Thai–Nagaland Missions Platform Centre inaugurated in Udon Thani, Thailand, to promote rural development, youth empowerment and church ministry through a long-term partnership between Nagaland and Thailand.
DIMAPUR — A significant milestone in international Christian cooperation was marked with the inauguration of the Thai–Nagaland Missions Platform Centre at New Land Church, Nong On, Udon Thani, Thailand, on September 5.
The centre was formally inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, executive secretary of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), and Rev. Dr. Boonrat Buayen, moderator-president of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT).
The inaugural dedication function was attended by around 150 church leaders from across Thailand, along with local believers and international volunteers, an update stated.
A delegation of church leaders from the CBCC included Rev. Dr. Vikuo Rhi, Rev. Vesavo Shijo, Rev. Muluvoyi Nienu, Zapove Swüro, Jolai Nienu, Theyekhai Ringa and Mhüsolü (Soso) Demo.
The centre has been established as a joint initiative of the CBCC-NBCC and Church District 13 of the CCT. It marks the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership focusing on rural community development, youth empowerment and church ministry.
Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho and his wife, Santi Keyho, will oversee the day-to-day operations and management of the centre.
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Addressing the gathering, Rev. Keyho expressed gratitude to the CBCC and acknowledged the support and prayers of two local churches—Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima, and Chozuba Baptist Church—which he said were instrumental in making the project possible. He also thanked individual donors, friends and family members for their support.
Leaders said the initiative grew out of a strong conviction of God’s guidance in the mission fields of Northeast Thailand.
During its initial phase, the centre will focus on serving local children and youth through conversational English classes, music lessons, recreational sports, skills-development activities and a dedicated Sunday children’s church ministry.
As part of its long-term mission partnership, the platform will pursue six key initiatives. These include supporting local evangelists in evangelism, discipleship and church planting under District 13; providing theological education scholarships to promising young people committed to rural ministry; and recruiting international volunteers from Nagaland to teach English in rural government schools.
The platform will also organise exchange programmes to strengthen relationships and cross-border cooperation between churches in Thailand and Nagaland.
It plans to encourage other associations under the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) to replicate the rural mission model across Northeast Thailand and eventually expand the missions platform network to other parts of the 10/40 Window, with a particular focus on neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
Rev. Keyho also acknowledged Anan Nakdilok, president of the Executive Committee of Church District 13; Rev. Siae Suthisan, former president of Church District 13 and president of New Land Church; and Dr. Prawet Kidarn for their pivotal roles in strengthening the relationship between the two Christian communities.