Nagaland Christians received the gospel in the late part of 19th century and earlier part of 20th century. Since the gospel which transformed our life style in all aspects happened only recently that impoverished us. In terms of education we are hardly in the second generation and our predecessors were first generation whereby they could not get the adequate knowledge of the word of God. Because of all these genuine reasons 4-14 window are almost neglected. The Protestant leaders / Reformers have done a great job, but they have completely neglected Mission and this Mission was not in their mind and in their thoughts. So also in our contemporary Nagaland Churches context every church is busy doing many good things for the Lord, including concentrating on adults but unfortunately almost neglecting the 4-14 years of age which actually need to be given more attention and concentration.
Nagaland Churches must understand that 4-14 is a window of opportunity targeting the 4-14 years age group. Statistics based on Dan Brewster and the George Barna’s research shows that 40% - 80% accept the Lord Jesus Christ for the first time during this period because they are more receptive, moldable and great in numbers. It is estimated that there are 2 billion children in the 4-14 age group. The theological understanding is that this is the “golden age” group. But surprisingly in most churches everything is adult centered (one billion between 15-25 years of age) and just about 5% budget are for the children (4-14 years of age). Now in a paradigm shift churches should concentrate more on the 4-14 years age group. Ministry to children is a ministry to family which is in turn ministry to the whole community. If we have a burden to save the next generation then our churches, ministries, Bible colleges and schools must concentrate on this age group, so that they would become the next generation godly parents and leaders.
These days we have heard lots of Satan worshippers in Nagaland and these Satan worshippers are mostly young boys and girls. Also prostitution that results in 2000 abortions everyday in Nagaland, consumption of 5 crores bottles of alcohols every year by the Nagaland Christians and pubs and discos functioning successfully in Dimapur where young boys and girls are living in immoral are all unimaginable. The root cause of all these social evils that are prevailing in our small Christian state is because the churches do not give attention to the 4-14 years of age group. The Promise Church in the United States of America is going to hold the 4/14 New York Conference from 10th – 16th October 2014, and in this 4/14 New York Conference they are inviting and sponsoring 1000 delegates around the world. The Conference theme is: “Towards Best Practices” with this strategy to reach the children around the world in between 4-14 years of age. Evangelizing and disciplining 4/14 is not a dream but a reality. Nagaland Christians! Wake up let us, “Train up a child (4-14 years of age) in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Pro.22:6). Praise the Lord
Rev. Dr. Vikheshe Chishi,
Founder and Principal,
Withee Bible College, Dimapur
