Kohima: Blindness is not a limitation. For many in Nagaland, it remains a source of shame or superstition. Mission to the Blind (MTB) is working to rewrite that narrative. Since opening its Nagaland branch on June 7, 2023, the ministry has pushed to move visually impaired people from the margins into the mainstream of church and community life.
Missionary Zubemo Lotha leads the effort. He focuses on spreading the Gospel while demanding equal treatment. "Our main priority is to reach visually impaired people across Nagaland with the Gospel and bring them into the mainstream of church and community life," Lotha said. The group offers Braille literacy, counseling, and spiritual guidance to fight isolation.
The ministry features two evangelists: Puilinbiu Pamei and Mhonchomo Shitio. Pamei lost his sight at age six due to untreated typhoid. Shitio went blind after a childhood illness. Both men now travel to encourage others. They lead online fellowships every Sunday and hold Bible study sessions to keep participants connected.
Hardship persists. Mobility remains a constant battle for the missionaries. They often require guides to travel or attend church functions. Reaching those in remote areas also takes significant time and persistence. "Sometimes we need to speak to them several times before they realise we genuinely care," Shitio noted.
The group demands more than just sympathy. They want churches to open doors to leadership roles and active service rather than treating the disabled as charity cases. The mission continues to push for a society where respect replaces pity and inclusion replaces stigma.
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