Morung Express News
Kohima | January 23
The 6th Conference of the Japfüphiki Chokri Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho (JCBKK) was held from January 20 to 22 at Phesama village. Under the theme, ‘Be an example for Christ’ (1 Timothy 4: 12), the conference witnessed almost 3000 delegates from the Chokri region of Phek district and the Southern Angami region of Kohima district.
The speakers and resource persons for the conference were Rev D. Chekroveyi Cho-o (Associate Professor, OTS, Bade, Dimapur), Khrievino Sahu (Youth Co-ordinator, NBCC), Rev Dr Meciehol Savi (School Co-ordinator, NBCC), Rev Dr Razouselie Lasetso (Professor, ETC, Jorhat), Rev Puthavil Neikha, (Pastor, Viswema Baptist Church), and Dr Sao Tunyi (Epidemiologist, Department of Health and Family Welfare).
On the concluding session on January 22, Rev. Dr Razouselie Lasetso spoke on the theme of the conference focusing on making a difference as a Christian through one’s word, conduct, love, belief and body. Expressing anger and disappointment over the dying morality in Nagaland where Nagaland continue to hit the headlines in the country for negative news such as corruption, scandals, and high prevalence of alcoholism, drugs and HIV & AIDs, Rev. Dr. Lasetso called for a renewed life and a renewed society among the Nagas. Stressing on the absence of love in Naga society and the emergence of individualism which filters out in administration, governance, politics and religion, Rev. Dr. Lasetso questioned, “Is there no love left among our leaders? Why are our Churches built so magnificently, yet the rest of the people live in poverty? Have our Churches become muddled in corruption that it has failed to speak against corruption?”
Because of the absence of love -which is one of the core principles of Christianity, Rev. Dr. Lasetso maintained that the Naga society is not progressing, but instead giving way to selfishness, tribalism and corruption. The invasion of evil in the form of infidelity, anti-social elements in Naga society remains uncontrolled. Therefore, Lasetso called upon the youth for re-commitment of their lives, their professions and relationships in order to make a positive difference in Naga society.
In his message, Chotisüh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who was also the first President of the JCBKK, reminisced on the formation of the JCBKK which was initiated to uphold the unity between the two communities and to glorify God together. The Association emphasized on the use of one’s own language during events and meetings in order to preserve, promote, and share one’s language. With Christianity as its core base, the association aimed to bring positive changes in the society as well as the world.
Lamenting that Christianity in today’s generation has become just another religion, Sazo urged the gathering to become true Christians in spirit and said, “Relationships, friendships are decreasing today but with Christ as our base, let us continue to build relationships. And to change, you start from yourself and your family. Let us all be people of change and make a difference in our State.”
The Southern Angamis (known as Japfüphima) and the Chokris of Chakhesang community are known for sharing similar traditions, language and culture. Through this bond, over the years activities and events such as football matches, and conferences have been held in order to strengthen relationships. Affirming the strengthening of relationships between the two communities, Tavehii Thingo, a Chokri elder and President of Japfüphiki Chokri Dzevi Krotho stated, “We are not friends. We are brothers and sisters. Wherever you are, you must support each other and defend each other.” Reflecting back on the two leaders of the community namely Thevoni and Sahu (both interpreters during the Colonial era), Thingo urged the young to continue to work together.
