 2014.

Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama General Secretary

Baptist News, October - December 2013 3 Understanding of Childhood: Pastoral Counseling Perspective Phanenmo Kath, Teaches Pastoral Counseling & Psychology at Eastern Theological College, Jorhat Assam. Presently pursuing D.Th in the area of Family Therapy, at FFRRC, Kottayam

Psalm 127: 3-5 Behold, chil- to the time when children dren are a heritage from become mature in 13-15 the Lord, the fruits of the years. On the ground of so- womb a reward, Like ar- cial exposure of children, rows in the hand of a war- childhood is subdivided into rior are the children of early childhood (pre-school one’s youth. Blessed is the age) and late childhood man who fills his quiver (school going age). In this with them! He shall not be article infancy is excluded to put to shame when he be fair to the theme “Child- speaks with his enemies in hood,” but that doesn’t the gate. meant infancy is not an im- portant stage. Childhood is considered to be an important period in human life. The period of Early Childhood childhood begins at about Based on the foundation laid the age of two and extends in the babyhood, a child

4 Baptist News, October - December 2013 makes a number of develop- of their surroundings with ments during early child- higher confidence and go hood. Like the ability to eat back to their parents when solid food and eat indepen- they encounter failures or dently, ability to communi- threat’s in life. But children cate with others, get accus- who lack the basic trust will tom to surroundings, develop experience high anxiety relationship with peers, and while facing a new situation also pets. A child who has or people. Such children due successfully resolved the cri- to lack of initiative which ses in the early phases will is characteristic of this pe- be able to see himself/her- riod, may not venture and self as an individual distinct as a result will remain ar- from others. Children of this rested of normal progress. stage will try to make more Likewise children, who are contacts outside the family over protected or under pro- circle and enjoy playing with tected, abused, discrimi- their peers. They ask innu- nated, frequently criticized merable questions about the or feel threatened also may things they observe around experience impairment in them and they imagine be- the development of their ing adult. Children who are personality. understood and properly Insights for Parents guided by parents will fur- ther develop the inner Express unconditional love strength, social skills and to the child by way of hold- sense of security. ing, hugging and playing with the child, listening to its fan- Those children who failed to tasy stories, answering the develop a stable relationship countless why and how with their mothers during questions with poise and in childhood may lag behind in loving, soothing tone. acquiring new skills. For ex- ample, children who feel A very important aspect of secured make explorations parenting at this stage is the

Baptist News, October - December 2013 5 healthy boundaries for TV has many harmful effects child’s function. While such as: development of granting the child sufficient sedentary (inactive) life- freedom to explore, ex- style, imbibing unhealthy press, and demand their values, becoming aggressive needs, parents must disci- towards peers, having sleep pline the child respecting disturbances etc. Too much the rules and limits. The social exposure (for example child must know how to be- keep children most of the have during dining time (eat- time in a kindergarten set- ing with clean hand, with- ting where they have many out wasting and without dis- toys and friends) and too turbing others), play time little exposure (deprived of and prayer time. friends and leave to play The play time experience is alone most of the time) are the key determinant of a equally damaging to a child’s varied development. healthy development. Solitary play is important as The parent relationship and it makes the child self-suffi- family environment are two cient. But children need to other important elements have opportunity to play that influence the develop- with peers as it provides ment of children. Children opportunity to employ their feel comfortable when par- newly acquired skills. It is ents are together, express also important as socializa- happiness, communicate tion in early childhood warmth, care and respect mainly comes through play- for each other. On the other ing with peers. Children hand, children become anx- having no play-mates gener- ious, sad and confused when ally spend much of their time parents yell, abuse, fight or before television. While TV threaten each other. Family viewing has some advantage conflicts and unpleasant, it has many disadvantages as fearful family environments well. Studies say too much are capable on inflicting last-

6 Baptist News, October - December 2013 ing impairment to children. tion or in violating a moral Three A’s method: Accep- code. An authoritarian par- tance, Affection and ent may punish the child Achievements are said to be emotionally and corporally the three essentials to make without giving the child a person happy and content. chance to explain or protest. They are interrelated com- A permissiveness parent on ponents and hence a person the other hand may not give who experiences accep- the seriousness that the situ- tance may also receive af- ation demand and may sup- fection and will make port the child indirectly to achievements. When par- continue the behavior. But ents and significant other an authoritarian parent people communicate love, would give due seriousness the child accepts itself and to the situation but will use strives for achievements. On empathy to understand the the contrary children who child and will earnestly cor- are being constantly cursed, rect the child by reminding abused and teased tend to it of the freedom and lim- think that they are unwor- its. When the parents are thy of love and respect. clear about the disciplinary They develop thinking and policy and are consistent in behavioral patterns mani- carrying out, children will festing depression or aggres- know what is expected of sion. Communication of un- them and will not feel that conditional love and accep- they are unfairly punished. tance to a child is the only Late Childhood way to redeem it from det- Late childhood extends from rimental patterns. the age of six to twelve It is normal for a child to years. This is a significant commit mistakes in its efforts period in the development to bring out something cre- of an individual as their so- ative or in its social interac- cial world is remarkably

Baptist News, October - December 2013 7 broadened and encounters and conflict between parent age-mates with values dif- and children and the rela- ferent from what they know. tionship may get further They need to develop a worse. number of new skills like Insight for Parents and adapting to the discipline of Teachers the school, getting along with different types of School-going children de- school-mate, developing velop their personality on skills in reading, writing, the foundation laid in the sports and calculating. Late previous stages. Deficien- childhood is called “gang cies in language skills and age” in the sense that older socialization skills may pre- children tend to identify vent a child from smooth with children of the same sailing. Therefore, conscious age and sex in dress, behav- effort must be there on the ior, and opinions. Sometimes part of parents to equip the they even go against paren- child with necessary skills tal standards out of fear of through remedial measures. rejection by the gang. Chil- Sunday school can be of dren who have low self-es- great help in this matter if teem and unpleasant family it is carefully planned. environment may especially Parents in our context play feel attracted to gangs and safe by not allowing older may spend more time with children to play with age- it discarding studies or fam- mates in the neighborhood ily responsibilities. They also to avoid the ill effects. Tu- may develop habits like itions, music classes, video smoking or behave rudely to games or martial art classes members of opposite sex or are arranged with a view to children having different creatively engage the older styles than theirs. This be- children. But while gangs havioral change in children have negative impacts, they may cause growing friction also play an important role

8 Baptist News, October - December 2013 in the development of a ter of great contention be- child. Therefore, what is tween parents and children needed is to teach children once they are in the school. as authoritative parents to Permissive parents still don’t play responsibly and to re- interfere and children may spect the family rules even go without control and some when they play with friends. may develop addiction to Another thing to keep in these objects. Parents must mind while bringing up older exercise control over children is to be a model for children’s use of electronic them. Children tend to imi- gadgets and discipline them tate elderly characters when to use it at permitted time they feel it is matching to under supervision of parents them and worth copying. For Spiritual Development instance, a child may use The combined research of abusive language like his/ psychology and religious her father doing to mother studies has provided impor- to get things done effec- tant insights for understand- tively. Parents and other eld- ing a child’s spiritual devel- erly people at home must be opment. cautious while they express emotions, deal with failures Psychologically, Erik Erikson and problems, managing has noticed that the primary time, relating with neigh- developmental tasks of chil- bors, behavior in the church dren from birth to adoles- or while praying. cence include trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus Parents allow young children shame, initiative versus to sit before TV or play with guilt, and industry versus in- the cell phone to keep them feriority. Pastoral theolo- engaged, or to pacify while gian, however, have noted crying. They marvel at the that these tasks also have a skill of their child while play- religious dimension. Lewis ing games in the computer. Sherrill (1963) asserts that a These things become a mat- Baptist News, October - December 2013 9 child’s first (and ongoing) congregation is ‘present’ to encounters with the love of a child through worship, parents have a strong rel- Christian education (Sunday evance for how the child will school) and pastoral care. also perceive the love of Attention to these kinds of God. Therefore, a stable and insights will enable the care- trustworthy relationship giver to minister to children with parents lays the foun- with sensitivity and skill. dation for the child’s capac- ity to trust God. An unpre- Conclusion dictable, abusive, or harshly Family values, spiritual and judging parent will likewise religious expressions, rela- affect the qualities which tionship with extended the child attributes to God families, inter-personal ex- as authority. changes of warmth, care and Donald capps (1983) also support influence children in notes that accomplishment developing conscience. Con- of these development tasks science is the deep aware- of childhood has strong im- ness of person about the plications for the child’s right and wrong or the good moral and religious develop- and bad based on the moral ment, including the child’s code they have developed. personal sense of hope, will, It is different from the purpose and competence. choice of good or bad in These stages also can affect early childhood based on the planning and use of ritual the pleasure or pain that ac- in church life. Fowler (1987) companied behavior. If con- points out that the stages of science is sufficiently devel- faith development usually oped in a person, he or she associated with childhood may not intend to do wrong (such as intuitive-projective things. More over they and mythic-literal) should be would feel guilty when they considered in understanding violate the moral code in- the various ways in which a stilled in them.

10 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Childhood being a very cru- development, so that we cial and important stage of raise competent and Godly life, psychologist like Jean children for this demanding Piaget, Erik Erikson and oth- and challenging generation. ers have suggested that ho- listic and systematic ap- 2 Timothy 3:14-15 But as proaches to child’s develop- for you, continue in what ment is inevitable for par- you have learned and have ents and care-givers. Most firmly believed, knowing psychologists attribute from who you learned it childhood experiences hav- and how from childhood ing lasting impact on the you have been acquainted personality and life traits of with the sacred writing, a person. Consequently, it is which are able to make you imperative that parents and wise for salvation through care-giver be serious about faith in Christ Jesus. holistic approaches to child’s

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” - Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Baptist News, October - December 2013 11 THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-NATAL CARE OF THE CHILD

Dr. Ezamo Murry, Professor, Dept. of Christian Ministry, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat

Emotional Health: A preg- actly as he did inside the nant pianist in her daily prac- womb. It is also reported tice of piano went through that following the death of her music with accentuated some celebrities or figures pieces with ascending and of world importance their descending phrases of her fans who happened to be score. Her excited fetus pregnant at such time give would kick the wall of her birth to children with a high abdomen as she hit the ac- rate of abnormality. Many celerated notes with excite- such examples are cited to ment. This repeated every remind us of the emotional time she rehearsed the same health of the unborn baby. music. After she delivered The emotional state of the her baby she kept the baby unborn may help determine in a cradle and practiced the the emotional state of the same music. The baby re- person after birth. peated his emotional jerk Nutritional Care: Nutrition- when the mother came to ists prescribe various tonics that accentuated music ex-

12 Baptist News, October - December 2013 and food supplements which traumatic experience. are often labeled “Mothers’ Among the pre-literate so- Choice.” Certain food fac- cieties the mother to be is tors such as iron-rich food prevented from seeing dead are said to be a must for the bodies, going to forest lest carrying mother. It is possible she meets wild animals that these food elements help in will frighten her, seeing an building and developing the appalling accident that will cells of the fetus as well as frighten her. She is not ex- keep the carrying mother posed to any situations that strong. This is true even will cause stress, depression, among the food gathering and trauma. Such emotional rural communities who experiences of the mother struggle daily to bring food are shared by the fetus as that the pregnant woman exemplified by the pregnant likes or craves. The carry- pianist. ing mother needs weight Parents should not wait for gain to a certain level. Be- the baby to be born to de- side those traditionally rec- velop a holistic growth of ognized mothers’ food preg- the person keeping in mind nant women should not ne- that the formation and glect consulting physicians growth of a healthy person for supplementing the re- begins from the state of fe- quired food and maintaining tus. God created the nature the required weight. of the person and the civi- Psychological Health: At lized humans innovate the the symbiotic stage fetus methods of nurture of the and mother share experi- person considering the all ences. The society there- round growth of the person fore, keeps a mother safe caring through the precon- from stress, shock, and any ception and prenatal stages.

Baptist News, October - December 2013 13 Talitha Cumi1: Children as an Encounter in Between

Dr Kaholi Zhimomi, Assistant Editor, Baptist News

Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” (Mk 5:41) [NKJV]

Children are vulnerable in lous work of raising Lazarus any situation, whether be it from death is an often used in the family circle or in the and quoted bible passage but society. They are often the seldom do we deliberate trapped between having to upon the raising of the young bear the aftermath of paren- girl in Mk 5:41. Both these tal conflict or hurled around miracles of Jesus articulate by the society. They are the the same disposition that is most neglected group in the of the “raising of the death” society and because of their but how frequently does the innocence they become the little girl’s story appear in high risk group. We as our sermons? This reflects Church too have failed to ac- the disregard of the impor- knowledge the importance tant place of children even of children. Jesus’ miracu- in the church. With such

14 Baptist News, October - December 2013 negative approach towards nal activities, teenage preg- children there is an increas- nancy, and other physical, ing growth in the degrading emotional and psychosocial situation of children at problems. home as well as in the soci- According to United Nations ety. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) The report on violence violence against children can against children has progres- be “physical and mental sively expanded over the abuse and injury, neglect or years. Violence against chil- negligent treatment, exploi- dren has got no perimeter tation and sexual abuse. Vio- of geography, race, class, lence may take place in religion and culture. In India homes, schools, orphanages, particularly the Northeastern residential care facilities, on regions child abuse within the streets, in the work- the family circle is recur- place, in prisons and in rently a hidden phenom- places of detention.”2 Vio- enon. Child labor, prostitu- lence against children has tion, forced marriage, child become a foremost risk to trafficking, lack of educa- global development and one tion, and poor health have of the major obstacles to become serious issues for gender equality. Many female contemplation. But intra- children are victims right family abuse or abuse that from the time when formed takes place in institutions in the mother’s womb. With such as schools or govern- the modern technology gen- ment homes usually go un- der testing has become a key noticed and these crimes go tool of violence against girl unreported. The neglect to child. With the deeply cul- check the safety of children tural embedded attitude to- within the protected struc- wards female domain there ture leads to emotional and is still a widespread practice mental imbalance in chil- of Female Genital Mutilation dren, culminating to crimi- in many parts of the world.

Baptist News, October - December 2013 15 In November 2012, the tion (ILO) estimates show United Nations (U.N.) passed there were 218 million child a resolution condemning fe- laborers in 2004, out of male genital mutilation as which 126 million were en- harmful to women and girls gaged in hazardous work. and encouraged member UNICEF estimated 3 million states to take measures to girls and women in sub-Sa- ban the practice. It was the haran Africa, Egypt and first time the General Sudan are subjected to fe- Assembly’s human rights male genital mutilation ev- committee addressed the ery year. The study of the problem. It is estimated that MWCD found a wide spread between 100 and 140 million incidence of child abuse. girls and women worldwide Children between the ages have been victims of female of 5-12 are at the highest risk genital mutilation. Each for abuse and exploitation. year, three million girls are The study found that 69% of subjected to the practice in children reported to have Africa.3 been physically abused. Out In 2007, the Ministry of of these 54.68% were boys. Women and Child Develop- 52.91% of boys and 47.09 % ment (MWCD) released a of girls reported having been study report on child abuse. abused in their family envi- The report discusses inci- ronment. Of the children dence of child abuse nation- who were abused in family wide. According to the re- situations 88.6% were abused port the World Health Orga- by their parents. Every two nization (W.H.O.) estimates out of three school children that 150 million girls and 73 reported facing corporal million boys under 18 have punishment. In juvenile jus- been subjected to forced tice institutions 70.21 % of sexual intercourse or other children in conflict with law forms of sexual violence. In- and 52.86% of children in ternational Labour Organiza- need of care and protection

16 Baptist News, October - December 2013 reported having been physi- ernment for the lack of cally abused. With regard to proper system to ensure the child labor 50.2% of children safety of the children. But work all seven days of the what is the church doing to week. 81.16% of the girl prevent violence against child laborers work in do- children? Or what is the mestic households, while role of the church in pro- 84% of the boy child labor- moting the needs of the ers worked in tea stalls or children? Preventing and kiosks. 65.99 % of boys and responding to violence 67.92% of girls living on the against children should be street reported being physi- everybody’s business not cally abused by their family only the Government. The members and other people.4 church must re-examine the The Governments need to theological messages it com- accept that children issue is municates in light of the ex- an urgent situation that periences of victims of do- needs to be dealt with. But mestic violence and sexual unfortunately many Govern- abuse. We must treat with ments lack systems for con- extreme care the important, sistently checking the abuse but often-misused, concepts of children in whatever of suffering, and forgive- level. Children have suf- ness. Situations of violence fered abuse from the hands and abuse exist in families of adults and its impact is in virtually every congrega- becoming visible. There is tion; tragically, no church or also a growing recognition of community is exempt. Chris- the impact of violence on tian families and communi- the mental and physical ties are not immune to any health and well-being of kind of violence. children throughout their The church is therefore lives. challenged to listen to the We usually blame the Gov- stories of victims and survi- vors and assist in giving guid-

Baptist News, October - December 2013 17 ance to those church mem- abuse in church facilities and bers experiencing domestic programs. The church from violence and sexual abuse time to time should under- especially children. The take new programs ecumeni- church should not only be a cally or as part of a commu- sanctuary for spiritual re- nity association. There is treat but a refuge for people also a need for peer support who are hurting and a place groups for spouses, adults of healing and comfort. It who were sexually abused as should provide a platform children, and for rape vic- for addressing these issues. tims. A trained resource per- Christians should be in fore- son or professional counse- front voicing out against lor should be appointed for these issues like domestic essential counseling and violence and sexual abuse. assistances for any children The church should create a or church members needing climate of openness, accep- assistance. The church as tance, and safety that en- whole should re-examine, courages victims to speak of and change if necessary, their pain and seek relief and scriptural and theological healing. The clergy and lay messages, cultures, and tra- church leaders need to work ditions that legalize violence along with the community or abuse. agencies or Non Governmen- Violence of any form is al- tal Organizations (NGO) on ways spiritually destructive. prevention strategies and to It threatens self-respect and provide for the physical, mutual trust, giving rise to emotional, and spiritual feelings of personal and so- needs of children, victims, cial powerlessness. Violence offenders, and other family destroys our human capac- members. There should also ity to create and transform be policies and procedures community, both interper- for keeping children and vul- sonal and political. Our call, nerable adults safe from therefore, as a church should

18 Baptist News, October - December 2013 be to end violence of any kind whether in public or pri- vate domain. The church must be the centre of breaking the silence against any kind of injustice or violence exist- ing in the church or the society. No violence against chil- dren or be it anybody women or adult is justifiable. Vio- lence against weaker group of people is preventable but it all need to start by addressing factors that give rise to violence and taking measures to ensure the safety of the victims. We the churches in Northeast India especially churches under CBCNEI should be a platform for creating awareness of violence and children abuse in any form. The Baptist churches need to take measures in their respective parish for child development and protection for in doing so we are in the process of building tomorrow’s church, society and nation.

(Endnotes) 1 a Syriac or Aramaic expression, meaning, “Little maid, arise.” 2 http://www.childlineindia.org.in/child-abuse-child-violence-india.htm, as browsed on Nov 27, 2013 3 http://www.stopvaw.org/violence_against_the_girl_child, as browsed on Nov 27, 2013 4 http://www.childlineindia.org.in/child-abuse-child-violence-india.htm, as browsed on Nov 27, 2013

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” - Margaret Mead

Baptist News, October - December 2013 19 A Devotional: My Favorite Things

Karen O’Kelley Allen, a certified Clinical Research Professional, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Alabama, USA www.confrontingcancerwithfaith.com

The song “My Favorite places on the Christmas Things” can be heard during tree. The goal was to find it the Christmas season with thus giving the privilege to its words of winter imagery. the finder to be the one to It refers to simple things in hide it again. It was like life like “raindrops on roses, “Christmas ornament hide- whiskers on kittens, bright and-seek.” copper kettles, and warm Another favorite thing was woolen mittens.” The song sugar cookies. My mother spurred me to think about used a handed-down recipe some of my favorite child- to make dozens and dozens hood Christmas memories. of sugar cookies which we And like the song, they were decorated with colored ic- simple things. ing. The kitchen and den One “favorite thing” was a would be covered in cookie silly game my sisters and I dough, flour, and bowls of used to play involving a plas- icing. We cranked out tic candy cane. It was the snowmen, wreaths, rein- only candy cane ornament deer, bells, and holly with we had so we took delight green, white, blue, red, and in hiding it in different yellow icing. My younger sis-

20 Baptist News, October - December 2013 ter Nancy would haphazardly trek the steep mountainside squirt icing all over the where we lived so the car- cookies with little regard to oling party was brought in- color or shape while my side. Although not as much older sister Elaine was more fun for us kids, it was still methodical in design, color enjoyable. I became the des- sensibility, and cookie ap- ignated organist for our in- peal. I helped wherever doors Christmas sing-a-long. needed. Our sugar cookie I enjoyed the chance to production quickly became show off some of our home a tradition that continues to organ’s unique sound effects. this day some fifty years Gradually we enhanced the later. party with drama and read- Another favorite was the ings. My father would pro- annual O’Kelley caroling vide historical information party. My father served as on the carols we sang but host since it was his idea quite frankly, it was desper- (according to my mother). ately boring. The drama in- Families were invited to go volved my sisters and I act- caroling around our neigh- ing out “’Twas the Night Be- borhood and enjoy refresh- fore Christmas” using either ments afterwards. Of course a hillbilly, Irish, or a Louisi- refreshments consisted of ana Cajun version. sugar cookies, hot choco- The O’Kelley caroling party late, and cider. What fun it was an anticipated sing-a- was to cozy up in our win- long event for many. When ter coats, scarves, and my father died, we dedi- gloves and seethe smiles on cated one last Christmas car- familiar faces as we stood oling party in his memory. It shivering and singing. Over was well attended as we time it became too difficult celebrated Jesus’ birth and for my father and others to my father’s life.

Baptist News, October - December 2013 21 As reported by Khursheed Alam, Secretary, Assamese Christian Fellowship (ACF)

Assamese Christian Fellow- 2005 with six children and ship (ACF) was founded by at present there are 20 chil- some Assamese young Chris- dren. The Home accommo- tians intending to spread the dated children who are un- good news of Jesus in Assam. derprivileged and victims of ACF started two projects: human-made or natural ca- Grace Children Home and lamities in Assam and North Grace English Academy East India. They also shelter (GEA) on its own premise at children who are robbed of Singimary village, Nowgaon, their tender parental love Assam. and care, and forced to live GCH has been the project of in misery. Grace Orphan Assamese Christian Fellow- Home aims to provide shel- ship since 2005. From the ter to such children, making very beginning, GCH also has a difference in their lives been a pioneer rehabilitation with a touch of divine love center for the poor, orphans and tenderness. They have and destitute children. four Bighas of Myadi land be- Grace Orphan Home was es- longing to ACF from where tablished at Singimari in they serve the entire com-

22 Baptist News, October - December 2013 munity of Singimary, Uttar A three day Awakening Pro- Ameri, Borkok and Rajagaon gram was organized at and some other nearby vil- Singimari Baptist Church. lages through various pro- Many women of this village grams. Here are a few of benefited from this pro- them: gram. Along with this pro- Awareness Program cum gram, a parent’s meet also Free Medical Camp was organized. Mrs.Binita Health Family awareness Rai from Guwahati helped in program is conducted twice the training. in a year at the Grace Chil- Children’s Program dren Home premise. Dr. On 21st and 22nd September Sanjib Barua and Dr. 2013 a two day awareness Jayashree Hanse Borah help program was held for the treat the children and also children of Grace Academy. the village people free of There were 60 students who cost. Dr. SanjibBarua, who held the program. Mrs. Benu is the Advisor of the Home, Pradhan from Shillong and visits the Home at least two Miss Chaya Momin from times and more if necessary. Guwahati both representa- He gives free health check- tives from Priscilla Center, ups to inmates and village Guwahati, helped the chil- people. Dr. Joyshree Hanse dren in singing, encouraging, Borah (the Medical Advisor) dancing, playing and lots of from Guwahati visits the games. home from time to time. Prayer Need of the Home Summer Training Program 20thApril 2013 just before the

Baptist News, October - December 2013 23 Home’s 8th Foundation Day celebration, on a heavy storm affected the compound. The whole building collapsed and fell to the ground. Yet with God’s grace, the members of the home prayerfully prepared for the Foundation Day. Many well wishers came forward and support the Home with their prayers and material things. We are in prayer that God will supply our needs according to His richest bless- ings. After the damage, the rebuilding has begun but they are not able to complete the building because of the finan- cial constraints. The children are at the moment studying in the classroom without walls and roof. The Home needs continuous prayer, cooperation and financial supports in their strife for helping children in need.

We know that the outcasts and misfits are the children most likely to become violent, so it only follows that we must pull them into the arms of love and/or acceptance, and find a place where they fit. If our system doesn’t have a place where a child fits, there’s something wrong with the system, not the child. - WILLIAM G. DEFOORE, Anger

24 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Oriental Theological Seminary Nagaland Baptist Church Council

Being Transformed to Transform Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) is a graduate institution of higher learning and is committed to the lordship of Jesus Christ, academic excellence, and ministry formation. The vision of OTS is to nurture Christian leaders for postmodern as well as developing contexts towards intellectual proficiency, theological coherence, and practical efficiency.

PROGRAMS OF STUDIES Master of Divinity Degree (M.Div): Three-Year Program The M.Div degree is the core program of the seminary and is designed for academic competency and professional ministry. The M.Div program is tailored for students with a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized institution.

Master in Ministry Degree (M.Min): Two-Year Program The M.Min degree is a professional course of studies for those who have already earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree from a recognized institution.

Master of Theology in Inter-Disciplinary Studies (M.Th - IDS): Two-Year Degree Program The M.Th (IDS) degree is a two-year advanced program with an M.Div/B.D degree as its pre-requisite.

2014-15 Admissions Information: Interview Round I – April 29, 2014 Interview Round II – June 17, 2014 ______

Contact: Oriental Theological Seminary Post Box – 64 Bade, Dimapur 797 112 Nagaland, India eMail: [email protected] Contact: +91-96157-77986 / 96158-51944 / 98563-29375 website: www.otsnagaland.org

Baptist News, October - December 2013 25 “The Promised Seed” Genesis 3:8-19

Rev Dr Jolly Rimai, Mission Secretary, CBCNEI

Galatians 4:4-5 But when God made human beings, the fullness of the time male and female, in His im- had come, God sent forth age. He gave human beings His Son, born of a woman, dominion over His creation, born under the law, to re- over all of the created or- deem those who were un- der, to act as His steward. der the law, that we might He gave human beings the receive the adoption as blessing of fellowshipping sons. with the living God, of be- ing the representative of the Who started Christmas? Who living God in the world. He planned Christmas? The has blessed man with a com- above verse tells us God has panion and with the gift of been “Waiting for the right marriage. He has told man time.” How long has God through this marriage to fill waited for the right time? the earth. He placed them Understanding Genesis is in a beautiful garden which foundational for celebrating He has planted. Christmas. Our Christmas But, as you will remember, celebration becomes more in Genesis 3:1-7, Adam and meaningful if we know the Eve chose to disobey God. “Why Christmas?” God said the day you eat of God created the world; this fruit you will die. Yet 26 Baptist News, October - December 2013 they ate and they were pain you shall bring forth separated from God. It was children; Your desire shall an act of faithlessness; an act be for your husband, And he of refusal to believe the shall rule over you.” 17 Then word of God. Adam did not to Adam He said, “Because believe in God’s word. He you have heeded the voice had no idea what it would of your wife, and have take to undo the act. He had eaten from the tree of life no idea what it will cost God which I commanded you, by his disobedience. saying, ‘You shall not eat of Christmas is a redemptive it:’ “Cursed is the ground act. It is a reclamation pro- for your sake; In toil you cess, it is an act of salva- shall eat of it All the days 18 tion, and we need to know of your life. Both thorns that it is reclaiming from the and thistles it shall bring curse. forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19

Genesis 3:14-19 So the In the sweat of your face LORD God said to the ser- you shall eat bread till you pent: “Because you have return to the ground, For done this, You are cursed out of it you were taken; more than all cattle, And For dust you are, And to more than every beast of dust you shall return.” the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat I. The problem: Original sin dust All the days of your disrupts divine-human fel- life.15 And I will put enmity lowship and human rela- between you and the tions woman, And between your The things that come along seed and her Seed; He shall with this original sin are bruise your head, And you spelled out for us in verses shall bruise His heel.” 16 To 8-13. There we see the sepa- the woman He said: “I will ration between human be- greatly multiply your sor- ing and God. Verses 1-7 Sa- row and your conception; In Baptist News, October - December 2013 27 tan came to the woman in Tim.2:14). It was an act of verse 1 and challenged God’s rebellion. The good God word: “Has God said, ‘You gave Adam everything that shall not eat from any tree he had, but Adam decided of the garden?” Satan’s im- to rebel against Him. plication to the woman is Isn’t it interesting that when that God is being Eve turns to Adam and she unreasonable. His assertion takes the fruit, she gave it to the woman is that God is to him and said “take and not good - ‘How could a eat.” He ate and the world good God withhold anything was under curse. from you?’ The devil is plant- ing a seed of doubt in her Thousands of years later heart as to whether God is Jesus sat around the table, good. And then he comes and He will say to His dis- back with a great challenge ciples, “Take, eat, this is My and said in verse 4, “You body offered for you.” This shall not die!” He directly reversed the curse. contradicts the word of II. The consequences: God. He basically says ‘Your God’s words to the woman God is a liar! That won’t hap- in verse 16: “I will greatly pen!’ So, first God’s good- multiply your pain in child- ness is called into question, birth; in pain you will bring and then His word is called forth children.” into question. And then to Adam He says And where is Adam in all in verse 17, this? In verse 6, the woman just turns around...he’s right “Because you have listened there. to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the Paul tells us that Eve was tree about which I com- genuinely deceived in this manded you, saying, ‘You case; Adam knew exactly shall not eat from it;’ Cursed what he was doing (1 is the ground because of you;

28 Baptist News, October - December 2013 in toil you will eat of it all word to Satan in verse 15: the days of your life. Both “And I will put enmity be- thorns and thistles it shall tween you and the woman, grow for you.” and between your seed and Third, they were chased out her seed.” from the garden/ separated Christmas was planned by from God. Vs 23-24 God on the day human be- It is for this reason we sing, ing disobed Him. He prom- “Joy to the World.” Re- ised a Seed from the member the stanza that woman, not man because goes, Jesus has no earthly father, but needs a mother to be “No more let sins and sor- born in this world. rows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; IV. What cost God for Adam’s disobedience? He comes to make His bless- ings flow as far as the curse - His son!!! Have you is found.” ever imagined how much God’s heart must have been It is God in His redeeming broken knowing that He is grace and mercy reversing sending His son to DIE? the consequences, the ef- fects, of Adam’s sin. Adam’s Christmas is a defeat to sin brings curse; thorns and Satan, thistles into the earth: a joy for human race, Christ’s work reverses the and a heart break for God. effect of Adam’s sin. He is the second, faithful, Adam. Let us be always be re- minded of this as we pre- III. The solution: The prom- pare for Christmas. God ise Seed bless you. Amen. What’s the solution? The solution comes in God’s

Baptist News, October - December 2013 29 Children of Alcoholic Parents

Rev Namsang R Marak, Faculty, Harding Theological College, Tura

The impact of alcoholism is of alcoholism. measured by its effect on People who have a family the alcoholic such as, ab- history of alcoholism or who sence at work place, road themselves suffer from a fatalities etc. New research mental health problem such concentrates on the impact as anxiety, depression, or of alcoholism on family, es- bipolar disorder are particu- pecially the children of al- larly at risk, because alco- coholics. Studies have re- hol may be used for self- ported on the family trans- medication. mission of alcoholism. It has Howard Clinebell wonders, been shown that alcoholics if genetic factors played a have more biological rela- significant role for the vul- tives with an alcohol prob- nerability to alcoholism. He lem than do non-alcoholics. states that the incidence of Furthermore, these people alcoholism and other chemi- have a higher probability for cal dependencies among developing alcoholism ear- children of alcoholics is far lier in their lives, and expe- higher than the children of riencing more severe effects 30 Baptist News, October - December 2013 non-alcoholics.1 Caruso also consequences for alcoholics claims that the children of and the people of their lives alcoholic parents are four which are discussed as un- times more likely than other der. children to become alcohol- Effects on the Family ics and that the earlier a person starts drinking, the Alcoholism is also known as higher their chances of de- a family disease. An alco- pendency.2 holic can totally disrupt fam- ily life and cause long last- There is no doubt that chil- ing harmful. Alcoholism is re- dren of alcoholics are par- sponsible for more family ticularly vulnerable to alco- problems than any other holism and other addiction. single cause. According to H. Transmission of alcoholism Silverstein, one of every from parents to children four families has problems would seem to be question with alcohol. Each member of social learning rather than of the family may be af- hereditary. Obviously the fected by alcohol differ- emotionally depriving, cha- ently.3 otic atmosphere of the ad- dicted family systems pro- Family and marital problems duces high rates of alcohol- often start because of alco- ism. However, the social/ holism, but spouses and chil- peer pressures of young dren may also contribute to drinking also should not be the drinker’s habit and make overlooked. it worse. Some of the fami- lies allow heavy drinking to 1. Effects of Alcoholism continue rather than deal The risk factors of alcohol- with serious family problems ism include social environ- and keep the habit going in ment, stress, mental health, exchange for keeping the genetic predisposition, age, family together. Family ethnic group, and sex. Alco- members use denial to ratio- holism has profound social nalize the drinker’s alcohol

Baptist News, October - December 2013 31 dependency. In the begin- excuses to his or her boss, ning, denial is understand- teacher, or friends. An en- able because every family abler lies for the alcoholic, loves and wants to protect and thus encourages the al- its members, but there coholic to continue drinking. comes a time when denial Alcohol affects each mem- negatively affects family ber of the family-from the members. When family unborn child to the members deny the obvious alcoholic’s spouse. Treat- and refuse to look for help, ment is complicated and of- their behaviour can trigger ten is not completely suc- multiple emotional problems cessful. in the children of the fam- Effects on Children ily. Children are the unwilling According to Silverstein, victims of a disease called members of alcoholic’s fami- alcoholism which generally lies very often become co- is the centre of their child- dependent. Co-dependency hood existence, and there- is an unconscious addiction fore shapes their personal- to another person’s abnormal ity and behaviour as adults. behaviour. Silverstein Alcoholism is a disease of stresses that unknowingly, denial, that is, those suffer- co-dependent family mem- ing from it often refuse to bers often become admit they are affected by “enablers.” Silverstein de- it. Alcoholics with a long his- fines an enabler as “a per- tory of family alcoholism son who unknowingly helps have more severe symptoms the alcoholic by denying the and more social problems drinking problem exists and versus those families with- helping the alcoholic to get out a history of family alco- out of troubles caused by his holism. Parents in such a situ- 4 drinking.” For example an ation tend to insist to their enabler will clean up the children that their alcoholic alcoholic’s vomit and make

32 Baptist News, October - December 2013 symptoms are neither seri- social skills. They are often ous nor permanent in nature. impulsive, poorly coordi- Many alcoholics authentically nated, and have impaired believe that their alcohol- speech and hearing. FAS and ism is hidden. Unfortunately, its effects are permanent, the impact on children from often leading to lifelong families with an alcoholic problems with mental retar- parent is both enduring and dation.6 direct. Consequently, the Berger further explains that children of alcoholic parents children of alcoholics more are confronted with various often have problems in 5 dilemmas. schools. Often these children G. Berger warns that paren- have difficulty in establish- tal alcoholism may affect the ing relationships with teach- foetus even before a child ers and classmates. Some is born. According to him, in children of alcoholics have pregnant women, alcohol is such behavioural problems carried to all of the mother’s as lying, stealing, fighting, organs and tissues, including and absenteeism.7 These the placenta, where it eas- children tend to drop out of ily crosses through the mem- school voluntarily in large brane separating the mater- numbers than any other nal and foetal blood systems. group of children. This has A pregnant woman who con- been especially the situation sumes alcohol during her with affected male children pregnancy may give birth to of alcoholic parents. It has a baby with Foetal Alcohol been reported that, they Syndrome (FAS). Children have had significantly more with FAS have difficulties in suspensions from school, learning, attention span, poorer academic and social judgment, memory, prob- performance in school, and lem-solving, and frequent more anti-social behaviour.8 behaviour problems. They Children of alcoholic par- may also have problems with

Baptist News, October - December 2013 33 ents, also have a greater in- didn’t provide them with cidence of problems with basic children’s needs.10 alcohol and substance abuse Thus, the entire family is, in themselves in later life. This fact, engaged in a struggle leads to a greater risk of to control an uncontrollable developing not only emo- situation. As a result, the tional problems but physical methods utilized by affected problems as well. Adult chil- children to cope with their dren of alcoholics often parent’s alcoholism initiates don’t relate their problems a variety of behaviour to having grown up in a fam- which inevitably proceeds ily with an alcoholic parent. into adulthood. Very often, Some adult children of alco- these adults do not relate holics have problems with their problems to having abuse of and difficulty in es- grown up with an alcoholic tablishing healthy, reward- parent. They become de- ing, long-term relationships pressed and dissatisfied with with spouse and others.9 life, without understanding They are frequently failures why.11 In the end alcoholism as parents themselves, often is a very serious disease make poor career choices, which must not be taken and almost all adult children lightly. Alcoholism affects of alcoholics have a nega- many people and the fami- tive self-image. They find lies of those people, both difficulty facing reality, directly and indirectly. traceable to early family ex- Violence in the Family periences. Crime and violence are as- Adult children of alcoholics sociated with alcoholism. often have feelings of Incest and battering are com- worthlessness and failure. mon in alcoholics’ families. They also may have prob- There are cases of father- lems with family responsibil- daughter incest and domes- ity because their alcoholic tic violence, involving a parent was irresponsible and

34 Baptist News, October - December 2013 family member who is an al- spent on alcohol and also coholic. Incest and battering possible joblessness. Alco- victims often blame them- holism is a major factor of selves for what has hap- premature widowhood and pened. Because they feel so also is one of the major rea- guilty, ashamed, and help- sons for divorce.13 less, they themselves may Conclusion turn to drinking as the way to escape the pain.12 Alcoholism is a serious dis- ease in which people have Effects on the Spouses an overwhelming desire for Alcoholism also has negative the mental and physical ef- effects on the spouse of an fects of drinking alcoholic alcoholic. The spouse may beverages. Alcohol is one of have feelings of hatred, self- the most widely used drugs pity, avoidance of social in the history of the world. contacts, may suffer exhaus- People with alcoholism, who tion and become physically are called alcoholics, feel a or mentally ill. According to strong, continuing urge to Berger very often the spouse drink. A person with alcohol- has to perform the roles of ism may be anyone-what- both parents. Family respon- ever his or her age, sex, sibilities shift from two par- vocation, or social status- ents to one parent. As a re- whose use of alcohol causes sult, the non-alcoholic par- a continuing problem in any ent may be inconsistent, de- area of his or her living; his manding, and often neglect or her marriage, job, health the children. Having finan- or self-esteem. Even though cial difficulties is another drinking damages things that issue that families of alco- are important to him or her, holics have to deal with. one continues to drink, The family may have to give showing that he or she has up certain privileges because lost, to some degree, his or of the large amount of money her ability to control his or

Baptist News, October - December 2013 35 her use of alcohol. (End notes) 1 Howard Clinebell, Understanding and Counseling Persons with Alcohol, Drug, and Behav- ioral Addiction, 57. 2 Kevin Caruso, “Causes of Alcoholism” @Alcoholism Info.com.org. 10th October, 2010. 3H. Silverstein, Alcoholism (New York: Franklin Watts,1990),65. 4 H. Silverstein, Alcoholism, 65. 5 www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am... Child-Of-An-Alcoholic/58576... 6 G. Berger, Alcoholism and the Family (New York: Franklin Watts, 1993), 37. 7 G. Berger, Alcoholism and the Family, 75. 8 www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am... Child-Of-An-Alcoholic/58576... 9 www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am... Child-Of-An-Alcoholic/58576... 10 G. Berger, Alcoholism and the Family , 67. 11 www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am... Child-Of-An-Alcoholic/58576... 12 G. Victor Roch, S.J. & V. Lawrence Benedict, S.J, ‘Alcoholism: From the Culture of Addiction to a Culture of Recovery- Role and Response of the Church’ in Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, 697-698. 13 G. Berger, Alcoholism and the Family, 13.

36 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Sponsor a Child North East India Committee on Relief & Development (NEICORD)

As reported by Butesen Ozukum, Communication Officer, NEICORD Email: [email protected]

NEICORD initiated and start- of the people irrespective ed the Child Sponsorship of caste, creed, color or re- Program in 2010. It was ligion. launched on 1st December, The vulnerabilities of chil- 2010 by Late Rev. Dr. I. Ben dren and their exposure to Wati, who was the Found- violation of rights in differ- ing Board Chairman of NEI- ent forms is not a new phe- CORD at that time. NEICORD nomenon especially to the as an organization has been Indian context. We think and involved in providing differ- talk about all these realities ent relief during and after as if it is happening in some disasters as well as organiz- other corner in India. How- ing, training and mobilizing ever, the status of children different community devel- even in the North Eastern opment programs in differ- states is not very encourag- ent parts of North East India ing. Five of our North East- since its inception. The or- ern States are at the bottom ganization engages in all list of EDI (Educational De- these activities with the velopment Index). The hun- hope of reinstating the lives ger index in some of the Baptist News, October - December 2013 37 North Eastern States is high- important role. Taking the er than that of all India av- concerns of community de- erage which is 44%. An av- velopment and with the be- erage of 70.5% out of every lief that the development of 1000 children in Meghalaya a community is very closely dies within a year. Accord- related with the develop- ing to the 8th July, 2013 ‘Tele- ment of a child, NEICORD graph’ Assam has been includ- has taken this noble cause of ed among the top eight In- sponsoring children. dian states for the highest Most of these Children are number of children being referred to as ‘Invisible Chil- trafficked for employment as dren.’ Many of these children forced laborers. expressed their desire to be When talking about child in school with proper cloth- trafficking and child labor, ing. These children are si- we always cite poverty as lently suffering and dying the underlying cause. With- unnoticed, not being able to out denying the fact that come out of their poor en- poverty is an important fac- vironment and abject pov- tor, other factors such as so- erty. It was painful to hear cial exclusion and lack of the stories of young moth- quality education also play an ers who see their children

38 Baptist News, October - December 2013 helplessly die from different ilies to have healthy, bright curable diseases due to pov- and smiling children in their erty. With all these convic- homes. tions, NECORD started find- NEICORD approach individ- ing individual and corporate uals, churches and different sponsors who had the heart groups either through per- to help these children after sonal contact or through the hearing their stories. Churches or through differ- Currently NEICORD is help- ent programs of NEICORD, to ing children from two com- come forward and help munities in Brynihat area and these children. As of now, three communities in East there are two types of spon-

Khasi Hills. The main objec- sorship: Sponsor a child by tive of the program is to donating Rs. 700 per month, connect the poor and the or give a one-time donation needy children of these ar- of any amount. By opting to eas with concerned groups sponsor a child, NEICORD to ensure quality growth of connects the sponsor with the child and to enable fam- the Child that he/she is

Baptist News, October - December 2013 39 sponsoring by giving updates who attend free schools), about the child’s education gifts on occasions like the and health status from time child’s birthday, children’s to time. NEICORD also orga- day and Christmas. Along nizes timely visits to these with these, certain amounts sponsored children and tell are also set aside to provide them about their sponsors. medical help for the child NEICORD encourages them to in case of sicknesses. The one take hold of the opportuni- time donations are spent in ty of having someone with organizing different pro- a generous heart to help grams like free medical them and study hard. NEI- camps for the communities CORD also encourages the in general, programs for children to write letters teaching songs to the com- send it to their sponsors. The munity children, programs amount of Rs. 700/- is used on teaching basic hygienic for the monthly education habits for the community fees of the children either children, programs where in the form of school fees we bring all the children to- or tuition fees (for children gether and let them play

40 Baptist News, October - December 2013 games and open up them- and are looking forward to selves, etc. The amount is expanding their horizons to also used to provide school wider communities. uniforms and books for needy Through this program NEI- children. CORD provides ample op- With the generous contribu- portunities for individuals, tion of different individuals organizations, and Church and groups, NEICORD has based groups like Sunday been able to organize free school groups, youth groups, medical camps for all the etc., to extend their help- identified communities in ing hand to our own broth- the past 2-3 years. NEICORD ers and sisters who are not has also been able to orga- experiencing the same joy nize different programs for of living with the facilities all the children in general for and comfort that we are en- each identified communi- joying today. There are ties. NEICORD also connect many more communities in a lot of individuals and North East India who needs groups to different children help like the other commu- and have been helping those nities and it depends on gen- individuals and groups in ed- erous people like you and ucating the sponsored chil- me to reach out to them. dren. It has tremendous tes- If you are also willing to be timonies of children whose one among the sponsors or academic results have im- donors, NEICORD is always proved tremendously after willing to lend you a helping being introduced to dedicat- hand in getting in touch with ed tuition teachers with the these children. You are al- help of the sponsors. NEI- ways welcomed to just give CORD is creating rays of a call or send a mail to the hope in the midst of hope- NEICORD office. lessness to many children

Baptist News, October - December 2013 41 Ebenezer Orphanage Home (EOH) (ANATH ASHRAM) INDUSTRIAL VILLAGE RAZHUPHE Near DC court, Dimapur-Nagaland

tered under the society Act of 1860. It is run by Mr. Akum Amri a Hindustan Bible College, Chennai graduate. He is married with two children of his own one boy and one girl. Ebenezer Orphanage Home The main Aim and Objective established in 2005 is an or- of the Home is to provide phanage that endows free an object oriented scheme shelter, food, clothes and for the orphans, destitute school education to orphans and Under-privileged chil- and under-privileged chil- dren and monitor them till dren without any distinction they are self sufficient or and discrimination about independent. The Home is their religion, caste or also a centre for providing, tribe/ community. Ebenezer promoting and advocating Orphanage Home is promot- loving nurturing care with a ed and run under the aegis home like environment to of Ebenezer Welfare Soci- the children. ety, a non-profit charitable organization. Ebenezer Wel- The children at the Eben- fare Society is duly regis- ezer Orphanage Home are 42 Baptist News, October - December 2013 taught spoken English, Music, Games & sport. They are also trained to do manual duties and a sense of Dignity of Labor by timely selling of homemade food stuff. The children are also giv- en exposure to church and society by visitation of different churches and there are 22 children. The places by presenting song, youngest is studying in Class- choreography, skit, drama A and the eldest in Class-9. etc. The home also has a Continue to pray for the well quipped Library where Children the children could read and learn from different books Pray for the good health of and magazines. the children. There are many children in Pray for all the child spon- the streets and homes but sors and well-wishers that Ebenezer Orphanage Home God will continue to bless targets on mainly on the Or- them and they will be able phans, Semi- orphans, and to continue to their sponsor- Children widows deserted ship. by their families, Children of Pray for the good health of ex-prisoners and Children all the teachers and staff that victims of terrorist violence. they will be able to give Ebenezer Orphanage Home better service. from its humble vision of Contacts: serving the children have 9436074025, 9774168678, helped and empowered 9856125425, 9615471961 eMail:[email protected] many children. Presently

Baptist News, October - December 2013 43 Note of Gratitude by Rev Dr Jolly Rimai, Mission Secretary, Mission Department, CBCNEI

The Mission Department, CBCNEI, expresses deep felt gratitude to the following sponsoring bodies, individuals, Churches and Fellowships for their generous support towards mission work:

Ø Yikhum Baptist Church Wokha Ø Rongkhon Songgital Baptist Church, New Tura – 794101, Meghalaya. Ø Dakkopgre Baptist Church, New Tura – 794101, Meghalaya. Ø Naga Christian Fellowship Guwahati, Assam. Ø Naga Christian Fellowship Shillong, Meghalaya. Ø Ms. Amy Register Ø Dr. Dave Register Ø Mr. Mungshum Ngemu Ø SABAK Aizuto Ø Manipur Baptist Convention Ø International Ministries Ø CLC Ministries

We deeply appreciate their concern for God’s Mission through sponsoring the Evangelists of CBCNEI. May the good Lord bless them more so that they continue to be involved in mission.

44 Baptist News, October - December 2013 News Clippings

Women Seminar held at seminar was graced with a SBC Sugar Mill, WSBAK blessing from Rev. S. Luhevi (Sept 14) Jimomi, Pastor, followed by A Seminar for Women was an inaugural note from Toka- organized by the Sümi Bap- to K. Yeptho, Associate Pas- tist Church, Sugar Mill (SBC- tor which kicked off the day SM) There were about 200 long discussion on “The Role who participated in the of Women.” Altogether seminar which included the there were three sessions resource persons, volunteers for the day seminar. The first and program officials. The session was led by Mrs. Ka-

Baptist News, October - December 2013 45 kheli I. Jimomi, Associate Karbi - Rengma Peace Con- Pastor,Women of the Di- sultation Meeting mapur Sümi Baptist Akukuhou (Sept 19) who spoke on the topic “The It was held at West Diphu Role of Women in the Fami- Towa Baptist Church, jointly ly.” The second session was organized by CBCNEI & led by Dr. S. Akatoli Chishi, KABC. The followings are Lecturer, Trinity Theological the proceeding of the Meet- College who presented a ing: paper on “The Role of Wom- (1) The meeting was pre- en in the Church and Soci- sided by Mr. Bernard K. ety.” The third session was Marak, Executive Secretary led by Dr. Khelito K. Zhimo, of Kamrup Asomiya Baptist District Tuberculosis Officer, Sobha Dimapur who spoke on the topic “The Role of Women (2) Object of the meeting in Maintaining Family was shared by Mr. Atungo Health.” She encouraged the Shitri, Secretary of Peace & participants to be aware of Justice, CBCNEI different health schemes (3) Overview of present provided by the government situation between Karbi & free of cost under National Rengma in Karbi Anglong was Rural Health Mission (NHRM). shared by Rev. D. Ingti, Re- The seminar concluded with gional Secretary of KABC a vote of thanks from Kiye- (4) Open platform for at- shi Bohoto, Women Leader. tendees to openly share con- The Women Department cerns. After prolong sharing conveys its gratitude to the from various speakers the Board of Deacons for orga- house decided to form a nizing and sponsoring the committee through CBCNEI. seminar. This is a mutual committee comprised of members from the Western Rengma Baptist Association and the Nihang

46 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Karbi Baptist Association. Serving in Mission in North Together they will study the East India (SIM-NEI) orga- ground reality of the conflict nized a mission partnership that has risen between the consultation under the theme Karbi & Rengma. Represen- “Together in the Gospel of tatives will travel to differ- Christ” (Phil. 1:27) at CBC- ent villages and call for NEI, Conference hall in Gu- peace among them. Addi- wahati. Altogether 60 dele- tionally, they will appeal to gates attended the consulta- extremist in order to reduce tion representing different violence and create peace among them. CBCNEI Jus- tice & Peace Department has provided `10,000 to each associa- tion for travel ex- penses. The committee will provide CBCNEI a fol- mission agencies and the low up report within two churches of north east India. weeks of their visits. The resource persons were Rev. Dr. J. Huoplien, Rev. Dr. Jolly Rimai, Rev. Dr.Laiu Fachhai, Mr. Neiwete Mission Partnership Consul- Chirhah, and Rev. W.C. tation, Assam 2013 Report Khongwir. (Sept 25-26 ) The North East India Chris- The consultation was gra- tian Council (NEICC) in part- ciously hosted by CBCNEI. nership with CBCNEI and The program began with a

Baptist News, October - December 2013 47 devotional thought shared Partnership. The delegates by Rev. Dr. Huoplien Neith- also participated at the end am, president of NEICC fol- of every session with a lowed by a keynote address thought out discussion and in- by Rev. Dr. Jolly Rimai, Mis- teractions. The consultation sion Secy, CBCNEI. Laiu Fach- ended well with a unanimous hai, the director of SIMNEI, goodwill partnership decla- presented papers on three ration followed by a valedic- different sessions on the tory service conducted by topic; the Biblical basis for Rev. W.C.Khongwir, Ex. Com partnership, practical ways Member, NEICC. of partnership, and partner- ship between mission orga- nization and planted church- es. Of all he pointed out the Lewis Memorial Hostel indispensability of ministry Boys for Transformation and relationships to bear (Sept 29 - Oct 2) fruit in partnering mission. The Lewis Memorial Hostel The deputy director of SIM- Boys for Transformation NEI, Mr. Neiwete also pre- program was held at Mission sented a resourceful paper Compound. The speakers on the principles and prac- were : Mr Gibson Marak, Mr tices of partnership among Putisen and Mr Senti mission organization partic- longkumer. On the whole ularly in Assam. Another sig- the program was successful. nificant event of the consul- tation was the part- nership declaration and the for- mation of the Assam mission

48 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Lewis Memorial Hostel on youth ministry for the Ministry SPORTS MEET Council’s constituent areas (Oct 10 - 12) and resolved to organize a Lewis Memorial Hostel youth fest biannually or tri- Ministry Sports Meet was ennially. In the meeting it held here at Mission was decided that in the sec- Compound. The entire ond week of October, 2014, three days youth carnival will be or- ganized at ETC, Jorhat as it will be vacation period of the college. The program highlight will include work- shops and semi- hostel was divided into four nars relating to youth issues, groups namely: Joshua, music, games among others. Nehemia, Daniel and Joel. The Nehemiah group won the overall championship. During the sports Tug of War Sundays School Teachers’ was the most exciting Training feature. (Oct 21-25) In partnership with CBM In- ternational Ministry New Youth Ministry Zealand, The Mission Depart- (Oct 17) ment, CBCNEI, has con- As per the Council’s Execu- ducted the Sunday School tive Meeting decision to or- Teachers’ Training program ganize a youth festival a successfully for the third meeting of youth secretar- time. Altogether 41 partici- ies and leaders was held at pants from six conventions CBCNEI. The discussion was committed to the five days

Baptist News, October - December 2013 49 training program. Hugh graphs. The trainers also en- Dickey and Jean Morley, CBM courage the involvement of trainer and expert, with the church leaders especially their rich experiences and men as they are the key vast knowledge of children’s people in making policy of ministry taught the lessons the church that has its im- skillfully. pact on children’s ministry. The participants learned the The training program was basic theology of children’s helpful to all the participants ministry, use of visual aids, as it is designed to benefit children’s songs and discov- both the amateur as well as ered the art of storytelling experienced teachers. At to make the gospel more at- the end of the week, most tractive to children. The of the participants expressed trainees actively partici- their gratitude saying it was pated in all the activities their first time to receive such as group discussion, such a helpful training. Along- games, and making of visual side with them were a few aid particularly flannel

50 Baptist News, October - December 2013 experienced teachers and church lead- ers who have gained new in- sights. At the end of the training, each of them committed hosted the event very suc- themselves to benefit oth- cessfully. Around 260 del- ers from what they have egates attended the Confer- learned. The training pro- ence. Rev Dr A. K. Lama, gram concluded with a mes- General Secretary, CBCNEI; sage from Rev. Dr. A.K. Mrs. Alongla P Aier, Lecturer, Lama, General Secretary, OTS; and Dr Narola Imchen CBCNEI, followed by a cer- Lecturer, ETC were the re- tificate distribution cer- source persons. Mrs. Jaksil A emony. Sangma, Pastor, GBC led the Bible Study. Mr Mukul Rai, President, ABC exhorted the gathering. On Sunday, Dr. A. K. Lama dedicated the new th 5 Conference of the Bap- officers of BWNEI. The new tist Women’s Fellowship of office bearers of BWNEI are: North East India (BWNEI) President: Rev Ms. Narola Ao, (Nov 1-3) Vice president: Ms Florina D. The Baptist Women Fellow- Shira, Secretary: Ms ship of North East India met Lhingboi Kipgen, Joint Sec- th for its 5 Annual Conference retary: Ms Mibom Dirchi; at Nagaon Baptist Church, Treasurer: Mrs Melicent D. under the theme “Women- Marak. Excelling in the Lord.” The Women Department of the Assam Baptist Convention, Baptist News, October - December 2013 51 Mission Partners’ Consulta- It was a one-of-a-kind con- tion (Nov 5) sultation conducted by the Hosted by Mission Depart- Mission Department to iden- ment, CBCNEI, the first ever tify the strength and the Mission Partners’ consultation specialized sphere of the took place at CBCNEI Con- partners. Each of the orga- ference Hall, Guwahati. Al- nizations shared their area together 18 experts and of expertise and partici- practitioners representing pated in a thorough ex- ten mission organizations Al- change of experiences, sug- pha India, ARLDF India, gestions and opinions. This FMPB, IEM, Inter Serve, created a platform for all the SIMNEI, Seva Bharat, Trans partners to explore the pos- World Radio, World Vision sibilities of tapping each and YMCA attended the other’s resource and benefit meeting. Rev. Dr. Jolly mutually. The meeting also Rimai, Mission Secretary, gives an opportunity to CBCNEI, facilitated the make new friends and renew meeting, who, after wel- old acquaintances as rela- coming participants, high- tionship is indispensable in lighted that the purpose of engaging mission. At the end the consultation was mainly of the day, participants were to make a greater impact in convinced that the vast chal- the mission work. lenges can be overcome

52 Baptist News, October - December 2013 through genuine partnership Ministries (MVM), NMM Mis- and continued efforts. The sionaries, Overseas Mission- consultation came to its ary Fellowship (OMF), Serv- blessed closure with a ing in Mission North East In- prayer. dia (SIMNEI), Trans World Radio (TWR), Wycliffe, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Pastors, Evange- lists, Mission Leaders and se- nior leaders from Nagaland Mission Fair 2013 orga- and other states participat- nized by Nagaland Missions ed. The resource persons for Movement (NMM) the Mission Fair 2013 were (Nov 7-10) Dr. Loren Cunningham Nagaland Missions Movement (Founder President Youth (Nagaland Baptist Church With A Mission), Rev. Dr. Ri- Council) organizes Mission chard Schlitt (International Fair under the theme, “Mis- Director for Evangelism, sion Possible” where over Overseas Missionary Fellow- 500 delegates comprising ship Singapore), Mr. John Mission Agencies such as Bi- Amalraj (National Director ble League Thailand, Christ and Executive Secretary, In- for the City International terserve India), Mr. Christo- (CFCI), Church of Christ in pher S. Baskeran (Associate Thailand (CCT), Friends Mis- Director- Church Relations/ sionary Prayer Band (FMPB), India Church Growth Mis- sion (ICGM), Indian Evan- gelical Mis- sion (IEM), In- terserve In- dia, Maharas- tra Village

Baptist News, October - December 2013 53 Public Engagement Group, Ø Short- Term Mission, Rev. World Vision India), Rev. Dr. Dr. Andrew Kim Jolly Rimai (Mission Secre- Ø Integral Mission, Mr. tary, Council of Baptist Christopher Baskeran Churches in North East In- dia), Rev. Dr. Andrew Kim Ø Recruitment, Training (Director, Global Connection and Memebr Care, Rev. Taku for Advancement, Korea and and Rev. Katy Longkumer Field Dean, William Carey In- Performing Arts, Master’s ternational University, USA), Beauty Rev. Taku and Rev. Katy Longkumer (Development Consultants, Baptist Interna- tional Ministries, USA), Rev. D. Simon Ponniah (General Secretary, Friends Missionary Prayer Band, India), and Golden Jubilee Celebration, Master’s Beauty(Performing Dibang Lohit Baptist Arts group from Hong Kong). Churches Association Topics Discussed at the Mis- (DLBCA) (Nov 9-12) sion Fair Dibang Lohit Baptist Ø Current Trends in World Churches Association cel- Missions: An Overview, Rev. ebrated its Golden Jubilee Dr. Richard Schlitt Year at Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. The theme of the Ø Mission Opportunities Conference was Celebrate Across the Globe, Rev. Dr. the Good News (Matt 28:18- Richard Schlitt 20). Rev. Banbo Pertin, Ex- Ø Challenges and Opportu- ecutive Secretary, DLBCA nities in India, Mr. John and a team of Organizing Amalraj Committees welcomed more than 2000 delegates, the lo- Ø Challenges and Opportu- cal political leaders, govern- nites in NEI, Rev. Dr. Jolly ment officials, and the lead- Rimai 54 Baptist News, October - December 2013 ers of Arunachal Baptist Pradesh when the American Churches Council and Baptist Missionaries started Arunachal Christian Forum. their work in Sadiya in 1836. During the conference, Rev. The resource persons were Banbo briefed the history of Dr. A. K. Lama, Dr. Asangla the coming of the gospel in Ao, Rev. Wanglong Simai, Arunachal. He reminded how and Mr. Mark Boje. The Con- the Padam tribes living in ference ended with the Ju- the Dibang and Lohit districts bilee Resolution to engage in area were the first to re- the missions of God more ag- ceive Gospel in Arunachal gressively.

Baptist News, October - December 2013 55 Exegetical Preaching & Pas- ticipants attended from Nov toral Counseling 26-29. Dr. Ron Frost, Mrs. (Nov 26 - 29) Karen Allen, Dr. Asangla Ao, Transforming Leaders in Asia and Dr A. K. Lama were the (TLA) Ministries in partner- resource persons. During the seminar TLA Minis- tries has donated two motor- bikes for the spread of gospel to Mr Michael ship with CBCNEI hosted a Tandia, Executive Secretary, seminar on Exegetical Sadia Dibru Baptist Associa- Preaching and Pastoral Coun- tion and Mr Panrap Wangno, seling for Pastors and lay lead- evengelist, Tutsa Baptist ers in CBCNEI Conference Church Council. Center, Guwahati. 39 par-

56 Baptist News, October - December 2013 The Baptist Church, Tezu retrospect the past and give Golden Jubilee Celebrations praise to God for His (Nov 29) faithfulness. Exposing the The Baptist Church, Tezu theme, the speaker (Telluliang)- the mother challenged the church in church under Mishmi Baptist different sessions to stay Churches Council clocked 50 continuously connected to years and celebrated its the source of the light so to Golden Jubilee with a call arise and shine as God has on their people to “Arise and commanded. He also Shine” based on Isa 60:1. reminded the significance of The Jubilee monolith was the Jubilee which should be unveiled by the main marked by affectionate speaker of the program, Rev. display of love and Dr. Jolly Rimai, Mission forgiveness and also to Secretary, CBCNEI. It was an continue the mission of God epochal event in which the in reaching the unreached. huge church was packed to The celebration was also its capacity, and even enriched by many colorful overflowing, with people of dances by various troupes all ages, coming together to and presentation of songs

Baptist News, October - December 2013 57 from the choir groups mainly minds of the participants the Evangelical Church of particularly members of the Maraland from Mizoram. It Baptist Church, Tezu. We may be noted that the pray that this church grows Golden Jubilee Celebration in holiness, in strength and committee also conducted a vigor, as ‘Gold turns into special jubilee worship Diamond.’ service for Women in the During that occasion, CBCNEI afternoon session with Mrs. presented a generator to the Niholi Sumi, Missionary, as association where as the speaker. The program Transforming Leaders in Asia concluded well with the Ministries presented a beauty of celebration desktop to the Church and a etched in the hearts and printer to the association.

Children are the brightest treasures we bring forth into this world, but too large a percentage of the population continues to treat them as inconveniences and nuisances, when they’re not treating them as possessions or toys. - CHARLES DE LINT, The Onion Girl

58 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Opportunity to work with Christian Literature Centre Please send your application to the Director, CLC, M.G. Avenue,Imphal Manipur latest by Feb 15, 2014

Sl.No Post Branch Eduction & Experience Other Requirements

1. Proof of membership of Church 1. B.Com under CBCNEI family 2. Well versed in Tally Erp 9 2. Age Proof between 25 - 40 3. Spreadsheet entry in 3. Proof of all academic 1. Guwahati computer 1 Accountant qualification and experience 2. Imphal 4. Atleast three years 4. Physical fitness certificate from experience in accounting a Doctor 5. Effective in speaking 5. Recommendation from the English & Hindi Association / Convention leader

1. Minimum Qualification: Graduate 1. Proof of membership of Church 2. Work experience in public under CBCNEI family relation 2. Age Proof between 25 - 40 Assistant 3. Qualification in Management 3. Proof of all academic Manager 2 Dimapur / English honors is prefered qualification and experience (Sales & 4. Must have commitment for 4. Physical fitness certificate from Marketing) mission through Christian a Doctor Literature 5. Recommendation from the 5. Willing to be posted Association / Convention leader anywhere with frugal salary

1. Proof of membership of Church under CBCNEI family 1. Minimunm Qualification: 2. Age Proof between 21- 30 Matriculation 3. Proof of all academic 1. Ukhrul 2. Pleasant Personality and 3 Salesperson qualification and experience 2. Dimapur Polite 4. Physical fitness certificate from ness a Doctor 3. Good Communicator 5. Recommendation from the Association / Convention leader

1. Proof of membership of Church under CBCNEI family 2. Age Proof between 25 - 30 Driver cum 1. Minimunm Qualification: 3. Proof of all academic 4 Sales Imphal Matriculation qualification and experience assistant 4. Physical fitness certificate from a Doctor 5. Recommendation from the Association / Convention leader

. Proof of membership of Church under CBCNEI family 2. Age Proof between 21- 40 Peon cum 1. Minimum Qualification: 5 Senapati 3. Physical fitness certificate from chowkidar Class VIII a Doctor 5. Recommendation from the Association / Convention leader

Baptist News, October - December 2013 59 “Ministry Among the Street Children,” A Project of World Vision

As reported by Chonchon L. Rimai, Program Manager, Workd Vision, Guwahati

There is Hope: A name gives the railway tracks. The older a person identity but to be kids are runaways and the able to write one’s name is little kids may still have one a dream for so many people. parent that lives with them For many of the adults in our in the street. Many have lost neighborhood community a hand or a leg; run over by their children will be the trains while in intoxicated first to know how to read state. In another scenario, and write their names, children live with their par- something many of us take ents or caregivers on pave- it for granted in today’s gen- ments or encroached lands, eration. Even a non-formal in houses made of bamboo, education can open up new cardboards and plastic opportunities for these chil- sheets. Every time it starts dren. We have created a to rain, or it becomes too program to teach them some hot in summer or winter sets basic things like letters and in, we wonder where they numbers and eventually link are or how they can survive them to formal schools. during these awful climatic conditions, on top their al- Child Protection: We work ready difficult living situa- with children living along tions. But even under these

60 Baptist News, October - December 2013 conditions you can see joy she is successfully employed in the faces of these chil- and is a blessing to her fam- dren. ily as well as a ‘model of suc- Vocational assistance: cesses in her community. Lovely Kaur is 21 years old, About the Project: and works at a beauty par- Guwahati Child Develop- lor to help support her fam- ment project, a project of ily consisting of little World Vision India, operates brother, two older sister and in the city of Guwahati. The mother. She lost her father activities undertaken by this at a very young age. Her project focuses mainly on mother and one older sister Children’s welfare and reha- became mentally ill. Her bilitation through Non For- mother left home and mal Education classes, link- roamed the city streets. age to formal schools, pro- World Vision runs a Non For- vision of nutritional foods, mal education class in her uniforms and books, Health area and Lovely started at- Services, Vocational and In- tending the center. After come Generation Programs hearing her story and her for the Parents and adoles- need for a steady income, cent boys and girls and Rec- our Project sent her for reational facilities. The ‘Beautician Course.’ Today, project through these cen- ters assists the children to gain skills and support their need to be reinte- grated suc- cessfully in the commu- nity.

Baptist News, October - December 2013 61 The people in these slums, ing after their younger sib- pavements and communities lings, pick rags, or simply are made up of migrant loiter around. population; however, they Over the past years, the have been living in these challenge to rehabilitate areas for many years. The runaway children especially Government list provides 90 along the railway tracks re- Slums in and around mains a challenge. The Guwahati city and as such Project is manned by a Team the number of rag-pickers of seven full time staff, nine population in the city of Tuitions teachers and nine Guwahati is quite high. The child monitoring volunteers, parents work as daily wage prompted by the vision - laborers in construction site “Our vision for every child, and quarries and some life in all its fullness, Our women works as maids in prayer for every heart, the people’s homes, while the will to make it so.” children are engaged in look-

62 Baptist News, October - December 2013 “Street Children in Guwahati” A Perspective from a visitor from USA

Ashley Caycedo, an intern for Department of Peace & Justice, CBCNEI

Despite the ongoing devel- simply born to the streets. opment in Guwahati, As- For many of these children sam, many are living in the streets are the only extremely poor conditions. home they have ever Children are not attending known. school and spending hours Life on the streets has be- on the street begging for come a means for surviv- money. Many run away al. “India has the largest from home due to domes- population of street chil- tic violence and alcoholic dren in the world. At least fathers. Children are being eighteen million children abused physically, emotion- live or work on the streets ally, and sexually. As a re- of urban India, laboring as sult, they make the brave porters at bus or railway decision to escape home terminals; as mechanics in and fend for themselves on informal auto-repair the streets. There are chil- shops; as vendors of food, dren who have been aban- tea, or handmade articles; doned on the streets by as street tailors; or as rag their parents, some who pickers, picking through have lost one or both par- heaps of garbage and sell- ents, and others who are ing usable materials to lo-

Baptist News, October - December 2013 63 cal buyers”.1 They spend quickly develops into an hours on the streets work- addictive habit. ing and begging for mon- An education is one thing ey. While some have run- that could change these away and “chosen” this children’s lives, but many life man are abducted and do not take advantage of pushed into begging. Par- this opportunity. Some may ents often force their chil- want to attend, but can- dren to work because they not because they are cannot feed the family on forced to work. Older run- their own. aways may have attended A UNICEF study found that primary, but like many they almost 40,000 children die dropped out at a young every day in developing age. Most street children countries, 25% of which are do not know their alpha- in India.2 Street children bet or numbers let alone in India suffer from poor how to read. It is hard to health conditions, various believe that with so much chronic diseases, and mal- opportunity in their midst nourishment. TB, leprosy, children are still growing typhoid,malaria, jaundice and up uneducated, on the liver/kidney disorders are streets, and wondering common. Additionally, dis- what they will eat that day. eases like HIV & AIDS are quickly spreading because of the sexual abuse and (Endnotes) 1 exploitation of these chil- Abu Ghraib by Michael Cannon Pg. 213 dren. At a young age these 2 children are introduced to UNICEF (2004) Prevalence, Abuse and Exploitation of Street Children alcohol and drug, which (PDF report).

64 Baptist News, October - December 2013 The contribution of CBCNEI towards CHILDREN MINISTRY As reported by Mission Department, CBCNEI

Children are a blessing to obey everything I have from the Lord. They are commanded you” (Mat- the future leaders of the thew 28: 19-20), the Coun- society. As Jesus told his cil under the Mission de- followers to “go into all partment has been encour- the world and make aging Children Ministry by disciples…..teaching them conducting trainings, giv-

Baptist News, October - December 2013 65 ing grant in aid and spon- the local Conventions to sors candidates for more CBM International Ministry trainings to enhance the for further trainings for an Children ministry. Every effective Children Ministry. year we conduct Sunday Ms. Sarah Tayeng from school teachers training Arunachal Baptist Church program where teachers Council (ABCC) was send to from all the six conven- CBM International Ministry, tions come and learn to- New Zealand for four gether from the resource months training in the year persons. This year too we 2012 through CBCNEI Chil- had conducted the Sunday dren Ministry. This year Ms. school teachers training Indrani from Manipur Bap- program from Oct 21 - 25 tist Convention (MBC) will with 41 participants be going to CBM Interna- through the Children Bible tional Ministry for four Ministry (CBM) Interna- months of training. tional Ministry from New As children’s are the pil- Zealand. We also give VBS lars of the future, the grant in aid every year to council is able to minister those churches that are Gods love to the children really in need to enable ministry and bring closer them conduct Vacation to Him. As we minister to- Bible School program. This gether in His Mission, may year the Council through our joint efforts bring the Mission department more souls to see Christ in was able to extend grant them. Let us continue to to 27 churches from the six be a channel of blessings conventions. Apart from for our churches through that the council also spon- the Children Ministry. sors candidates through

66 Baptist News, October - December 2013 NAGALAND ALLIANCE FOR CHILD RIGHTS (NACR): A CONCERTED EFFORT FOR CHILD RIGHTS IN NAGALAND Ms N. K. Keny, Love Care Home, President, NACR

Nagaland has been experi- of children for domestic encing bad situations. It is a work, exploitation with the place of pain and dilemma false promises of education, especially the treatment that regular reports of missing is meted out to children in children and increasing rate the form of sexual abuse, of rape and murder of inno- molestation, harassment, cent lives are all signs of de- kidnapping, negligence, di- cay that the society in rect and indirect trafficking Nagaland is going through. Despite the ram- pant and blatant abuse of child and women rights in Nagaland, there is no concrete figure or record to point out the magnitude of the violations. All these provide ideal Baptist News, October - December 2013 67 environment for constant vices and media. Consistent and continual violation and meetings and discussions cul- abuse of child rights. Accord- minated in the birth of ing to Child line, Dimapur, Nagaland Alliance for Child there are 366 cases of child Rights (NACR). rights violation reported and Motto: Safer Nagaland for subsequent intervention Children and Women’ made within Dimapur alone since its operation in the Objectives: To safeguard year 2011. There are yet Children and Women against many more which go unre- any form of rights’ violation. ported. It is apt that the With a vision to make seed of Nagaland Alliance for Nagaland a state where ev- Child Rights germinated in ery child/women is valued Dimapur. and cherished as a supreme Along with all the reported asset, where both State and and unvoiced incidents that Society ensure all children have happened in the past, and women their right to the incident of 13 years old the best of care, respect minor girl who was found raped and brutally mur- dered on 18th February, 2013, in Dimapur pro- voked some concerned NGOs /Agencies/Individual working in the field of child rights to come to- gether. On 20th February, 2013, the first meeting was convened at Prodigal’s Home, Dimapur. It was at- tended by 11 eleven NGOs along with representatives from District Legal Aid Ser-

68 Baptist News, October - December 2013 and participation, NACR has Women Rights. The consul- organizing number of consul- tation was held with an aim tative meetings and aware- to develop informed and ness programs tying up with critical alliances (at the the media to prevent fur- state, district and local level) ther occurrences and protec- among partner organizations tion of victims. NACR is net- and individuals for address- working with Indian Alliance ing rights of children and for Child Right (IACR) to take women. It also aims to safe- up local issue to the national guard children and women and international levels. against any forms of rights Nagaland Alliance for Child violation and to facilitate Rights has reached out to all participatory information districts of Nagaland conven- sharing and consultative ing the first ever state level preparation for building consultative meeting on meaningful linkage with the Children and Women rights state on children and on the theme, “Towards a women related issues. Stronger Nagaland Alliance Honorable Shri. Keyanilie for Children & Women,” on Peseyie, Minister Social Wel- 25th September, 2013. The fare, Women and Child De- consultation saw attendance velopment, Government of of 127 grassroots NGO work- Nagaland was the Chief ers from all the districts of Guest. Other dignitaries at- Nagaland deliberating on dif- tended the meeting were ferent issues of Children and Smt. Razia, Chairman, Indian

Baptist News, October - December 2013 69 Alliance for Child Rights Dimapur; North East Net- (IACR) New Delhi, Shri. work, Phek; IBAPWO, Mayang Lima, Member Sec- Kiphire; Eastern Nagaland retary, State legal Service Women’s Organisation, Authority & Registrar of Dimapur; Joint Secretary Guwahti High Court Naga Mothers Association; (Kohima Bench), Padma El-shadai Orphanage Minis- Shree Dr. Temsula, Chairper- try, Sethekie Basa; C-Cerp son & Mrs. Kakhuli Jakhal, Dimapur; Friends of Poor Member, State Women Com- Society Dimapur and Media mission, Nagaland, Smt. Partners Nagaland Post, East- Hushili Sema, Deputy Com- ern Mirror, Morung Express, missioner, Dimapur and A.Z. Tir YimYim and Sumi Angami, Superintendant of Zumulhu. Police, Dimapur. Participants Though still in its nascent from NGOs across the state stage, NACR is achieving the were, ACID Dimapur; Peace very purpose for which it is Channel Dimapur; Prodigals’ formed. There are 24 orga- Home Dimapur; Love Care nizations and 2 individuals Home Dimapur; Sisterhood registered as member of the Network Dimapur; Alliance. NACR will continue Wandangki Orphanage Home to work towards highlight- Dimapur; Mothers’ Hope ing the issue of Nagaland at Dimapur; Care and Support the national and internal Society Mokokchung; Konyak arena with ‘networking’ Students Union Mon; District with media, advocates, pe- Legal Service Authority diatricians, and experts in Dimapur; Touch of Hope Min- different fields relating to istries, Dimapur; Ziliangrong children and women being Students Union, Peren; the mantra in making Ziliangrong Women Nagaland a safer place for Organisation, Peren; Good Children and Women. Shepherd Seminary,

70 Baptist News, October - December 2013 hometown, Guwahati. After my college I decided to pursue a course in MBA from the Institute of Sikkim Manipal University. I wanted to achieve the most in my life. So after the completion of my course I decided to go to Bangalore for another short term course. With Ms Istrella Sangma much fear and apprehen- Assistant General Manager, sions I left home but what CBCNEI Conference Centre awaited me there was never thought nor planned. Within a period of few weeks I got I count this as a great privi- a job in one of the big com- lege and opportunity to pany, Infosys in Bangalore. It share about my life and ex- was purely by the grace of periences with all the read- God that I was selected for ers of this magazine. this job and thereafter I con- Born in a Christian family I tinued working in that com- accepted Christ as my per- pany for a period of 5 years. sonal Savior in the year Within these 5 years God 2002. I completed high helped me find favor in the school and college from my

Baptist News, October - December 2013 71 eyes of my supervisors and time came when God re- blessed me with bigger re- vealed his plan for me. My sponsibilities. However, it brother-in law told me about was also a desire of my fam- a vacancy in CBCNEI. I was ily and friends that I should not sure, in fact I wasn’t come home and find a work hopeful I would get selected there, preferably in a Chris- but still I submitted my pro- tian organization where I file and I was told to wait. could also serve God. It was It was a long wait again and not a simple task and I was I almost lost hope. Finally, doubtful and hesitant but the day came I was called God proved his faithfulness for interview and by the once again and brought me grace of God again I got se- home and provided me a lected. God has always work in an NGO as a trainer. proved his faithfulness and However, I wasn’t very kept his promises only at happy and satisfied with the times I failed to acknowl- work and my frustration edge them but I do praise grew with time when things and thank Him for always were not happening accord- being my guide. As David ing to how I wanted. I says in Psalm 40, “Many prayed, my family and Lord, my God are the won- friends prayed but there was ders you have done…were I no answer for a long time. I to count they would be too wanted to quit and go back many to declare…” God has to Bangalore but my parents done so much for me which encouraged me to wait on I am sure I cannot recount God and pray. I obeyed and nor stop counting. All glory waited but no result and my and honor to God for lead- frustration grew. Soon the ing me this far.

72 Baptist News, October - December 2013 North East Centre for Training And Research (NECTAR) Regd. No. E.16(RS)30/2001/310, dt.14-12-2002 ANNOUNCEMENT October 24, 2013 NECTAR is conducting the following courses as details given below. 1. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): It is a two-month Who can apply? Any graduate, very strong in Eng- lish, called to be a witness, called to teachers etc. Arrival of participants : January 30, 2014 Eligibility Test : January 31, 2014 Class begins : February 3, 2014 Course Fees : Admission + Monthly (food & lodging, tuition etc.) = Rs 14,000/- Teachers & Mentors: National & International. Seats : Only 15 seats are available. Last date of Submission of Applications: December 20, 2013 NOW IS THE TIME TO APPLY. DO NOT DELAY ******************************************* 2. CCT (Cross-cultural Training): It is a four-month intensive Cross- cultural Training Course. Who can apply? 10+2 or B.Th. and above, having good working knowl- edge, born again, called to serve the Lord especially among the unreached people groups, aspirant cross-cultural missionary candi- dates, field missionaries, church leaders & mission leaders etc. Arrival of trainees: May 1, 2014 Interview &Orientation: May 2 & 3, 2014 Class begins: May5, 2014 Course Fees : Rs 22,000/- {Admission + Monthly (food & lodging, tuition etc.)} Resource Persons : National & International. Seats: Only 24 seats are available. Last date of Submission of Applications : FEBRUARY 28, 2014 Do not wait – apply now before it is too late!

For any further information, please call or send email to: Rev S. Nengzakhup Executive Director Kong Doris’s Building, Near POWERGRID, Lower Nongrah, Lapalang, Shillong- 793006, Meghalaya, INDIA Mob.# 94361-18829 | eMail: [email protected]

Baptist News, October - December 2013 73 LEAD LIKE JESUS – One Day Encounter

Pawan Bhuyan, Property Secretary, CBCNEI

One day workshop on Lead- Matthew 20:25-28. The mis- ership was held at Good sion of the workshop was to Shepherds Auditorium, Ban- set all the leaders and for the galore on October 2, 2013. participant leader specifical- The program was facilitat- ly, on the path for a trans- ed by Ken Blanchard, Co-au- formational encounter with thor of Lead Like Jesus and Jesus as a role model. A new Phyllis Hendry, CEO & Presi- definition of leadership is dent Lead Like Jesus. I am learnt -”Anytime when you grateful to the Council for seek to influence the think- enabling me, along with oth- ing, behavior or develop- er convention and associa- ment of others, you are tak- tion leaders to participate in ing on the role of a lead- this unique workshop on er.” A brief highlight of the leadership, program: This workshop was designed Transformational Leader- to guide in exploring person- ship Cycle: al response to Jesus’ call to Personal Leadership – Out- “follow Me” and embrace come = Transformation Mat- the principles of servant thew 4: 19-20 leadership embodied in the not so with you phrase One-on-One Leadership – Jesus gave His disciples in Outcome = Trust Matthew 14: 22-32

74 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Team/Family Leadership – spring of life. Proverbs 4:23 Outcome = Community John For it is with your heart 13: 13-17 that you believe and are Organizational/Community justified, and it is with your Leadership – Outcome = Ef- mouth that you confess and fectiveness/Unity John 17: are saved. Romans 10:10 20-23 The HEAD: The Four Domains of Lead- Test me, O LORD and try me, ership: examine my heart and my The HEART – Intention & Mo- mind. Psalms 26:2 tivation of a Leader Do not conform any longer The HEAD – Beliefs about to the pattern of this world, Leadership and Influence but be transformed by re- The HANDS – Methods & Be- newing of your mind. Then haviors of a Leader you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – The HABITS – Daily Disciplines His good, pleasing and per- to Keep Focused on Leading fect will. Romans 12:2 Like Jesus For who has known the mind The HEART: of the Lord that he may in- Be sure to fear the LORD struct him? But we have the and serve Him faithfully mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians with all your heart; consid- 2:16 er what great things he has Finally, brothers, whatever done for you. 1 Samuel is true, whatever is noble, 12:24 whatever is right, whatev- I know, my God, that you er is pure, whatever is love- test the heart and are ly, whatever is admirable – pleased with integrity. 1 if anything is excellent or Chronicles 29:17 praiseworthy – think about Above all else, guard your such things. Philippians 4:8 heart, for it is the well- The HANDS:

Baptist News, October - December 2013 75 I have testimony weightier where he prayed. Mark 1:35 than that of John. For the Experiencing Prayer – One very work that the Father day Jesus was praying in a has given me to finish, and certain place. When he fin- which I am doing, testifies ished, one of his disciples that the Father has sent said to him, “Lord, teach us me. John 5:36 to pray, just as John taught The man who plants and the his disciples.” Luke 11:1 man who waters have one Applying Scripture – All purpose, and each will be Scripture is God-breathed rewarded according to his and is useful for teaching, own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8 rebuking, correcting and Whatever you do, work at training in righteousness, so it with all your heart, as that the man of God may working for the Lord, not be thoroughly equipped for for men, since you know every good work. 2 Timothy that you will receive an in- 3:16-17 heritance from the Lord as Abiding in God’s Uncondi- a reward. It is the Lord tional Love – “A new com- Christ you are serving. Co- mand I give you: Love one lossians 3:23-24 another. As I have loved Since you call on a Father you, so you must love one who judges each man’s work another. By this all men will impartially, live your lives know that you are my disci- as strangers here in rever- ples, if you love one anoth- ent fear. 1 Peter 1:17 er.” John 13:34-35 The HABITS: Maintaining Supportive Re- Practicing Solitude – Very lationships – Wounds from early in the morning, while a friend can be trusted, but it was still dark, Jesus got an enemy multiplies kisses. up, left the house and went Proverbs 27:6 off to a solitary place, Brief Note on the Program

76 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Designer: Few have impacted the management of people and companies more than Ken Blanchard, a prominent au- thor, with over three dozen books including, The One Minute Manager, speaker and business consultant. Ken is universally characterized as one of the most insightful, powerful and compassionate men in business today. Speak- ing from the heart with warmth and humor, he is polished storyteller who makes the seemingly complex easy to un- derstand. With a personal faith in Jesus Christ, Ken recog- nizes and lifts up Jesus as the greatest leadership role model of all time. He co-founded “Lead Like Jesus” in 1999.

Obituary Members of CBCNEI family and Lews Memorial Hostellers in particular mourn the sudden demise of Mr. Khudir Rabha (Cook L. M. Hostel Ministry) on 21st October 2013 after a prolong sickness. Mr. Khudir joined LM Hostel ministry in 1990. He is survived by his wife and two sons. We extend our prayers and condolences to the bereaved family.

Baptist News, October - December 2013 77 Remembering Late Rev. Dr. Jonathan H. Thumra We are sad to inform you that Rev. Dr. Jonathan H. Thumra went to be with the Lord at 5:25 pm on 16 Nov, 2013. He is rested in his native village Lunghar on 20 (Tuesday), 2013. He is survived by his wife, five children and a number of grandchildren. He is a Naga from Ukhrul District in Manipur. He served Eastern Theological College as Faculty, Registrar and as the first national Principal for 31 years (1956-1987). He was also the President of the CBCNEI for six times, and a member of the CBCNEI Execu- tive for two decades. Let us uphold his family members and friends in our prayers.

One of the greatest blessings my wife, Mary, and I have had in our lives has been to have Jonathan Thumra and his family as our friends. They became a part of our family. Good memories of a friendship that began fifty three years ago when we were col- leagues at an ETC fill out minds and hearts at this sad time. We were young and enthusiastic with a commitment to transform an institution that had always been dependent on the American Bap- tist Mission into a vital centre of theological thought and training of the CBCNEI. Our personal and professional relationship illus- trates this. I was the last missionary principal and Jonathan was the first North East Indian principal. As a mission institution ETC was dying. Each year BIM cut its funding. Under Dr. Thumra’s (who was also the first Indian to earn the D.Th. from Serampore) lead- ership new local and international sources of funding were devel- oped and the college began to grow. If Dr. Thumra had not been there at that hour I doubt that ETC would exist today. ~ F. S. Downs

I had the privilege to speak a few words at his enroute farewell meeting at Diphupar Tangkhul Baptist church at 5pm on Sunday. We thank God for his life and leadership given to the CBCNEI in particular and theological field of India in general. He was a scholar, a theologian and an able administrator. ~ Rev K. I. Aier

78 Baptist News, October - December 2013 Faculty of Theology Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences A Christian University under section 3 of UGC Act, 1956, Allahabad- 211007, U.P. India Bachelor of Divinity (BD) Bachelor of Divinity (BD) Degree programme attempts to inculcate a sense of commitment to the ministry of the church following the footsteps of Jesus Christ. The Candidates shall be able to interpret the word of God, understand theological discourses, major religions, mature in Christian spirituality, Pastoral Care & Counseling. Eligibility: Intermediate (10+2 Passed) from a recognized Institution. Bachelor degree holder is admitted in third semester/B.Th. recognized by SHIATS is admitted in fifth semester. Duration: 8 semesters. Fees: `5000.00/- per semester+Hostel Mess Fee. Scholarship to deserving Candidates are available. Master of Theology (MTh) The Master of Theology (M.Th.) in Old Testament/New Testament/Christian The- ology/Christian Ethics/Religion/History of Christianity/Christian Ministry/ Missiology/Communication is offered with interdisciplinary perspectives. While the primary purpose is to equip a person to teach, is also pursued at higher academic level for the ministry and preparation for research at the doctoral level. Eligibility: Bachelor of Divinity/BA Theology & History in second class rec- ognized by SHIATS. M.Div. Candidates shall be required to do Bridge-Course in GPST prior to admission in M.Th. Duration: 4 semesters. Fees: ` 7000.00/- per semester+Hostel Mess Fee Ph.D. Theology A Candidate can pursue research in the field of Old Testament/New Testament/ Christian Theology/Christian Ethics/Religions/History of Christianity/Christian Ministry/Missiology/Communication. Required to undertake 30 Credit course work and Comprehensive Examination and Thesis of 45 Credits. Eligibility: Master of Theology (M.Th.)/equivalent recognized by SHIATS. Duration: 3 years minimum. Fees: ``` 35000.00/- per semester. M.Th-Ph.D Theology A Five year Integrated M.Th-PhD in Theology is offered to the candidates having Bachelor of Divinity/equivalent recognized by SHIATS. Fees: ``` 20,000 per semester. BA Hons in Theology & History The Bachelor of Arts Honours degree is study of Theology with History from Humanities. The graduates can have vocations/careers as diverse as ministry in church, the civil service, social work, teaching, the media, and publishing Eligibility: Intermediate (10+2 Passed) from a recognized Institution. Duration: 4 years. Fees: ``` 5000.00/- per semester Hostel Mess Fee. Scholarship to deserving Candidate is available.

Check the website: www.shiats.edu.in for courses Offered: MA Christian Studies/Diploma in Theology/Diploma in Christian Studies/Certificate in Theology. Applications must reach The Deputy Registrar, Faculty of Theology, SHIATS, P.O. Agricultural Institute, Allahabad-211007 on or before 28th February, 2014, Email: [email protected]/[email protected], Mob. +919621317282

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Edited and published by CBCNEI, Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam - 781001, India Printed by: Fairgraphics, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati 80 Baptist News, October - December 2013