Members of the Khulazu Basa village in Phek district is seen
observing the 30th 'First day wage' by working in a field on Thursday. (EM
image)
- KOHIMA — 'First
Day Wages,' the first working day earning of a year dedicated to God, has
become a traditional practice of the Khulazu Basa Baptist Church (KBBC)
community in Phek distrtict for 30 years.
- KBBC members have been actively observing the first day
wages since its inception in 1995. Initially known as "The Lord's Labour
Day," this tradition encourages dedicating the first workday earning of
the year to the Lord.
- January 2 marked its 30 years of practicing the tradition
for the community.
- Pastor of Khulazu Basa Baptist Church, Kehuve Chuzho, said
the tradition started during the tenure of late Poi Rhakho, who served as KBBC
pastor from 1993 till 2001.
- While this tradition was not an imitation from others, it is
believed that similar practices emerged around the same in other churches as
well, Chüzho said of the background.
- “On this day, regardless of their usual occupation, members
enthusiastically and actively contribute their labour and demonstrate
widespread participation,” he said adding that the members usually involved in
tasks like firewood collection and other wage works.
- “Back then, the members used to collectively work and
engaged in wage works, generating significant income. However, due to limited
work opportunities in the recent years, the church is unable to assign wage
works to the members. Now, the practice has been that the members that are
capable would work in their own fields and donate their earnings, while others
would contribute by collecting firewood,” the pastor added.
- He also observed that members, who come to the village for
winter vacations, would stay back for the 'first day wages' before returning to
their respective works. For them, dedicating their first workday to the Lord
will bring blessings upon their future endeavors.
- He went on to add that the genuine faith and joyful
participation of the villagers are evident on this day.
