Yupangnenla Longkumer
Far from the madding crowd surrounded by lush fields and hills looking down, lies Chathe Christian Prayer Centre on the banks of Chathe River; a perfect place for soul searching. Christians irrespective of denominations come to this centre in a hope to attain peace, comfort and healing.
Established in 1965, the centre has been running with support from well-wishers. It is said that the centre started off with a few huts but as time went by many individuals and communities have built several houses for pilgrims to stay comfortably. The centre can accommodate a capacity of over 1500 people.
At present, the centre is running under the guidance of Pastor Veyikha Lase and 28 “prayer warriors” and managed by five villages - Thekrejuma, Sirhi Angami, New Socünoma, Rüzaphema and Punglwa under Medziphema subdivision. Pastor Veyikha has been working in the centre since 1980. When he first joined the centre he was working as an assistant pastor and later in 1996 he was ordained as a pastor.
Every month around 250 to 300 pilgrims visit the centre and they spend time praying, fasting and meditating. The fulltime workers at the centre not only pray for the sick but also those people who are “demon possessed”. The centre has a separate room for “dry fasting”; people who are engaged in dry fasting do not drink even a drop of water.
The centre has a church too which can accommodate around 1000 people and on its outer wall it is written: “This prayer centre was divinely revealed to be used as spiritual hospital. Reviving of the souls, place of prayer and fasting, healing of sickness. Casting of evil spirits and working miracles and further revealed to be used this centre as a place of prayer for all nations and for all tribe in Nagaland. This centre is not to be used on the category of the village but for those whose lives are dedicated to the Lord can settle here. This came to functional in 1965 - Rev Delievi Pastor CPC.”
Also, on the left side of the church there is a prayer house. The pastor said the prayer house was “squarely built” and it signifies the four corners of the world. It has 12 pillars which signify the 12 disciples of Jesus. He said every day one full time worker of the centre has to spend time in prayer inside the house.
Faith can move mountains
Pastor Veyikha said that it is faith that makes things happen. Without faith, it is no use coming to the prayer centre. The pastor lamented that some people, especially youngsters who are addicted to alcohol or drugs come to the centre asking for help so that they can give up their bad habits but most of them do not have faith. “...they come here just to please their parents. And when they leave, they go back to their old habits. There are only a few who have come here in their own will.”
Elaborating more, he said one has to have faith to receive healing or to give up bad habits. Even if one prays for the whole year if he does not believe, it is of no use.
Queried on about the schedules in the centre, he said “God speaks” to him and according to that he instructs the pilgrims on how long they can stay at the prayer centre. He said some people bring along their family members as well who also follow the same routine.
He also said the “demon possessed” ones are kept in an isolated room and their relatives pray for them along with the prayer warriors and pastor.
On “demonic possession”, assistant pastor of Punglwa Megosie, who also works at the centre, said some cases can be only handled by faith and nothing else. There are things beyond science and only God can work it out.
Also, one Thongo, a prayer warrior said many miracles have taken place in the centre. He said people who were sick for a long time and people who were possessed by “evil spirits” were healed. He also added that he has been praying for the Nagas.
The experiences
One Kukhrungoyi, who was leaving the centre after staying for a week said that he came to the centre because he was depressed and physically weak but after the stay, he felt much better. “...it was a good experience for me. I am happy now and I want to come back again in future,” he said, adding that he fasted for three days.
Another interesting person was one P Krome, a retired government employee, he said since his college days he has been visiting the centre to have time alone in prayer and retrospect. “...the first time I came here was in 1970 and I have been coming here time to time.”
He also narrated how one of his friend, who was an alcoholic gave up his drinking habit after staying in the prayer centre; praying and fasting. On which he said: “...unless and until, we have firm decision and open up our heart to God, it is very difficult. Whole hearted prayer helps.”
