Ikato Chishi Swu
General Secretary, CNC
‘Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
“I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it, says the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:14)
As the Naga nation along with the rest of the world continues to fight against the dreadful global pandemic disease, COVID-19, even during these trying times, the enemy forces within and without, both seen and unseen, are sleeplessly, tirelessly and ceaselessly working and devising evil ways and means to destroy our nation’s unique history, identity, and our God given rights. They have already started implementing their divisive policies and programs through their agencies by issuing intimidating letters, circulars, and notification to create confusion and fear psychosis in the minds of the people. With total disregard to ceasefire ground rules, they are applying force by using security forces through constant raids, harassment and arrest of our national workers and have even gone to the extent of mercilessly and ruthlessly murdering our dedicated Soldiers who are simply defending and protecting our territories from the aggressors. Under these circumstances, the hard earned ceasefire and peace process which is supposed to be on the verge of final solution, on the basis of 3rd August, 2015 Framework Agreement signed between NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagalim) and GoI (Government of India) is also at stake. There seems to be a dark cloud of confusion, uncertainty, and chaos hovering over entire Nagalim due to the insincere attitude and actions being displayed by GoI. At such a time as this, we as responsible Christian citizens of Nagalim and as a Church, cannot be a silent spectator and do nothing about it, when the enemy forces are deliberately and intentionally attempting to destroy our aspirations, hopes, dreams and future. We need to step up, contribute and do our bit both individually and collectively to change our reality today, since the world is in lockdown and social distancing, being the norm of the day, we cannot come together to collectively voice out our concerns. However, individually the least we can do at this critical juncture of our nation’s history is to seriously, sincerely, honestly and fervently fast and pray to God Almighty in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for His divine intervention in our affairs through His Holy Spirit, because prayer is the most powerful and effective offensive weapon at our disposal as Christians.And ultimately the future and the destiny of our nation is in the hands of God Almighty and not in the hands of the aggressors. The Bible says in James 5:16 “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Elijah was a righteous man whose effective and fervent prayer could stop the rain from falling for three and half years and again he prayed and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced its fruit. It changed the course of Israel nation’s history. Similarly today, if one righteous Naga can pray that kind of prayer, our nation’s history and destiny can be changed forever.
Therefore, keeping in mind the above mentioned realities, circumstances and prevailing situations, the Council of Nagalim Churches declares a National Day of Fasting and Prayer on Sunday 19th of July, 2020. The CNC requests and appeals to all the responsible individuals, young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, general public and national workers, Government servants and retired, employed, self-employed and unemployed, prayer groups and prayer centers, all the denominations and churches in Nagalim, all the regions, units, battalions and brigades under it to seriously observe a day of fasting and prayer on the said day in your respective places and earnestly pray to God for His divine intervention to free us from Spiritual and physical bondage. The CNC also request all the Naga national leaders to kindly come and participate in this important program at CHQ Church Hebron. Along with other relevant prayer points you may come up with on your own, we want you to also pray for following prayer points mentioned below:
1. Let us pray that, God will enable all the Naga Leaders and the people to genuinely confess, repent, turn from their wicked ways, and seek God’s face so that, they can experience God’s forgiveness, restoration, peace and healing. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
2. Let us pray that, God will pour out His Holy Spirit to rule and reign in the hearts and minds of the Naga people so that, He can accomplish His will, here in Nagalim as it is in heaven. (Ezekiel 37:14, Matthew 6:10)
3. Let us pray that God will destroy all the visible and invisible spiritual forces that are working against Naga nation by influencing the hearts and minds of our adversaries, especially the leaders who are in the decision making position. (Ephesians 6:10, Revelation 12:8-9)
4. Let us pray that, God will protect the Naga territories and its people from all sickness, infirmities, famine and all kinds of natural and unnatural disasters, which may be the consequence of our own sin also. (Ezekiel 7:10-12, Psalm 91: 10-11)
5. Let us pray that the spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation and unity among Naga brethren and all the NPGs (Naga Political Groups) may prevail so that, together we can achieve our common goal in oneness. (Matthew 6:14-15, Psalm 133:1-3)
6. Let us pray that, God will grant wisdom, strength and will to both the negotiating parties to bring this protracted Indo-Naga political issue to a logical conclusion on the basis of 3rd August 2020 Framework Agreement at the earliest and in accordance to the will of God. (Proverbs 19:21)
7. Let us pray that, God will sanctify, prepare and rededicate the hearts and minds of Naga people to enter into new Nagalim, which shall follow the pattern of Christ Kingdom. (Matthew 6:10, Revelation21:1-2)
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”(Psalm 50:15)
