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Rev. Ponen Longchar releasing the composition sung by alcohol users at the MTBA on Sunday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, July 29 (EMN): Alcoholics Anonymous or AA Fellowship of Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA) released an Ao vernacular gospel song, “Ku takum nung na Chubasang” (May you reign in my life), on Sunday.
The song was composed by Changsen Pongen, a recovering alcoholic and was released by Rev. Ponen Longchar, pastor of MTBA in the presence of AA family members and church workers at MTBA church premises.
The song was sung by more than more than 40 AA members under the age group from 20-60 and can be view at Youtube soon.
Sentiyanger, while highlighting about the song, said that the song is a testimony for the AA member for bringing light into their life. The song is dedicated to alcoholics conveying a message of hope and redemption through Christ.
On behalf of the AA, he thanked the church for believing in them and their counsellor Moatoshi for guiding them to recovery their addiction.
In an interaction with Rev. Longchar, he expressed his concerned for the alcoholics. He said in Nagaland, especially in Ao area alcoholism is a serious concern.
“How will the church play a role in this issue was seriously pondered upon and prayed about. At such a time, to conduct a detoxification camp by MTBA was resolved and held its camp for the first batch of alcoholics in 2011,” the Rev. said.
“Having lived many years enslaved by alcoholism, now their lives are change; giving up drinking, transformed their family….,” Longchar expressed his joy about AA programme.
The programme involves a huge investment, however, the objective of the camp is not only about letting them give up drinking but involves a holistic approach to let them have a total change in social and family life too, said Longchar.
Follow-up programme amongst the AA peers and visitation of the counsellor is mass to find a way for their problems for the recovering alcoholics, he said while giving credit to the counsellor for his sincere dedication to bringing joy and happiness once again in the life of many families.
Rev. Longchar expressed joy sharing the success story of many alcoholics, who are now serving as church volunteers, Sunday School teachers and also in local governance.
A wife of a recovering alcoholic recalled the hardships and miseries that their family used to face while her husband was an alcoholic. She shared that her husband is a better husband and a father after joining AA.
“Now my family respects me and my relationship with my children, wife and others has improved,” one of the recovering alcoholic said.
Alcoholism does not stick to one gender alone, they are many female drinkers as well but does not reveal because of social stigma, it is Church another problem to ponder upon to bring those enslaved drinkers, Associate Pastor Bendang said.
After AA was formed under the wings of MTBA Mission Board in 2011 every Sunday at 3 pm they have fellowship to encourage one another and share the words of God. AA fellowship is growing strength to strength.
