Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Merangkong Laishir Telungjem (MLT) hosted a thanksgiving service at Merangkong Baptist Church on Monday. The event marked 175 years since Longjanglepzuk became the first known Ao Naga to accept Christianity. Born around 1830 to Makatoba and Sosangkasü, he grew up as the youngest of three children. At age 20, he found work in Assam and met American Baptist missionaries. Rev. S. W. Whiting baptized him at Sibsagar Baptist Church on September 7, 1851.
Longjanglepzuk spent two years with the missionaries before heading home to marry. He arrived back in Merangkong in 1853 during an era of frequent headhunting. Records state he died while trying to negotiate peace with warriors from nine Konyak villages. Organizers emphasized his unique legacy, noting that "the faith he embraced did not diminish his courage; it gave it a different direction."
The celebration included the dedication of a footpath, Tzuma Lenmang, or The Unreturned Footprint Path of Longjanglepzuk, by Rev. Puna. Rev. Temsu Jamir also dedicated a new monument. The MLT president, Akumtoshi, released a documentary on his life. Guests included delegations from the Central Baptist Church in Sivasagar and local leaders. A choir of 175 people performed, and the official theme song, released August 28, 2026, was presented.
The church also highlighted its mission history. In 1983, Rev. P. Pona Ao and his wife, Theresa Marak, began work among the Amri Karbi people. They baptized 40 residents from 13 villages in the Digaru River on August 7 that year. Speakers at the event included Ao Senden president Marsanen and Rev. Dr. Wati Lkr. Rev. Temsu Jamir concluded the session with a sermon on Galatians 5:1.
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