Wokha, March 21 (MExN): The Yikhum Village Baptist Church (YBC) under Wokha district inaugurated a rehabilitation centre by the name Ekumrhong on March 20.
While welcoming the gathering at the inauguration, Pastor YBC R Nzanbemo said that the vision for establishing the centre under the name ‘Ekumrhong’ which translates to ‘Lifeboat’ is to save the perishing soul of a person/family whose spiritual and social life has been destroyed by drugs, alcoholic addiction and other social issues.
Nzambemo said the centre was established through the generous donation of the church members and well wishers.
Congratulating YBC, Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Orenthung Lotha said, YBC is the first village in Lotha community to accept Christianity and has pioneered the spread of Christian faith and other social activities in its community.
Mentioning some activities initiated by the YBC, the DC said Yikhum village is the first village in Wokha district to be declared a tobacco-free zone.
The inauguration of the rehab centre is another milestone of the church ministry and this project is not for them alone but it is also the responsibility of all the stakeholders of the district for the success and sustainability of this centre for the benefit and wellbeing of the district, the DC appealed.
Highlighting earlier failures of such rehab centres in the district even though they were under the patronage of the State government due to reasons like lack of dedicated professional and lack of fund etc., the DC opined that, for the success and sustainability of such centres, dedicated specialists and professional human resources are required .
He expressed optimism that under the patronage of the church, the centre will go a long way which will not only benefit the particular range or the district but also the people of the State.
The DC assured the steadfast support of the district administration and all the stakeholders for the success of the centre.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha, Dr C W Tungoe shared that de- addiction or rehab centres deal with drugs, alcoholic, tobacco or any substance addiction and family problems and the church initiating such activities is a real missionary work which will help an individual’s spiritual and social well being.
The CMO added that Wokha district has earlier faced failure in two rehab centres: de-addiction centre at District hospital (1999-2014) and inter-denominational care centre (2006- 2013) due to lack of funds. Sharing that the district is in dire need of a rehab centre as it is witnessing high surge of substance and alcohol abuse and addiction in the district, Dr Tungoe also assured the church that the concerned department would assist the centre.
Rev L K Tsanglao, Pastor Longsa Baptist Church dedicated the centre while Rev Ellis Lotha, Pastor UBC Doyang delivered God’s message.
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