We need to be unapologetic in our Christian faith: Rev Wati Aier

April 15, 2023 50 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 15

Rev Dr Wati Aier, Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) on Friday stated that ‘as Christians, we need to be unapologetic in our faith and belief, after all “Jesus is the way the truth and the life.”’ Aier, who is also the former Principal and founder of Oriental Theological Seminary was speaking at the dedication and opening of Good Shepherd (GS) OM Books shop at their new location in AH Road, Dimapur on April 14.

Quoting Miroslav Volf, leading Christian theologian, Aier mentioned that only those followers of Christ who are not ashamed they will thrive and progress in a world of pluralism. The 21st century is a world of pluralism and liberalism demands an individual to be contemporaneous in outlook, he said, adding, however, so long as a person was firmly rooted in the Word and experiences Christ in body and spirit, they will be able to persevere.

In addition, he acknowledged the importance of reading literature to equip oneself with the challenges of the world. Keeping this in mind, Aier appreciated the growth of readership among Naga society as well. “Naga people if we want to grow, we must grow in spirit and understanding,” he noted. This was further emphasized for theological students who were at the forefront.

“The world must come to know about the word in different forms including through printed medium such as literature,” he added. For which Christian bookstores such as OM play a significant part in this approach. The outlook has accumulated a great number of books ranging from the regular devotional books to contemporary theological commentaries. “Let us all support them,” he said.

OM Books is among the largest English-trade publishers who have been in operation for about 60 years. They opened their first outlet in Dimapur in the 1980s at City Tower junction and now has been relocated to AH Road near Sumi Baptist Church. Among their catalogue of books include different printed editions of the Bible and a considerable collection of books by renowned Christian writers.

Meanwhile, the guest of honour, KJ Johny, Managing Director, GS OM Books, Hyderabad reported that they have about 16 book shops across India out of which 6 were located in the North-East region alone. At the same time however, he put across the fact, “We are not here solely for the purpose of doing business. Above all else it is a Ministry.” He underlined that OM sells popular Christian books at affordable rates and be accessible for all. Taking the example of the book, “The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren” where it was originally sold for $15 dollars in the US, he mentioned that OM Books sells it at $5 dollars in India.

Furthermore, he observed that in India, the church is slowly growing and we want to stand beside them. “So we want the churches here in Dimapur to stand with us in prayer and support to move forward,” he stated. In spite of the church’s growth, Christian persecution was still rampant in many parts of India especially in remote villages, he added.

He shared a story of a pastor in acquaintance, who was taken under police custody for almost a week. “Because that night the pastor went to the village and shared the gospel with the locals… that is the situation in many parts of the country,” he disclosed. For which he said “Our job is to produce the right literature and resources and make them available to the churches across the country.”