Neichute Doulo and Zapuvisie Lhousa with others during the release of the book ‘American influence in Christianity: Bethlehem to Nagaland’ in Kohima on October 2. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 2
A book titled ‘American influence in Christianity: Bethlehem to Nagaland’ written by Zapuvisie Lhousa was released today at APO Hall by Neichute Doulo, CEO Entrepreneurs Associates.
Speaking on the occasion, Doulo was optimistic that the book will not only be beneficial for scholars but for everybody to learn about the ‘pride and honor of Naga history’.
Author Zapuvisie Lhousa said the book attempts to share how Nagas benefitted from the Americans.
He said the American Baptist Mission (ABM) brought the gospel to the Naga people. “They also brought the Roman alphabet. It also touches their persevering love for Nagas. It gives a symbol of how far we have progressed,” he said.
Lhousa, an ex-pastor of Mezoma Baptist Church said “I still cannot imagine, during those days how the missionaries took sea route and crossed the wild forests to reach our land,” and thanked the American Baptist Mission (ABM).
The programme was chaired by Vibizono Chüsi, Secretary WABTF while Rev Dr Rachiilie Vihienuo, Pastor UBC pronounced the invocation prayer.
Rajuselie Lhousa proposed vote of thanks and Z Mankup Konyak, Pastor Konyak Baptist Church Kohima pronounced the benediction.
Among others, the book features contents like The Nagas of yesterday, God’s love for the Naga people, American Baptist Missionaries in the lives of Naga people, the coming of Christianity to Naga country, Phizo’s hope to discuss Naga problem with US officials, friends of Nagaland in the United States, greetings and prayers for peace, ABC shares concern to US government, plight of the Nagas- an appeal, peace talks in Atlanta, etc.
The book is priced Rs 500.
“This book is enriched by the writings of Naga church leaders who have meticulously documented the history of Christianity in the Naga Hills. In addition, letters and documents are included which give information on the political history of the Nagas intertwined with various attempts of peace-making by church leaders in America and in Nagaland in the twentieth century. The value of the volume as a future reference book especially with all the historical content it carries, is evident,” penned Dr Easterine Kire in foreword.
At the same time, ‘American influence in Christianity: Bethlehem to Nagaland’ engages in searching of the Naga soul, throwing a scrutinizing gaze upon the present stand of our faith as a people, she added.
