Nagaland: MTABCM to hold ‘Day of Repentance’

The Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Churches Mission (MTABCM), comprising ten Ao Baptist churches in Mokokchung Town, has proclaimed a “Day of Repentance” for the entire Ao community on January 30 and 31, 2026.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference held at Hotel Whispering Winds on January 26, MTABCM said the solemn observance seeks collective and personal contrition, imploring divine absolution for individual, communal and ancestral transgressions of the Ao people. The decision to organize the programme was taken during meetings at Yimyu Baptist Church in mid-2025, followed by consultations with churches and stakeholders. MTABCM clarified that the event will be inter-denominational, welcoming all irrespective of denomination, social standing or background.
Rev. Ponen Longchar, pastor of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA), informed that Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC) Mokokchung region and Pentecostal churches have affirmed participation and are actively aiding preparations. Formal invitations have also been extended to Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Aor Lanur Telongjem (ALT), Ao Officers’ Union, all ten Ao legislators, the Member of Parliament and the wider Ao populace.
The programme will begin on January 30 with an evening liturgy at MTBA at 5 p.m., followed by a prayer-and-fasting vigil on January 31 from 6 a.m. to noon at Imkongmeren Sports Complex. Twelve pastors will lead the fast, each allotted 30 minutes to exhort repentance across personal, familial, communal and lineage dimensions.
MTABCM has also reached out to Ao national workers, including underground groups, urging their involvement. Organizers expect 7,000–8,000 congregants from across Nagaland to participate.
For pilgrims travelling from afar, MTBA will provide meals on January 30 and lodging arrangements through church guesthouses and Clark Theological College facilities. Rev. Dr. Bendang Longkumer, pastor of Artang Baptist Church, revealed that an unbroken Chain of Prayer has been ongoing since January 4, uniting MTABCM churches with NCRC and Pentecostal counterparts, culminating on January 29.
For those unable to attend, the proceedings will be streamed live on the MTBA Mokokchung YouTube channel.