Congregation of Baptist Mission Church, Kohima presenting a song paying tribute to the Late Reverend Moatsungba Longchari, senior pastor BMC on August 7. (Morung Photo)
Congregation of Baptist Mission Church, Kohima presenting a song paying tribute to the Late Reverend Moatsungba Longchari, senior pastor BMC on August 7. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 7
Thousand of well wishers today converged at the BMC Convention Centre, Kohima to pay tribute to the final journey of Late Reverend Moatsungba Longchari. Family members, friends, church members, various church leaders attended the tribute service.
Till he breathed last, Rev Moa had rendered his services in the ministry of Christ. His uncle Imchalemba Ao said that the Late Reverend was a legacy of his legendary grandfather Late Rev Longri Ao, the ninth grandchild who chose to walk in the similar path of his grandfather, for his commitment and services serving as senior pastor at Baptist Mission Church, Kohima, Imchalemba called the church to continue to do what he had done to lift his legacy.
Revering his role as a dear father, husband, brother, pastor and friend, many who spoke about him described him as a gentle and jolly being, always ready to offer and invite.
Wife of the Rev, Khrienuo Moa expressed how he had fought till the end, never a day giving up hope and always positive till his last breath.
She narrated that if he get well and go back home, his husband told him that he doesn't want to be the senior pastor in the church but go house to house and pray for the sick people, help the poor and share the gospel to those who are lost.
She expressed her joy for being part of his life, “With much joy we have sent him home. Me and children, we will continue to serve the Lord till we meet him in heaven.”
She also conveyed that her husband had always been praying to God for those who have helped and guided him.
"I always thank God for bringing him into my life. We got married in 1997. We are married for 22 years. Nothing can replace him but we are going to treasure all the good memories we have" she shared.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who shared close association with him as a family also commended their relationship of sharing special friendship and brotherhood. “He always carried with him joy and laughter and spread love wherever he was and wherever he went.”
Dr Aküm Longchari, a cousin of the late Rev opined that, “In his own mysterious ways, he has brought us all together.” Longchari also noted that “we should celebrate his life” for he had lived his life to the fullest. He “valued the preciousness of life; was free spirited; very non-judgmental; maintained positive attitude at the most difficult situations."
“His relationship with God in the last 9-10 months got deeper and deeper,” he said and later recalled Moa’s words, “I am at peace with my situation, with my God.”
The eldest daughter, Metemsola Longchari along with his two younger brothers also paid tribute to their father. Others who conveyed messages were Rev James C Neikhrienyu, Pastor, BMC; Rev Neivilieo Zuyie, Mission Director, ABCC; Kohima Baptist Churches Fellowship; Changki Union.
The bible reading and prayer was administered by Rev Savito Nagi, Chairman Ordination Board, ABCC. Funeral rites were ministered by Rev Dr Noulezhalie Ricky Medom where his mortal remains were laid to rest at Thega Bagei, Officers’ Hill, Kohima.
The late Rev had battled cancer for the last 10 months where he passed away in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Mumbai on August 5, 2019.
