A group of fathers from the ‘Medemsanger’ group of Mopungchuket village seen here along with resource person Sentisashi, Associate Pastor, KABA (first row second from left) at the Church complex of DABA on Saturday.
Dimapur, April 13 (MExN): A two day seminar for fathers held at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) Church has brought into focus on the need to create awareness among fathers on their roles and responsibilities as husband, father to the children and towards the family. Inspirational talk on the subject was delivered by Sentisashi, Associate Pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (KABA) and Alongla P. Aier, Associate Professor at Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), Bade.
Lamenting that the very role of father as also his presence was ‘declining’ in the Naga context, Sentisashi questioned whether in the near future children may not be inspired to follow their father. In such a situation, Sentisashi said that the role of the father in leading the family was doubtful and therefore called for renewal of the father’s role in society.
The Associate Pastor also said that a father must ensure a peaceful environment at home and for this he must be willing to change and lead by good example. He also emphasized on the value of time and how fathers must invest as much time on their children. Also saying that unhealthy criticism will put off a child’s enthusiasm, he called for giving encouragement and motivating children.
Touching on the influence of mass media and the need for positive role model, he said that “children pay more attention to what you do than what you say”. “In such a situation parents must continue to teach, guide and influence their children otherwise there are too many distractions in the media”, he went on to say.
Speaking on the role of a father in the context of the family, Alongla P Aier called for renewing the traditional values of the family so that society and the nation can be strengthened. She also mentioned about how in Europe, the different countries have passed resolution to strengthen the role of fathers in an effort towards nation building.
Pointing out that many fathers try to act like a ‘remote control’, she encouraged them on the need to involve themselves more with the family. “Participation of the father in the family keeps children from going astray”, she added. Also saying that children learn more through imitation and observation, she called on fathers to lead by example while describing the importance of “lifestyle teaching”.
Encouraging fathers to build friendship with God, she said that the ultimate aim of professing Christ in our lives is for “us to change and be like Him” and that there “will be wonderful results in our lives”.
It may be mentioned that the seminar for fathers was organized by Ao Temulongtsur, Dimapur Mopungchuket Senso. Fathers both young and old attended the two day seminar where many expressed about the new insights they learned during the seminar.
