Mokokchung, November 14: Mongoya Prayer Garden (MPG), a ministry under Chuchuyimpang Baptist Church (CBC) and located some three kilometres away from Chuchuyimpang village was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Executive Secretary of ABAM, on November 13.
MPG at Mongoya Hills approximately covered four acres of land donated by Chuchuyimpang Village Council and is well connected by National Highway 61. MPG was conceptualised through a resolution during the centenary celebration of Chuchuyimpang Baptist Church in 2009 and Rev. O Alem, former Executive Secretary of ABAM, laid the foundation stone in 2010.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger lauded CBC for adhering to the directive of ABAM, which prohibited individuals to open prayer centres except by the churches under their initiative.
Stating that the prayer centre will be visited by only those persons who want to change themselves in life, he therefore said it is both an opportunity as well as a responsibility for the church. He said people who come here for help will be healed only through prayers and faith, adding ‘we should not regret the investment because it will be a place for transformation.’
He also encouraged the church to make the prayer centre for people to find answers to their question- a place where they will find salvation and come closer to God.
The programme was chaired by Rev. I Wati Imsong, pastor of CBC, while short speeches were delivered by Temsumoa, tatar of Chuchuyimpang Village Council; L Temsu, deacon; Tekalemla & relatives; and church representatives. The invocation was offered by P Toshi, pastor of MTBA.MPG Committee report was tendered by C Imli Jamir, Convener of MPG, and the technical report was said by Er. L Senti Jamir, Kohima. A minute of silence was also observed for one of the MPG member who passed away among the 10 member committee. Altogether 21 churches around Mongoya area attended the event.
The MPG is a 20 years project with an estimated total of Rs 5 crores. Till now, MPG committee has spent approximately Rs 1.75 crores on infrastructure development. The infrastructure included Prayer Tower, Retreat Centre equip with guest rooms, dining hall, canteen etc along with quarters for staff. CBC has also commissioned Tekalemla to be the first counsellor for MPG. The prayer centre is now ready to facilitate programmes in conducting revival camps, retreats and seminars activities.
