Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Churches Mission declares January 30-31 as Day of Repentance for Ao community to seek collective forgiveness.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Churches Mission (MTABCM), an alliance of ten Ao Baptist churches in Mokokchung Town, has proclaimed January 30 and 31 as a “Day of Repentance” for the entire Ao community.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at Hotel Whispering Winds, Mokokchung, on Monday. The initiative aims to seek collective and individual forgiveness for personal, communal, and ancestral wrongdoings by the Ao people.
The decision emerged from deliberations among Ao pastors affiliated with MTABCM, commencing in meetings at Yimyu Baptist Church between July and August 2025. Following consultations with other churches and stakeholders, the proposal garnered unanimous endorsement.
The MTABCM emphasised that the observance is open to all, regardless of denomination, social standing, or background.
Rev. Ponen Longchar, pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA), stated that the event is inclusive of everyone, adding that the invitation extends to every Ao individual.
The MTABCM has collaborated with the Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC), Mokokchung Region, and various Pentecostal groups, who have agreed to participate and contribute to the preparations, Longchar informed.
Formal invitations have been extended to civil and community organisations, including Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Aor Lanur Telongjem (ALT), Ao Officers’ Union, all ten Ao legislators, the Member of Parliament, and the general public.
Proceedings will commence on January 30 with an evening service at Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA) at 5 pm, followed by a prayer and fasting programme on January 31 from 6 am to 12 noon at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
According to the MTBA pastor, 12 pastors will lead the session, each given 30 minutes to speak on repentance concerning personal, family, and community aspects.
The MTABCM further disclosed outreach efforts directed toward Ao nationals serving in diverse capacities, including those associated with underground groups, inviting their participation. The mission expressed hope that the observance would foster introspection and chart a renewed path for the community.
For attendees travelling from distant locations for the January 30 evening service, MTBA will provide lunch between 3 pm and 4 pm. Accommodation arrangements are being facilitated through the guest houses of the ten constituent churches, with additional coordination extended to Clark Theological College (CTC); however, organisers noted that lodging capacity is limited.
Dr. Bendang Longkumer, pastor of Artang Baptist Church, stated that a continuous ‘Chain of prayer’ has been underway since January 4, involving all ten MTABCM churches alongside NCRC and Pentecostal fellowships. This will conclude on January 29, leading up to the main programmes.
He further noted that awareness campaigns have been conducted in multiple wards and towns, including Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Medziphema, as well as across various Ao-inhabited regions.
Pastor Puryapang of Yimyu Baptist Church expressed gratitude for the support from various individuals and organisations. He added that for those unable to attend in person, the proceedings will be streamed live on the MTBA Mokokchung YouTube channel on both days.
The organisers stated that this marks the first collective repentance endeavour undertaken by the Ao community. The venue at Imkongmeren Sports Complex is expected to host 7,000 to 8,000 attendees from across Nagaland.
Established 25 years ago, MTABCM approaches its silver jubilee on March 17, 2026. The mission has accorded priority to this ‘Day of Repentance’ as part of its ongoing activities.