Guwahati, October 15 (MExN): The first Lt. Dr. I. Ben Wati Legacy Talk organized by Elim Resource Centre (ERC), Guwahati was held from October 14-15 at Don Bosco Institute, Kharguli, Guwahati. The first day focused on celebrating the life of late Rev. Dr. I. Ben Wati. Leaders from all over North East India representing CBCNEI, Evangelical Fellowship of India, World Vision, Pine Brook, Eastern Theological College, Transforming Leaders in Asia (TLA), NEICORD, Ao Church Guwahati, Ao Baptist Church Shillong, Beyond Borders Initiative, Central Church Tripura, Welcome Ministries, India Gospel Mission (IGM) attended the programme.
A press release informed that late Rev. Dr. I. Ben Wati’s family was represented by Col. Maken and his family. Speaking about his brother, Col Maken said, “Ben was not only a brother but also a father and friend to me.”
In his speech, Rev. Dr. A.K. Lama from TLA said, “I have noticed in him (I. Ben Wati) the Kingdom value, honesty with humility and the courage to speak the truth…. he was Uncle to all, not only to the Aos, or Nagas but also to North Indian and South Indians. I have not known any other Northeast leaders so popular beyond our geographical region. Almost every Christian leader in India of 70s and 80s knew him.”
Meanwhile, Butesen from NEICORD stated, “When we have the right vision and when we know the right thing to do, the ability of one person to do so much is actually possible and that is what Uncle Ben has projected through his life. Under his leadership, they planted the seed of Northeast India Committee on Relief and Development on November 4, 1981.” During the time for reflection, Lucy Pau (Director, ERC) mentioned about few lessons learnt from Uncle Ben’s life. “He was someone who build God’s kingdom and not his own, he had a big heart and lived above tribes and denominations, and he lived a disciplined, simple life of integrity.” She also informed that the Lt. Rev. Dr. I. Ben Wati Legacy Talk will be an annual event dealing with different pertinent topics.
All the speakers spoke about how Uncle Ben had personally influenced them at certain stages of their life’s journey and ministry, the release added.
On the second day, Rev. Dr. Pau facilitated on the ‘Why of Biblical Worldview?’
