Persons with Disabilities Sunday: NBCC calls for support systems

KOHIMA — Churches under the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) on Sunday observed Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Sunday.

In Kohima, the NBCC, in partnership with Tabitha Enabling Academy, Deaf Prayer Fellowship, Blessed Bonding, and the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland (IRCSN), marked the occasion at Platinum Hall, NBCC office, Bayavu Hill.

Dr. Villo Naleo, Secretary of Social Concern, NBCC, delivered the day's message, drawing inspiration from the story of Mephibosheth in the book of Samuel.

Using Mephibosheth's life, a child marked by privilege and suffering, he highlighted the harsh realities of disadvantage, dignity, and divine grace.

He recounted that Mephibosheth faced several disadvantages early in life.  At the age of five, while fleeing during wartime, his nurse accidentally dropped him, leaving him permanently crippled.

Yet, despite these hardships, he also enjoyed significant privileges. Dr. Naleo noted that he belonged to a royal lineage as the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, Israel’s first king. He was recognised by King David and ultimately invited to dine at the king’s table for life — an extraordinary honour at a time when the crippled, lame, and blind were typically barred from the palace. Through this, David demonstrated profound mercy and acceptance toward Mephibosheth.

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Drawing inspiration from the story, the secretary of NBCC’s social concern said that everyone has disadvantages and advantages in life.

“Our dependency is not our weakness. We all are born dependent, and that is why we all are dependent. So, don’t worry,” he said.

 “Even if you have to depend on someone in your life, don’t be disappointed. Our dependency is not our weakness. To be disabled is not our choice. This is part of the fallen world and we have to accept that,” he added.

Dr. Naleo stated that regardless of disability, individuals may become objects of empathy, points of reference in prayer, or receivers of love and care — just as Mephibosheth became the object of David’s mercy and forgiveness.

Emphasising the importance of support systems, he cited how King David arranged for Ziba and his family to serve Mephibosheth for life, creating a lifelong network of care.

He stressed that such support systems and networking are vital, adding that David feared God and therefore ensured that Saul’s family was shown grace.

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He emphasised that such structural mercy is what the government, the church, and NGOs can and must provide for people from the disabled community.

He went on to state that beyond networking and support systems, building structures of mercy is essential, stating that NBCC remains committed to supporting people in need.

“We do not want to celebrate this Sunday merely as a special Sunday. In the coming years, we will be more intentional, more focused, and we pray that we will collaborate and work together for the glory of God,” he stated.

Earlier, Dr. R Rose Chakhesang, vice-chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland, delivered greetings, highlighting the humanitarian services of IRCSN and expressing willingness to continue supporting such causes.

The programme was led by A Bideno Kikon, secretary, CED, NBCC. Kikon stated that the Special Sunday is observed to honour the dignity and worth of every individual created in God’s image, and to promote inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.

The programme featured Shikalu Shohe as the accompanist and Eliza Chishi as the sign language interpreter. Rev. Izieteilung Terieng, state chaplain, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, offered a special prayer for persons with disabilities.

During the service, Nyano read the scripture, and Vinopu Aye shared his testimony. The Deaf Prayer Fellowship and Tabitha Enabling Academy presented special items, with the latter also performing a drama re-enactment of ‘The Good Samaritan’ featuring hearing-impaired students. A special song was presented by the Student Christian Fellowship (SCF), Bayavü.