Right to Left: Tiala Imchen, the author, Rev Sentisashi Aier, Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Church and Rev I Wati Jamir, Pastor Dimapur Ao Baptist Church during the release of the book, “ABAM Ar?khudongtem (The Vanguards of ABAM)” at DABA’s Z?in Ki, at Duncan Basti Dimapur on January 31.
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Tiala Imchen’s 8th book ‘ABAM Arükhudongtem’ released
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 31
How did the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), one of the Baptist Church Associations in Nagaland, came into being and who were instrumental for leading the association into the present status?
Among others, these are some questions answered in a new book by Tiala Imchen titled, ‘ABAM Arükhudongtem’ (The Vanguards of ABAM) released here at the DABA’s Züin Ki, at Duncan Basti Dimapur on January 31.
This is the author’s 8th book in Ao Naga language comprising of historical narratives, biography and other subjects.
‘ABAM Arükhudongtem’ was formally released by Rev Sentisashi Aier, Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Church and present ABAM President.
Sharing about the book, Imchen noted that with happiness that in the 150 year of the advent of Christianity in Nagaland, she was able to bring out the book highlighting on key individuals leading the ABAM, including the early years under American Missionary till 1955, and thereafter by local ‘vanguards.’
She informed that she began her research for the March 2020 and took 2 years, with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the pace of the work.
Besides the early years (1872-1955), the book focused on 6 Executive Secretaries of ABAM from 1955, after handing of leadership to local leaders, after the departure of the American missionaries.
The works of six Executive Secretaries starting from the first, Rev L Kijung to Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger, the previous incumbent, are analyzed in the book.
It recounts the association’s history and can also serve as good examples to be emulated, Imchen said.
Among others, she highlighted some achievements during the 150 years journey including the Mission for border areas in 1925, during the golden jubilee year with Late Semsalemzung as the first missionary.
In the centenary year, ABAM opened the first theological college in Nagaland – Clark Theological College in 1972, first in Impur and later shifted to the present location at Aolijen.
Another achievement was ABAM’s fight for prohibition of liquor in 1989, first in Mokokchung, and later throughout Nagaland via Nagaland Baptist Church Association (NBCC).
The christening of Impur as “Jerusalem of Nagaland’ by NBCC in 2018 was another feat as well as the international mission movement in over 10 countries, Imchen highlighted.
The ABAM now comprised of 166 churches and 9 fellowships, not only in Nagaland but across India, she added.
Chairing the launch programme, Rev I Wati Jamir, Pastor Dimapur Ao Baptist Church shared on the difficulty in bringing out a book, let alone 8. He also considered writing as a passion and an exercise in benefits for others.
Releasing the book, Rev Sentisashi Aier noted that the book was a need of the hour and “right work at right time is most satisfying” given the Sesquicentennial celebration scheduled to be held in November at Impur.
He also highlighted the rave review he received from others regarding Imchen’s previous works, and further added that the author, he learnt was a great storyteller, hardworking and persistent from her childhood.
Aier also noted the market–readership mismatch to bring out any book, particularly in local language and noted that the publication of 8th book was a great achievement.
It can be used as reference book in the future, he added.
Editor, Tir Yimyim, K Temjen Jamir also lauded the author’s great achievement. He further noted that the reading and writing had great impact on ABAM’s 150 years progress and development but rued that reading culture are declining.
He also noted that despite limited economic viability, writers, including the print media, continue to profess, driven by a burning desire to share and inform.
To rediscover reading culture, Jamir also called buying books and sharing with others during festive seasons.
Likewise, Sentisangba Aier, the vice president of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur said that books a being published and lauded the author for nurturing her talents despite many challenges.
He also called for diversifying to audio books or podcasts, in addition to publication.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the book costing Rs 600 each will be available at Clark Literature House in Mokokchung; and Tir YImyim Office, Supermarket Dimapur. One can also contact 9856330111 and 9436426770/7005704523 in Kohima and 9436267243 and 9856072258 in Dimapur for copies of the book.
