Church to be the voice of the Tribals and Adivasis

Report from the Seminar on

The seminar began with a word of welcome by Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Executive Secretary, COT-NCCI. There were 61 participants from The Presbyterian Church of India (Biate Ram Synod Assam and Meghalaya,  Cachar Hill Tribe Synod Assam, Tripura Synod, Manipur Synod, Mizoram Synod), The Baptist Church of Mizoram, The Salvation Army, The Roman Catholic and The SeventhDay Adventist.

The first session was moderated by Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi. While greeting the gatherings from the NCCI, Dr. Chhungi explained the nature and functions of the NCCI in general and COT in particular. She calls the Church to be the voice of the less fortunate people like the Tribals and the Adivasis who scattered all over India. She emphasized that the Christians in the North East India, irrespective of their Church Denominations have great responsibilities towards the wholistic Health in the Missio Dei. On her invitation Upa V. Thangzama of Dawrpui Vengthar Church offered the opening prayer. This was followed by greetings from Rev. C. Chawngliana, Moderator, Mizoram Synod. In his greetings, the Moderator invited the participants to try to focus on multi-denominational thoughts so that the Church could rise and work as one for the growth of the Church worldwide and particularly for the benefit of the community in the North East towards health and health care. Dr. C. Biakmawia, Director, Bethesda Hospital and Research Centre delivered the keynote address. In his address Dr. C. Biakmawia mentioned how NE India has been invaded by diseases like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, pneumonia, malaria, the problem of mental health, and also how poverty contributed to the ill  health of the people. He also mentioned the urgency to have a better equip Christian hospitals to serve the people better and also the need for the government to partner with the Church in providing health services to the people living in the remotest part of the land. After listening to this thought provoking keynote address Ms. Zodinpuii favored the gatherings with a beautiful song.

Soon after this, The Guest of Honor, the Honorable Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla delivered a speech. In his speech, the Chief Minister mentioned that while Christians are expected to be healthy and hardworking, the reality in Mizoram is the opposite. The number of missionaries we sent outside Mizoram does not make us known to the world. What makes us known by the world is the number of cancer patients in our small state. He also expressed his concern for ecology saying that we should not exploit nature and poison fishes of the rivers and birds of the air. Worst of all is when we eat these poisoned fishes and birds they contributed to our ill health. Therefore, he urged the gatherings to be conscious of the food we take. He also expressed his gratitude to learn that different churches started awareness campaign against tobacco consumption. In short he emphasized that Christians are called to be holy and to maintain this holiness we need to be cautious of what we eat and also the need to abstain from tobacco in its various forms. The Guest of honor and his wife Mr. Lal Thanhawla and Mrs. Ri Liani, Rev. C. Chawngliana and Dr. C. Biakmawia were facilitated with a Mizo shawl by the organizers. This was followed by Photo Session and tea break.

The second session began at 12:20. We sang “In the harvest Field Now Ripen” as opening song. This was followed by Devotion and Bible Study on Wholistic Health by Rev. Dr. Vanlalchhuanawma, Professor and the Vice-Principal of the Aizawl Theological College based on Lk. 4:18-19. He briefly summarized the beginning and growth of Edinburgh 1910 and how Mission came to be understood as not only the mission of denominations but that of God, Missio Dei. The main thrust of the devotional message was to take Jesus as our role model in doing mission. He reminded the gatherings that Jesus came not to be ministered but to minister; that Jesus’ mission was a mission not to condemn but to save; a mission not to oppress but to liberate; a mission not to curse but to cure; not to hurt but to heal.

After the devotion, Dr. Ronald Lalthanmawia, Programme Co-ordinator, CMAI took over the session by explaining the methodology of the panel discussion followed by the first panel discussion on “Knowledge about Relevant Diseases HIV/AIDS, Drugs and Substance Abuse, Stigma and Discrimination in NE India.” The panel discussion was chaired by Dr. Sangliani of SHALOM. The panelists were Dr. Eric Zomawia, MSACS, Dr. Chawnglungmuana, SHALOM, Mrs. Lalparmawii, CEO MSD&RB (State Government), Dr. RL Sanghluna, Presbyterian Hospital. Each panelist was given 15 minutes to highlight their concern wherein the panelists took their time to the maximum passionately. Miss Nani Lalthlamuani, HIV/AIDS patient also shared her testimony on the invitation of Mrs. Lalparmawii. The panel discussion was followed by a lively round of reflection mostly concentrating on the issue of distribution of condoms. From this reflection, it can be learnt that majority of church leaders were opposed to the same as they feel it promotes the use and abuse of sex among the youths. On the other hand, the panelists justified their works saying that their intention was not to promote sex but to prevent STDs from spreading rapidly. The first round of discussion was followed by tea break.

We could begin the second panel discussion on “Knowledge about Relevant Diseases on Communicable Diseases like TB, malaria and tropical Diseases in NE India” at around 3:05 pm. This session was chaired by Dr. C. Biakmawia. The panelists were Dr. Harvey Vanlalpeka, Dr. Zochampuia and Dr. John Zohmingthanga (all of them are the State Government officials). Like the first panel discussion, here also the panelists were given 15 minutes each followed by discussions. The major concerns were raised on the preventive approach of the communicable diseases wherein the panelists have expressed the importance of partnership with the Church in order to eliminate the communicable diseases that are rampant in the North East India.

The Third panel Discussion on “Non-Communicable Diseases like Cancer, Mental Health and Depression in NE India” begins at 4:35 pm. The session was chaired by Dr. C. Lalhmingliana, Presbyterian Hospital. The panelists were Dr. K. Lalfakzuala, Government Civil Hospital, Dr. Ruth Lalmuanpuii, Psychiatrist Civil Hospital, Dr. Eileen Rinpuii, Seventh Day Adventist Hospital. On lifestyle diseases such as Cancer and Diabetics, major concerns were raised on consumption of tobacco in all its forms, unhealthy food and the insensitivity on our food habits and nutrition. When it comes to mental health, it is very clear that the people of the North East India lack the knowledge about the Mental Health and its care. Lack of Hospital both Government and Private undertaking is the shocking reality in the North East India. There is only one Government Hospital in Tezpur, Assam for the NEI and there might be a small one or two Mental Health care hospital in other places in NEI. With the alarming rates of Mental health related problems and increase in the suicide rates the participants strongly felt the need and its important for the Church to take the issue of Mental Health as an urgent agenda within the Church’s ministry. Dr. C. Lalhmingliana closed the session by expressing his desire to have such seminars more often at local church and pastorate levels.

The first day of the seminar was closed with a word of prayer by Upa (Elder) Lalchangliana, Ramhlun North at 5:50 pm.

DAY 2

The second day began with a greeting from Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi. She invited Rev. Lalneihvura to have opening prayer. The Chief Guest for the Second Day was Shri. Lalrinliana Sailo, Minister of Health and Family Welfare. 

The devotion and bible exposition was on “Sharing the pain: Healed to Heal” by Dr. T. Vanlaltlani, Prof. Aizawl Theological College. She reflected on the healing of Naaman. She emphasized that an unnamed girl servant of Naaman played an important role in the healing of her master. She knew the way for her master to heal. She became an important agent of healing for her master. Reflecting on this she enquire how ready are we to be an agent of healing for those who suffer. How far the Church has took initiative in caring the lepers? How far do we share the pain and pathos of these people? God does not limit God’s love within a particular community. It expends to all communities. We should follow this example. Bodily pain is connected to the pain of the soul. She also reflected on the depth of mother’s love. It even extends to the love of enemy. She also reflected on the necessity felt by Hindu and Muslim men for the implementation of Women’s Bill in India while posing a question on how far does this challenge the Mizo Christian men?

She also reflected on the role played by Abigail in stopping David’s attempt to kill all the men of Nabal. Abigail saw in faith that David would someday become a King. So, she hasten to stop David from shedding the blood of the innocents. In doing this, she saved David from earning a bad name. What this story tells us is the importance for us to work together for the redemption of the suffering people.

After the bible exposition, the honorable Minister Shri. Lalrinliana Sailo gave his speech. He thanked the organizers for organizing such seminar. He expressed his desires to publish the outcome of the seminar in a book form. He also expressed his readiness to see what the govt. can do towards the publication of the same. He was committed to fighting against AIDS and cancer. While mentioning the significant roles play by the Church in fighting against communicable and non-communicable diseases, he acknowledged the role played by both BCM hospital at Serkawn and Presbyterian Hospital at Aizawl.

He expressed his regret to learn that while many people are sincerely committed to fighting against cancer and other diseases, there are people who misuse funds for the same. His desire for the Church is to be more committed to the task of fighting these diseases. He expressed his sadness about the reality of deteriorating health situation in the North East India in general and in Mizoram in particular in spite of the high literacy rate. While reiterating the urgency of establishing partnership between the Church and Government towards the community health care and development, he cited one concrete example of such effort that is the Presbyterian Hospital in Marpara Villege. He urged the church and the government to have more of this kind to do the best for the citizens and to drive away many sickness and diseases.

Christians are called to be holy. But why do we still take substances that are detrimental to our health? He expressed his desire for the churches to fight this more seriously. In fighting against HIV/AIDS sometimes the church and NGOs make different approaches. He dealt with the issue of “condom” and indirectly urged the church to be more understanding to the issue as the govt. and NGOs felt the need to promote the use of condoms for those who cannot resist having sex before marriage. He requested the church not to directly condemn the activities of the NGOs using media but to first discuss the matter together. Our land needs someone to care. The church is the most important and able body to take this task. He invited the Church to lend more support to the government in fighting the deadly diseases.

Dr Hrangthan Chhungi facilitated the Chief Guest with a shawl. She asked the participants to have self introduction. After the introduction, Ms Zodinpuii favored the gatherings with a beautiful song.

This was followed by presentation of “The Roles of CMAI in the Field of Mission and Health in India with Special Reference to the NE India” by Dr. Ronald Lalthanmawia. He mentioned that the basis of CMAI is to teach, preach and heal. This was followed by a tea break

The next panel discussion started after tea on “the Responsibilities and Roles of the Church in community Health in the NE India”. The session was chaired by Rev Lalneihvura. The panelists were Dr. C. Lalhmingliana, Medical Superintendent, Presbyterian Hospital, Durtlang. He highlighted that the hospital work in partnership with the community, government, CMAI and Cristofel Foundation. This was followed by presentation of the activities of the Baptist Church of Mizoram by Dr K. Vanlallawma, Senior Medical Officer, Serkawn Hospital. The Motto of the Baptist Church of Mizoram is “We treat, God Heals”. Maj. Lianhlira, Prog. Director, Community Health Action Network (CHAN), presented the work of Salvation Army of Mizoram with emphasis on the activities of CHAN. They opened women night shelter at Vairengte for CSW under CHAN. He emphasized on the need for intervention for human trafficking for the churches and government of Mizoram.

The next presentation was on the activities of the Roman Catholic Church of Mizoram by Sister Ross. She emphasized that the main concentration of the RC social wing in Mizoram is rehabilitation and capacity building for women. Fernendo Integrated Women Development Centre provides space for women of drugs and substance abused. This Centre provides vocational trainings for those who are treated and also for the non-abused from rural by educating them on HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. The next presentation was done by Dr Eileen Lalrinpuii, she mentioned that the main agenda of Adventist is Preventive health care. Health and healthy living is the fundamental belief of the Adventist and it is part of the doctrine.

The panel discussion was followed by a tea break. After the tea break, there was group discussion facilitated by Dr. Ronald Lalthanmawia and Dr R L Sanghluna. The participants identified words to describe their church like Wholistic, Lamp, Spiritual, Caring, Evangelical, Fellowship, Visionless, Christ body, Soul, Soup, Salvation, Fortress, Faith, Life.

They also identified qualities that are demonstrated by themselves and the church including Prayer, Love, Concern, Reliability, Availability, Care, Experienced, Forgiveness, Openness, Relationship, Helpful, Formality, Enabler, Peace and Unity, Knowing God, Faith in Jesus.

The qualities that make them sensitive persons include Concern, Love, Faith, Listening, Spiritual transformation, Spiritually Equipped, Care, Heart for others, Vocation, Realization of Human frailty and Sovereignty of God, Environment, Self-realization, Self-awareness, Bible Study and global vision, Faith in the Church, Fellowship, Acceptance, Respect, Heredity

The important strengths of the church identified were Love, Concern, Knowledge, Commitment, Help, Joy, Awareness, Holiness, Stability, Charity, Spirit of prophecy, Hospital and health education, Givings (thawhlawm), Prayer, Believer of Christ, One Mission, Healing, Preaching, Demonstrate Fellowship, Fear to Hope, Vision, Mission

After this the participants were divided into four groups to identify different aspect of the church’ ministry and identify strengths and opportunities. The four areas include mission and mandate of the church in healing ministry, structures of the church, different ministries of the church and outreach work of the church.

The participants were divided into five groups to make action plans based on the opportunities identified. The groups deliberated issues like HIV and AIDS, Communicable diseases, Non-communicable diseases, Mental Health and Human Trafficking. The identified action plans for the Churches are as below

ACTION PLAN:

1. HIV/AIDS
• Prayer for the HIV positives and AIDS once a week within the Church Prog.
• Formation of Evangelical Cell (volunteers) in the Church
• NCCI and CMAI to conduct programs bringing together different denominations
• Include HIV and AIDS in school curriculum as relevant to the student (Class IV to X)
• Church Offering (Health Sunday, etc. at least one Sunday a year) be dedicated to PLHIVs for after care
•  Revival team and Evangelists to be messengers for HIV and AIDS, Drugs and substance abuse

2. Communicable Diseases: Malaria, TB, Tropical Diseases
• Creation of Social Concern and commitment Cell
• Promotion of Public Health sanitation
• Public Awareness be given for the communicable diseases for early diagnosis
• Providing financial assistance to extremely poor patients (“Dam man” Rs 10 per day be set aside by each Church member, that can easily be Rs 3600 in a year. Dam man means as a thanksgiving to God for the good health He gives.
• Creation of Church-based local cell. Here we would like to emphasize that the church should take direct role
• Creating awareness of existing government and other programmes.

3. Non-Communicable Diseases: Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension etc
• Social Front to take more initiatives in health awareness programs
• Different denominational churches to have joint meeting to share ideas and experiences
• Motivating youth to make new year resolution to improve health
• More awareness regarding these issues at the decision making level
• Revival team and Evangelists to be messengers for cancer awareness and healthy living

4. Mental Health: Depression etc
• Include personal hygiene and mental health in School and Sunday School (adult and children) curriculum
• To equip and utilize the theologians irrespective of gender (who are not within the Pastoral Ministry) to be able to provide personal counseling for mental health and depression. NCCI should request the churches in Mizoram to take the initiative.
• Church to appoint a counselor for each pastorate
• Churches should have recreational event to improve mental health
• Church should educate the congregation members to be cautious of the videos, TV and internet programs watched by their children
• Have more seminar and awareness on mental health
• Train the youth leaders to be able to provide necessary counseling and help for the youth
• Accept depression as a disease
• Make people be aware of that consulting a psychiatrist is the right approach for the treatment of Mental Depression and not a shameful treatment. 
 
5. Human Trafficking  
• Increase awareness within the church regarding the issue
• Provide assistance to the victims
• Have a cell within the church to address the issue and provide necessary help
• Increase awareness regarding the rights of the people
• Elevate poverty
• To advocate to the government in the North East regarding the right use of Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act 1956
• Increase awareness and empower the parents to teach right values and morals to their children

The two-day Seminar came to a close with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi followed by a prayer by Upa (Elder) K.L. Rochama, Ex-MLA from Mizoram Baptist Church.

As the state of Mizoram is a Christian state, therefore compare to other states in the North East India and to all other states of India, the working relationship of the Church and the State Government provides more space in the area of Community Health care. The organizers of this seminar therefore would like to make Mizoram state as a Model State for the North East India concerning Church’s Mission on Health. We therefore invite all the member churches of the NCCI and the NCCI constituent bodies and Related Agencies in Mizoram to work together and make Mizoram State as a Model State in Community Health Care.   

Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi                                         Dr. Ronald Lalthanmawia 
Executive Secretary, COT-NCCI                        Programme Co-ordinator, CMAI
   

March 16, 2010

Dr. H. Chhungi
Commission on Tribal & Adivasi