Firstly, to those people, if any, who are clothed with unctuous quality, and reckon themselves to be righteous, and opine that, in everything, all the credits should be given to God, not to human – apologies – I am here to appreciate and acclaim NBCC. I am delighted; there is a wave of change in Nagaland, though it may take time. But in the long run, I believe, it will bear fruits. The concept, ‘this is not your business’ or ‘that is not their business’ has blinded and overshadowed us for long, and hence hindered us awfully from going forward. For instance, the notion, the Church leaders or God’s servants should not be involved in politics in any manner has affected us terribly. And, many refrain from doing certain good things in the church because they hold that, those are purely for the Church leaders. Of course we have different responsibilities, but we should not forget the idea of ‘interconnectedness’ of different fields.
Today, the sun is rising in NBCC and spreading its rays to the whole of Nagaland. With the dawn of new amazing ideas for change, the dynamic leaders of NBCC have emerged daringly, not fearing the foes, to be catalysts for change in the State. They have indeed realized that, unless there is clean election, the pace of development will be slow and the people will struggle. They have realized that, if the people fail to choose the right leaders, it is the public who will bear the loss. So, NBCC have come up, fighting against all odds, waking up the people from slumber, to come to the right path.
In fact, many people take up certain activities, acting to be working for the common good, but in reality, they hunt for their own benefits. However, for NBCC, it is not at all. For, they spend huge amount of money ungrudgingly for clean election campaign. I have read some booklets and guidelines published by them. It is the tangible and clear evidence that they are not simply carrying out the task without any vision. They have not just written with beautiful words to impress, mesmerize and lure the people in disguise, but to touch, move, inspire and impact the affected people for good. They have organized seminars, prayer programs, conducted fasting programs and they are continuing in their mission to bring change in election.
Significantly, they have sought the help of the Church leaders to impart education to the Church members. And indeed, they have been carrying out the task in collaboration with different people and organizations. Therefore, though not denying the fact that we should give thanks to God, I sincerely express my profound gratitude to NBCC for their laudable and commendable job. Yes, obviously, it is not only me who is happy, but I believe, all the right-thinking persons are glad. It is a tough job indeed, yet I firmly believe, the fruits will be sweet.
Despite of the tireless job NBCC is undertaking, undeniably, there will be dissidents who will throw stones at them. I have heard from some friends that there are stiff oppositions from different corners.
The NBCC workers have been condemned, criticized, and ridiculed. All these are inevitable. I remember the words of Rev. Anjo Keikong (Gen.Secy. NBCC), speaking in Chakhesang Mission Church, Pfutsero, saying that, they become the objects of mockery to the people. But, I believe this is not the end of war, but just the beginning. Definitely, they will be attacked from everywhere. Certainly, many will speak disdainfully and say, their plans will fizzle-out. If some people fail to follow the guidelines given by NBCC, many may speak sarcastically, “see, they have failed abysmally, their plans will never be successful”. Some may say that they are involved in dirty game. Some may, with contempt and derision, say that they have become the servants of evil, not God. Yes, even on voting day, loopholes and flaws will be there. Consequently, even after election, many may taunt and say that NBBC have carried out clean election campaign in vain.
The Church leaders will also not be spared. They will be criticized and opposed by their own members, simply because they cannot freely do what they want. Some may say that the Church workers have become the ‘dogs’ of NBCC.
Yes, people will bring all the wrong remarks and criticisms from different corners to NBCC. But it will be a message to them that, they are doing something worthwhile. A good work without criticism is not a good work. So, I pray that, despite of the hardships and difficulties, NBCC leaders will be undaunted and undeterred, and surge ahead persistently. May they go on with their mission indefatigably and overcome the storms that assail them! As they go on with their cherished task, let us pray that the mighty hand of God will be with them and help them. Though there are many who oppose, I am strongly convinced that, majority are with NBCC. For, what they are doing is for the entire society. I don’t simply express my views to exaggerate, extol and elevate NBCC and make their nose bigger, but I sincerely appreciate and thank them for their laudable job, so that they will value their deeds. And it is my intention to encourage them to be strong, as there are waves of temptation and opposition. Many are, evidently, on their side. I believe, all the right thinking people are happy with the idea and act of clean election. Let us remember, bringing change takes time. Complete change cannot be brought at once or within a short period. It is an ongoing process. So, what NBCC is doing is the right step for future. Kudos to NBCC! God bless Nagaland!
Liba Hopeson, BTC, Pfutsero
