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Baptist Mission Church members sing during the funeral service of Rev. Moatsungba Longchari on Wednesday at the BMC Convention Centre in Kohima. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 7 (EMN): Reverend Moatsungba Longchari, senior pastor of Baptist Mission Church, Kohima was laid to rest at his home at Officer’s Hill colony on Wednesday amid thousands of people who had gathered to pay their last tributes.
The 51-year-old pastor breathed his last on August 5 at a hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife Khrienuo Longchari, a daughter and two sons.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is the brother-in-law of the deceased, said at the funeral service that ‘one cannot question the will of God.’ Reminiscing memories from his close association with the reverend, Rio said Moa carried with him joy and laughter, spreading love and goodwill which reflected his inner peace.
He called Moa a “very humble person” who was ready to speak about whatever was in his mind. He sought only good qualities in everyone and did not disregard people, Rio said.
“As a family, I had a very close association with him. I asked him about religion and biblical matters and he asked me about politics,” Rio said. He also remembered Longchari as someone special who always created laughter with his presence.
“We have lost Rev. Moa who was not only a brother, friend but our spiritual father and spiritual guidance who was always willing to help anybody who came to him,” he said.
Rio said that his sister, Khrienuo Moa, and the reverend were one of the best couples who had stayed and worked together for years as husband and wife. He prayed that their children would become “good persons.” Moa was associated with Angami people to the point that he even mastered their dialect. But even more, it was the people and the church that loved and trusted him for which he was invited to be a pastor in an Angami church, he added.
“Even as we grieve, we thank and praise God for the joys and smiles Rev. Moa have brought to so many weary ones,” said Rio.
Rev. James C Neikhrienyii, pastor at BMC, also spoke at the programme. Longchari’s contribution to the lives of church members was tremendous as he changed many people’s lives in and outside the church. “We are proud and blessed to be led by such a reverend as Moa,” he said.
Rev. Neivilieo Zuyie, mission director of the Angami Baptist Church Council also spoke at the event. “Even with his short span of time, he served God and people to the fullest with his capacity,” he said.
Khrienuo Longchari told the gathering that it was not an occasion to grieve but to celebrate and thank God for their lives. She married Longchari in 1997 and “ever since they never got bored even a single day.”
“We have together shared our weaknesses; we have enjoyed life together....As husband and wife, we have enjoyed life,” she said adding that there was not a single boring day ever since they married in 1997.
She spoke of memories from sharing the love of God, cooking, and travelling together with her husband. Although work was demanding in he being a pastor, missionary and a leader, he always found time and heart for our children, she added.
Khrienuo Moa also spoke about how her selfless husband would help people in need. She quoted him as having said: “My God is a rich God.”