Kohima, Sept. 16: A group of Baptist preachers from Assam has ended its pilgrimage to Mokokchung district where Godhula, the first missionary from Assam, had visited Naga hills in mid-19th century to preach the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Clark Theological College at Aolijen in Mokokchung town also organised a three-day leadership development programme for the pastors from the Assam Valley Baptist Mission, which concluded last evening.

Altogether 38 pastors, including three women from Assam, attended in the programme.

The topics covered during the training were church administration, pastor and pulpit, pastor and family, preparation of Bible sermon with reference to the present day scenario, conducting different services and conflict management.

The president of Assam Valley Baptist Mission, Er Temsu Wathi Ao, along with the team also visited Ao Baptist Church Association, at Impur, 15km from Mokokchung town.

Welcoming the Assam pastors’ team, executive secretary Rev. Mar Atsongchanger, thanked them for visiting Nagaland’s oldest mission centre established by a Baptist missionary from the US, E.W. Clark, more than a century ago after Godhula had left.

“Christianity to the Naga hills was first brought by Godhula from Sivasagar in Assam and now it is our turn to look back to Assam as Christians there need our support,” Mar said.

The Assam pastors exchanged views with the church functionaries.

The pastor of Mangmetong Baptist Church, J. Lolen Imchen, thanked the Assam pastors for visiting the church. “We shall look forward for a meaningful partnership with Assam,” Lolen said.

The team also visited Kumlong Baptist Church, Mokokchung.