ABAM officials along with the participants during the completion of the first Cross-Cultural Missionary Training Programme at Impur on October 2.
Mokokchung, October 4 (MExN): The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has concluded its first Cross-Cultural Missionary Training Programme at Impur, with 15 participants completing the nearly two-month programme.
The programme, organised in partnership with Gateway Seminary, United States, and Impur Bible Seminary, was held from August 13 to October 2 with the objective of equipping participants for Christian mission and ministry across different cultural contexts.
As part of the training, the participants underwent 10 days of practical mission exposure in two different contexts — Kathmandu in Nepal and Kolkata in West Bengal.
The commencement programme was held at Covenant Hall, Impur, on October 2, during which participants shared their learning experiences and reflections from the intensive training and practical exposure in different cultural settings.
Rev Talijungla, Vice-President of ABAM, delivered the ministerial exhortation and encouraged the participants to remain faithful to the call of Christ and approach cross-cultural mission with humility, commitment and cultural sensitivity.
He also urged them to go forth with confidence in Christ-given authority to witness and proclaim the Gospel in the context of the people they are called to serve.
The programme provided participants with opportunities to engage with cross-cultural mission perspectives and gain practical exposure beyond their familiar social and cultural settings.
Rev Dr Yapang Mollier, Secretary, Church and Mission, ABAM, in his speech of gratitude, said ABAM had been actively involved in mission since 1897.
He said the successful initiation of the first Cross-Cultural Missionary Training Programme was a collective effort of all ABAM staff and expressed appreciation to those who contributed to its realisation.
Rev Dr Mollier particularly acknowledged Missionary Lipokwati Lemtur, who took the initiative and played a significant role in coordinating and implementing the programme.
He expressed gratitude for Lemtur's leadership and commitment in bringing together the institutional partnership, training components and practical mission exposure, which he said were instrumental in making the initiative a reality.
At the conclusion of the programme, Rev Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary of ABAM, presented Certificates of Course Completion to all 15 participants in recognition of their successful participation.
The completion of the training marks a step in ABAM's continuing efforts to strengthen missionary formation and prepare individuals for Christian witness and service across cultural boundaries.
