Nagaland Church leaders called to play major role in combating HIV/AIDS epidemics
Church leaders under WSBAK during the Sakiphemi Hoho held in Sumi Baptist Church, Diphupar from February 26 to 28. (Photo Courtesy: WSBAK)
Dimapur, February 28 (MExN): The Sakiphemi (leaders) Hoho of Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) was held in Sumi Baptist Church, Diphupar village from February 26-28.
According to N Suhuto Chishi, acting secretary, Department of Youth Ministry, WSBAK, the two-day long hoho also gave importance on the alarming prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state. An advocacy on HIV/AIDS with church leaders was also held.
Dr Vinito Chishi, State Coordinator, Nagaland Legislators' Forum on AIDS (LFA) spoke on how churches and its leaders can play an impactful role in educating and sensitizing the people and stop the spread of the virus. He was of the view that involvement of churches in the fight against HIV/AIDS will not only help in reducing the transmission rate but could possibly see a day when there will be a zero percentage of new infection.
He said church organization is the most trusted organisation in the community and it can effectively and extensively reach out to people of all walks of life.
Speaking on developing a church based strategy, resource person Dr Vinito spoke on how church can minister to those who are infected, by extending care and support both spirituality and materially while also encouraging and educating others to live a disciplined and healthy life. He also stressed on how churches could mobilize its resources of expertise to have self support initiatives in terms of counselling, medication, nutrition etc.
Delivering on prevailing scenario of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland, LFA administrator Hukatoli pointed out that more than 90% of transmissions in Nagaland are caused through sexual route and it is very alarming to note that the virus have entered many homes, with Dimapur district being the highest as per data collected. She said all who are infected or vulnerable to the virus are part of the church and therefore church can play a crucial role in tackling the grim situation by encouraging people through moral counseling, giving support and encouragement to go for ART treatment which the government is providing free of cost.
Other resource person, Jonah Rikhi, India & South East Asia Specialist from Jerusalem enlightened the church leaders about how to plan a trip to Israel and make much more than site seeing and a life-changing experience and discover God's promises on Israel as the living proof.
Rev Dr Hevukhu Achumi, Executive Secretary, WSBAK and Rev Dr Hokheto Chophy, Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima were speakers of the hoho. They shared messages basing on the theme of the event. They urged the leaders to be “closely knitted together in love and unity and in righteousness of God and shoulder their responsibility to serve as empowered and anointed by the Holy Spirit and be fruitful in their ministry.”
In his remark, Rev Hevukhu acknowledged Sumi Baptist Church Diphupar for hosting the conference, providing food, lodging and all logistic arrangements and making the meeting a grand success.
It may also be mentioned here that about 500 church leaders comprising of senior pastors, youth, women and children pastors from 167 churches under WSBAK who congregated unanimously resolved to fully support and endorse on the closing of all business establishments on Sunday called by NSCN (IM).
