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Rev Dr Atsongchanger leading the gathering in prayer after the signing of the joint declaration of the peace held on November 12. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Changtongya (Mokokchung) | November 13
‘A happy day for everyone, it is far bigger than a revival as today we build peace and forgive each other.’
This was the heartfelt message by Rev I Wati Jamir, Pastor Changtongya Baptist Church (CBC), as he welcomed the citizens of Changtongya and Chuchuyimlang, for a ‘historic’ congregation for peace on November 12.
The occasion, ‘Yimjung Mensem’ (Peace meeting) held here at CBC, Changtongya was attended by over thousands citizens from both villages.
Both the villages were living in their own pride and glory (often self-proclaimed), the warriors directions signify both the status quo as well letting go of old tradition, the two hands under one cross imply coming together under the one cross, Rev Wati said explaining the banner put up for the day.
The initiative
Likewise, explaining the chains of events leading the day, the Pastor of Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church (CBC, Chuchuyimlang) T Lima informed that the precursor was the initiative called ‘Ao Kin Asentenshi’ (Revival in Ao country) started by the Ao Baptist Church Association (ABAM) couple of years back.
As a follow-up, in 2019 churches under the association were divided in zones were encouraged to forward the initiative. The two villages fall under Langpangkong Zone – III.
As a part of the initiative, Rev Wati was allotted to speak at a service at CBC Chuchuyimlang.
During an interaction with church members after the service, he prodded the need for peace between the two villages.
In reply, the CBC Chuchuyimlang noted that they were also thinking in the same line, but the opportunity did not arise.
To take the matter forward, Pastor Lima noted, both the Churches decided to do their homework. For CBC Chuchuyimlang, to present the proposal to Riosanger Putu Menden (village council) and endorse the overture.
Rev Wati was also tasked to do the same to Changtongya’s Kosasanger Putu Menden.
Several own and joint initiatives later, the joint meeting for peace was proposed.
“This is a God’s plan and grace,” Pastor Lima asserted, pleased with the outcome.
On Wednesday, their citizens congregated as long ‘lost friends’ – regretting the past but affirming to move forward in togetherness.
Speaking on the occasion, a member of Chuchuyimlang Village Council noted that in the past, a village was like a whole world and lived on its own but such a period is over now.
While everyone talk about peace and want peace, to go ahead and transform these feeling into reality is daunting, he added, lauding the initiatives of two CBCs.
As a way forward, he called for establishment of Aksü – the Ao customary practice of external diplomatic relations, whose spirit, among others, is founded on reconciliation, friendship and peace.
His counterpart, Tiasunep, Council Chairman Changtongya, said while every citizen in both villages recognised that it was not good to live as ‘belligerent’ entities, there was none to bring them together. He also appreciated CBCs for enabling such a reality.
He also underscored that while there seems to be a perceived enmity between the two, for all practical purposes, they were never against each other, and help each other on various platforms.
Tiasunep also suggested for the two councils to meet at the earliest. ‘Don’t have any apprehension. Unlike in the past, the people want peace. We want peace now and God will grant us.’
Tongpangmeren, the president of Changtongya Union (Senso Mungdang) stressed that the date itself -12, was ‘anointed’ by God, citing it’s Biblical as well as other connotations.
‘Let’s make peace between us a living example for others,’ Tongpangmeren further exhorted.
All activities in the world are done with a time limit, but there is such limit for peace and we should ponder which one we chose, he said.
Choosing the latter, he suggested both village councils to jointly come out with some operating procedures, besides other initiatives by students’ union as well as enhancing personal and societal relationships.
Odimatsung, President Chuchuyimlang Senso Mundang, also noted that the two villages reside in close proximity but were never entered into a peace treaty.
We live in trepidation and started a bit late, but let us start cementing in big way the bridge the churches had built for us, he urged.
It won’t be without challenges, Odimatsung said, but he was confident that the pledge in church would be honoured and serves as shining example for others. ‘Harsh words from friends are taken in astride while a sweet word from enemy turns sour,’ he said, urging against succumbing to any eventualities.
In his speech, ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger used the example of The Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1984 between Chile and Argentina in 1985 and Biblical reconciliation between Esau and Jacob after 20 years.
Such meetings are always full of peace though we have initial apprehension, implying that he percept such atmosphere among the congregation.
‘Let’s this be a start,’ he added, ‘and not temporary but till second coming of Christ.’
Rev Dr Atsongchanger later administrated signing of a joint declaration of the peace meeting. It was roughly translated as: ‘With the assent of the Changtongya Kosasanger and Chuchuyimlang Riosanger Village Council, for the two villages and all its citizens, on November 12, the Changtongya and Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church, in the name of the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, proclaim peace.’
The declaration was appended by Rev Wati, Pastor Lima and Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger, and thereafter endorsed by the congregation with show of hands and sealed with a prayer.
To signify the day, citizens both villages partake in a community feast after the peace meeting.
