ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Prof Mar Pongener releasing the autobiography of Rev R Teka on October 23.
Mokokchung, October 24 (MExN): A book titled ‘Tasütait Tamang Walunir Rev R Teka Taküm Otsü” (Bold Spiritual Leader, Reverend R Teka’s Autobiography) was formally released by the Ao Baptist Church Council (ABAM) Executive Secretary Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener at Kapayong (Rev Taka’s residence) on October 23 in the presence of family, friends, church leaders and well-wishers.
Incidentally, October 23 also happened to be the 80th birth anniversary of the author, Rev R Teka who served for twenty-seven years are Pastor of Impur Baptist Church (ABMA Mission Centre).
The autobiography chronicles the life of Rev Teka, his service to God and the faithful as a missionary and Minister, and his core understanding of God, His words, His works and the Miracles that the Lord did in the Reverend’s life and others while serving the Lord.
The ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Prof Mar Pongener, speaking at the programme, said that eighty years has a special reference in the Bible analogous with the Oak tree. He said that the Reverend’s long life of eighty years is a testament of God’s faithfulness as the Bible clearly says that the Lord will keep and bless those who love and serve Him. In the same vein, Pongener said that there are many who live up to the age of eighty and more, but God’s faithfulness do not come automatically as one need to be humble and faithful before God to get His blessings. Therefore, taking the occasion, he urged the gathering to get closer with God so that one’s life would be a meaningful one and bear testimony to the people.
The author, Rev R Teka, while speaking about the book, narrated his experiences while serving in Tuensang during from the seventies till early nineties. He narrated about the trials and tribulations he faced during those yesteryears and how God, in His everlasting grace, kept and blessed him throughout the years. He hoped that the book would serve as an inspiration for the faithful and be a blessing for all.
The programme was chaired by Associate Pastor of Sungkomen Baptist Church Matsung Longkumer while Mangmetong Baptist Church Pastor Dr Lolen Imchen invoked God’s blessings.
A special number was presented by Tiameren Jamir of Impur while grandchildren Akumjungla and Orem recited an Ode to Reverend R Teka. Er T Imlisunep Ao, a son of Rev Teka, welcomed the gathering while Lanu Imchen gave a brief exposition about the book. Contemporaries of Rev R Teka, retired church leaders, also spoke at the programme and paid rich tributes to the retired pastor.
