Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN): For many people, blindness is often viewed as a limitation and, in some communities, continues to be associated with pity, shame or superstition. However, Mission to the Blind (MTB) says blindness is not the end of a person’s story but the beginning of a life filled with faith, purpose and opportunity.
Since establishing its Nagaland branch on June 7, 2023, Mission to the Blind has been working to transform not only the lives of visually impaired people but also society’s perception of disability. Through evangelism, discipleship, counselling, Braille literacy and outreach programmes, the ministry aims to integrate visually impaired people into church and community life.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, Missionary to the Blind Nagaland, Zubemo Lotha, said the ministry’s primary objective was to reach visually impaired people across Nagaland with the Gospel and ensure they were no longer left on the margins of society.
“Our main priority is to reach visually impaired people across Nagaland with the Gospel and bring them into the mainstream of church and community life,” he said.
According to Zubemo, the ministry was established in response to the challenges faced by many visually impaired people, who continue to encounter stigma and discrimination. He said disability was still viewed by some as a punishment or the result of wrongdoing, leaving many people isolated.
“We are not a curse. We are created in the image of God just like everyone else. We are not asking for sympathy. We are asking for fairness, acceptance and inclusion,” he said.
The ministry’s message is reflected in the lives of its two evangelists, Puilinbiu Pamei, regarded as Nagaland’s first blind missionary, and Mhonchomo Shitio.
Mhonchomo said he had always wanted to become a missionary, even as a child. Although he lost his eyesight after falling seriously ill at the age of one, his dream remained unchanged.
“I always wanted to help other visually impaired people who are like me. I kept praying about it, and eventually God led me to Mission to the Blind,” he said. He joined the ministry as an evangelist on July 25, 2022, and described it as one of the greatest blessings of his life.
Puilinbiu lost his eyesight at the age of six after contracting typhoid. Instead of being taken to a hospital, he was treated by a traditional healer, following which he permanently lost his vision.
Before losing his eyesight, he aspired to become a music teacher, singer or songwriter. However, after enrolling in a school for the blind, he said his perspective on disability changed.
“I discovered that visually impaired people could read the Bible, study theology and serve God. I realised that if others could do it, then I could too,” he said.
When Mission to the Blind expanded its work to Nagaland, he joined the ministry as an evangelist in June 2024.
Both missionaries now devote themselves to encouraging visually impaired people across the state. Every Sunday, they conduct online fellowships comprising worship, Scripture reading, prayer and sermons. Regular Bible study sessions are also organised to enable participants from different parts of Nagaland to grow together in faith.
The ministry also maintains contact with visually impaired people living in remote areas through phone calls and personal visits whenever possible. Upon receiving information about individuals requiring support, the team makes efforts to establish contact and visit them.
Apart from evangelism, the ministry conducts seminars, revival meetings, youth camps, counselling sessions and house visitations aimed at strengthening the spiritual, emotional and personal well-being of participants.
Despite these efforts, the missionaries said they continue to face challenges.
Mhonchomo said one of the biggest difficulties was encouraging people who had lost hope.
“Not everyone responds immediately. Sometimes we need to speak to them several times before they realise we genuinely care,” he said. Puilinbiu said mobility remained a major challenge for visually impaired missionaries.
“As visually impaired missionaries, we cannot simply travel anywhere by ourselves. Whenever we visit a new place, attend church programmes or conduct outreach, we need someone to guide us,” he said.
The missionaries also expressed hope that churches would become more inclusive by encouraging visually impaired people to participate in worship services, youth fellowships, leadership roles and other ministries instead of viewing them merely as recipients of charity.
Puilinbiu said inclusion could begin with simple acts of acceptance.
“If you know a visually impaired person in your neighbourhood, invite them to church. Give them opportunities to serve, to lead and to participate,” he said.
Mhonchomo also urged society to move beyond misconceptions about blindness.
“There is still a mindset that blind people cannot do anything. That needs to change. Every person has talents and gifts given by God,” he said.
As Mission to the Blind continues its outreach across Nagaland, the ministry hopes to encourage churches, families and society to replace stigma with understanding, isolation with inclusion, and pity with respect.