Posted byDr. H. Chhungi

organised by : National Council of Churches in India (COT-NCCI) and Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) in Partnership with the Presbyterian Church of India, Mizoram Synod

in the North East India, March 10 – 11, 2010

Introduction: As the whole wide world Church is celebrating the Centenary of the great historical mission event at Edinburgh 1910 by organizing various programmes in the local, national and international levels, it is appropriate for the Churches in North East India too to have a reflection on our Mission works, especially in the area of Health. Due to economic poverty, geographical location, poor Government Health-Care system, political unrest, violation of Human Rights, etc. and their related consequences, the North East India suffers a great setback in health situation in general and in commutable diseases in particular. For instance, the HIV and AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Cancer are some of the deadliest health problems that are rampant in the North East India today. Among many health problems in the NEI, here we would like to address certain areas of special concerns during our Two Day Workshop in order to make the Churches in NEI to review our Mission works in the Health section and also to make a maximum impact in the society for the eradication of these killer diseases/sickness.

Mental health care is another area where we need to take a serious look into it. Suicidal behavioral pattern among the youth and the high rate of depression among the youth and women is a great concern.

The challenge here is how serious the Church in the North East India is in addressing health issues in our present day’s context. Are we in a position to address the above cases from the mission perspective?      

Aim: Churches at all levels addresses Health in their mission work

Objectives:
1. To have an over view of the Church’s Mission on Health of the past 100 years
2. To encourage churches to address health in a holistic manner
3. To involve the churches in different levels on the aspect of health and mission
4. To identify ways of addressing health for the church leaders and laities

Target:
1. Church leaders involve in mission work
2. Healthcare workers

Methodology:
1. Bible exposition
o Misconception will be clarified
o Inspire to empathize
o Sharing of pain
o Bible character studies

2. Introduction – Discovering strength
Participants introduce each other using a ‘Special Star’ by identifying the strength of the church, quality of self and others to address these issues

3. Knowledge about relevant diseases – HIV and AIDS, Malaria, TB, etc
The basic knowledge will be discussed using ‘Quiz’ on these diseases. There will be interaction with participants to learn from each other

4. Stigma & Discrimination
Stigma and discrimination related to various diseases will be highlighted using ‘Stigma Tree’ looking at the causes, act of stigma and impact

5. Key strength and opportunity
The key strength and opportunities for the churches will be identified through ‘Framework of action’ looking at different aspects like technical, interaction and cultural aspect of response. 

6. Setting priorities
This will be done in the form of ‘Ranking’.

Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi                                      Dr. Ronald Lalthanmawia
Secretary, COT – NCCI                                 Secretary - CMAI

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