Nagaland: Spiritual ‘reassurance’ during pandemic

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 24 (EMN): Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill (CBCMH), Kohima conducted ‘Revival on wheels’, a devotional worship service, on streets of the state capital Kohima on Thursday.

Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor at CBCMH, Kohima, said that Nagaland, particularly Kohima, has become a “very big mission field” and there is a need to share the love of God.

‘People need to hear the voice of the church leaders to reassure citizens that all is not lost yet,’ he said.

Through the programme, the church intended to reassure citizens of Kohima that ‘God has not forsaken us’. Therefore, the people do not really have to panic about the pandemic, the senior pastor said.

While following the medical experts and the SOPs issued by the government, the church felt the need to do its part, which is, sharing the gospel, he added.

“We need to care for each other, we need to love one another, we need to protect one another and need to live in harmony,” he said.

Phesao, who is also the former president of Kohima Baptist Pastor Fellowship, added that he felt the need to pray for the government of the day, frontline workers, medical experts, news fraternity etc.

“We also need a great wave of revival,” he said, adding that ‘we also need to pray more that a societal transformation will come through prayers, through conducting the worship services, and preaching the word of God to people who are in need for spiritual strength’.

So far, the church has conducted the outdoor worship services at various colonies and different pockets of Kohima including PWD, Para-medical, Old and New Ministers’ Hill. On Thursday, the services were held at three locations including Old MLA hostel junction, PHQ Junction, and New Minister’s Hill near Cathedral.

‘Revival on wheels’ was started quite some time ago and it will continue to be held from time to time, he added.

According to Phesao, the outdoor worship services were making a “very positive impact”.

‘While the doors of the churches are open to people who wants to attend, we must also do our best to maintain SOPs and take all kinds of preventive measures in the churches as well,’ he said.

The devotional service was conducted by observing social distancing measures and wearing of mask. The entire service was also live streamed on the CBCMH’s social media handles.