Bokavi Chophy, Associate Pastor Youth, Yemishe Village Baptist Church cum Media Official, SBAK Nito Mount. (Morung Photo)
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | June 6
In the quiet village of Yemishe under Zunheboto district, Bokavi Chophy stands out as a digital-age changemaker redefining faith and community service for his generation. Bokavi Chophy, who is from Surumi village, grew up in Medical Colony at Suruhuto town, one of eight siblings in a humble family. Though resources were scarce, his parents prioritised education, making sacrifices to ensure their children's future.
“My parents sacrificed a lot of things for us. With eight children needing to be educated, we had our share of challenges,” Bokavi shared, “Their love and hard working attitude contributed to making me who I am today.”
From childhood, Bokavi felt a calling to ministry. Introduced to the church early by his parents, he pursued theology, completing his Bachelor of Theology from Christ for Asian Theological Studies & Mission (CATSM), Thilixu and Master of Divinity from New Life Bible College, Dimapur.
Pursuing theology came with struggles. Tuition fees, clothes to wear and ministry costs build upon each other. During breaks, Bokavi returned to his village to help his parents, but financial hardships sometimes forced him to miss classes. Yet his faith and unshakable calling kept him going through the most difficult times.
“There were days I didn't even have a rupee in my pocket,” he says. “But whenever I prayed in a sincere manner, God always provided for me, and usually through unexpected people.”
Bokavi has continued as a youth pastor in the village of Yemishe since 2020. The village has over 100 households and his role extends beyond just preaching and praying.
“I believe in whole-bodied ministry,” Bokavi said. “We must be serving through our words and also through the way we act and live.”
Though not gifted with healing or prophesying, Bokavi believes God has empowered him with passion, strength and serving. He aspires to build a ministry that supports people spiritually, emotionally and practically.
Beyond ministry, Bokavi channels his creativity as a content creator. Since 2019, he has produced spiritually uplifting videos including motivation, music, documentary-style storytelling and covering events on Mr Boka Official (YouTube/Facebook/Instagram), calling it his ‘Visuals in Ministry.’
“When I first started, I didn't know that I could create a YouTube channel and other platforms with no money,” he recollected. “I thought I had to be a professional to create content. But once I figured that out, I began creating, even with limited resources.”
Progress was slow at first. It took two years to reach 1,000 subscribers. However through consistency and support, his platform grew. By 2021, his content began generating modest income. While some criticized his content creation as a distraction from pastoral work, Bokavi remains unwavering. His mission drives him, and his priorities stay clear.
“I dedicate 90% of my time to the church,” he said. “I only create content during my free time, at night and during events.”
Music has always been Bokavi’s passion. Though untrained, he learned to play guitar, bass, drums and piano through online tutorials, books, and friends. After years of saving and self-teaching, he is now building a home studio. His mission is to offer free recording access to young, gifted artists without financial means to afford recording facilities.
“In this generation, we have so many gifted young people, and no finances to promote their music. I want to help people along the way through charity and ministry,” he stated.
Bokavi seamlessly balances his roles as a youth pastor, musician, and content creator, each demanding humility and sacrifice. After long days at church, he pushes through fatigue, often watching short videos on the internet and editing late into the night to bring his creative visions to life.
Though his YouTube and Facebook earnings remain modest compared to other creators, Bokavi views them as seeds he is planting that in the future lead to increased capacity, not simply in the digital realm, but spiritually and socially as well.
“I am not in the public service. I am not guaranteed steady income. Everything I bought every gadget it has taken me years to even save for,” he says. “But I believe God will provide. That whatever we do in faith, God will multiply,” he added.
When asked what advice he would give to others facing similar challenges, Bokavi’s response was brief. “Have faith in yourself. If you do not have faith in yourself, who will? Life is hard, but not if you are willing to work. Success is not instant; it is years of hard work, struggle, and patience. Most importantly, live with the fear of God. Pray for help, and he will direct your path.”
