Rev Dr Mar Pongener
General Secretary, NBCC
For many months, the leadership of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has been engaged in earnest prayer, deep reflection, and spiritual discernment, humbly seeking the wisdom and direction of God for the churches in Nagaland. This season has not been marked by haste or human planning alone, but by intentional waiting upon the Lord, listening attentively to His voice, and discerning His purposes for His people in our time. Out of this intentional season of intercession and dependence upon God has emerged a profound spiritual initiative titled the NBCC “Revival Torch” Movement.
The cry for revival is neither new nor unfamiliar to the people of God. Scripture itself records this longing: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6). Genuine revival is ultimately the gracious work of God, sovereignly initiated by Him. Yet, the Word of God also makes it clear that revival is often preceded by repentance, humility, and wholehearted turning back to the Lord on the part of His people. The divine promise stands firm: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
In obedience to this biblical call and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the NBCC will formally launch the Lighting of the “Revival Torch” on January 22, 2026, at the NBCC Headquarters, Kohima. This solemn and prayerful act will mark the beginning of the Revival Torch Movement. It is not intended to be a mere symbolic ceremony, but a sacred moment of consecration, an outward expression of an inward longing for God to renew His Church and heal our land. Following its launch, the Revival Torch will be carried to all associations across Nagaland, moving prayerfully from one region to another. This journey is not ceremonial in nature; rather, it is deeply spiritual in purpose. As the torch moves from association to association, it seeks to awaken spiritual consciousness among believers, reminding us that revival is both a personal responsibility and a collective calling.
The torch itself carries profound biblical significance. Throughout Scripture, light symbolizes the presence, truth, and transforming power of God. Jesus declared unequivocally, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). By lighting the Revival Torch, the NBCC issues a clarion call to the churches of Nagaland to reclaim their sacred vocation to shine forth God’s light amid growing moral, spiritual, and societal darkness. The NBCC is deeply convinced that what we require at this critical juncture is not merely periodic revival meetings or occasional spiritual events, but a sustained and transformative movement of revival, one that penetrates hearts, reshapes character, and bears lasting fruit in families, churches, and society. For this reason, we have deliberately chosen to describe this initiative not as a programme, but as a Movement. Programmes may begin and end, but movements continue to grow, influence, and transform over time.
The history of Christianity in Nagaland bears clear testimony that for decades, revival meetings and renewal programmes have been faithfully conducted across our associations and local churches, often once or twice a year, and at times even more frequently. These gatherings have played a vital role in shaping, nurturing, and sustaining the spiritual heritage of our people. They have contributed significantly to the growth of the Church and to the formation of a strong Christian identity in our land. Yet, despite these sincere and sustained efforts, we must humbly acknowledge a sobering reality in our present context. The moral, social, and spiritual challenges confronting Nagaland continue to deepen and intensify. While Nagaland is widely known as a Christian state with an overwhelming Christian population, we are increasingly disturbed by the prevalence of violence, corruption, substance abuse, moral decline, broken families, and social unrest. This painful contradiction compels us to engage in honest and prayerful self-examination. Are we merely Christians in name, or are we truly living out the transforming power of the Gospel in our daily lives? Why do societal problems appear to multiply despite our rich Christian heritage, vibrant church life, and frequent religious activities? These questions are not raised in a spirit of judgment or condemnation, but in humility and concern. They place before us a searching question: What kind of revival do we truly need today?
At the heart of the Revival Torch Movement lies a sincere call to repentance and renewal. The prophet Joel exhorts the people of God, “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12). True revival begins when God’s people are willing to examine their lives honestly, confess their sins sincerely, and realign their priorities with the will of God. It is not merely emotional excitement or temporary enthusiasm, but a deep inner transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This movement seeks to rekindle genuine spiritual hunger among believers, a longing not merely for outward experiences, but for a deeper encounter with God through prayer, the Word, and obedient living. As the psalmist declares, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1), so must the Church today cultivate a renewed thirst for God’s presence and righteousness. Another vital emphasis of the Revival Torch Movement is the strengthening of unity and cooperation among Baptist associations and churches across Nagaland. As the torch is carried from one association to another, it will stand as a visible reminder that Churches in Nagaland is one body in Christ, called to walk together in faith, humility, and mutual accountability. In a time when divisions, misunderstandings, and individualism threaten the witness of the Church, this movement calls us back to the biblical vision of unity. Revival flourishes where unity prevails, and spiritual vitality diminishes where discord and disunity are allowed to persist.
The NBCC firmly believes that authentic revival will never remain confined within church buildings. When hearts are renewed and lives are aligned with God’s righteousness, the impact of revival inevitably extends to families, communities, and society at large. The Revival Torch Movement envisions a future where renewed believers become agents of peace, justice, compassion, and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ in everyday life. Such moral and ethical transformation will serve as a powerful testimony to the Gospel and bring glory to God. Therefore, the NBCC earnestly calls upon all believers across Nagaland to prayerfully participate in and support the Revival Torch Movement. NBCC humbly seek the prayerful support, active involvement, and wholehearted commitment of all believers, that together we may join hearts, seek the face of God, and allow the Revival Torch to continue burning brightly across Nagaland, illuminating lives, renewing the Church, and healing our land for the glory of God.
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