Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm unveiled and dedicated a commemorative monolith at Wakching to honour Rev Longri Ao, the first missionary officially sent to Konyak land by the Council of the Baptist Churches in Assam (now CBCNEI).
Mon, November 20 (MExN): The Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm (KBBB) marked a historic milestone on November 20, with the unveiling and dedication of a commemorative monolith at Wakching to honour the arrival of Rev Longri Ao - the first missionary officially sent to Konyak land by the Council of the Baptist Churches in Assam (now CBCNEI) on November 20, 1950.
Although the British Government had entered Konyak land as early as 1913 and officially restricted headhunting, the fear of inter-village conflict continued to persist for decades. Communities still lived under the shadow of mutual distrust, guided by animistic practices and the worship of various spirits. Into this challenging context, a generation of early missionaries and evangelists faithfully carried the Gospel long before the arrival of Rev Longri. The Ao Mungdang (now ABAM) had been sending evangelists to various Konyak villages up to 1949, preparing the spiritual soil for a greater mission movement.
When Rev Longri Ao arrived in 1950, he encountered small but significant Christian groups already present in villages such as Tamlu, Kongan, Wanching, Wakching, Pongkong, Oting, Lapa, and Chingphoi. These early believers, along with the evangelists who preceded him, formed the foundation upon which Rev Longri built his ministry.
Rev Longri Ao served among the Konyak people from 1950 to 1967 - a period of profound transformation. His work helped reshape the spiritual, cultural, and social landscape of the region, strengthening the Christian faith and fostering peace among communities once divided by old customs and fears.
As part of its Platinum Jubilee celebration, the Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm erected the monolith to honour Rev Longri’s legacy and to commemorate seventy-five years of God’s enduring grace in Konyak land.
The memorial was formally unveiled and prayerfully dedicated by Rev L Metjen Konyak, Executive Secretary of the Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm.
In his address, Rev Metjen described the monolith as “a lasting testament to God’s amazing love and faithfulness, and to the courage of a missionary who walked into a land still transitioning from its past, trusting fully in God’s call.”
He added that Rev Longri’s willingness to serve despite lingering fears, cultural barriers, and spiritual challenges continues to inspire the church today. “As we remember seventy-five years of God’s grace, we reaffirm our commitment to serve with humility, unity, and renewed dedication to the mission of Christ.”
The event brought together church leaders, elders, youth, and community members who reflected on the remarkable journey from a headhunting society to a thriving Christian community - one of the most powerful transformation stories in the region’s history.
As the Platinum Jubilee celebrations continue, the Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm stands committed to nurturing spiritual growth, strengthening fellowship, and carrying forward the legacy of mission and service established by Rev Longri Ao and the early evangelists.
