Indigenous Evangelists Contributions Towards Zeliang Baptist Churches in Nagaland

It is a privilege for me to write the Foreword to the book Indigenous Fangelists Contributions towards Zeliang Baptist Churches in Nagaland by Ideuraibe Putlang. He is a young upcoming Historian. He studied his Masters in the department of History of Christianity at Eastern Theological College and successfully completed his M.Th in first class.

The present book is an outcome of his sincere research for his M.Th thesis. He has touched upon a very important topic which has been neglected or forgotten by many. In every region, the Native Evangelists have played a tremendous role in the origin and growth of Christianity. Unfortunately, often this aspect of history has not been given due recognition and credit. In the present research, Mr. Ideuraibe meticulously studied the role of the native Evangelists among his community- the Zeliang Nagas of Nagaland. This was done through countless personal interviews with persons who knew or had connection with the Native Evangelists. Hence, a pioneering work hitherto unknown has been accomplished through this research.

This should serve as primary sources for their History of Christianity. It is indeed a well-researched study with proper documentation. Further, I hope this will serve as incentive for further research to be done by younger generations to come.

1. Statement of the Problem

The proposed research work intends to investigate the role of local evangelists in spreading Christianity leading to the expansion of Zeliang Baptist churches in Nagaland.

2. Elaboration of the Problem

The Zeliang Nagas are one of the major tribes of North East India. They lived in a compact and contiguous geographical area comprising of the Tamenglong district and a part of Senapati district of Manipur, the Peren district and a part of Dimapur of Nagaland and the Halflong sub-division of North Cachar Hills district of Assam. The Zeliang Nagas lived an independent, self-sufficient and contended life till the advent of the British rule in the 19th century.

Christianity came to Zeliang area at the close of the 19th century. The spread of Christianity in the Naga Hills was hastened by the group-effort of the foreign missionaries and the establishment of British Government in north east India. Though their zeal to spread the Gospel reached out to many parts of the states, no foreign missionary came and established church in this land. While applauding with tribute to the western missionaries for their epochal works done. Christianity was spread to Zeliang churches through the work of native evangelists. The Gospel of Christianity was first brought to them by the Angami evangelists. The contribution of these native evangelists from neighbouring tribe was a noble and notable one as it impacted towards this local people. It is to be reminded that it geared the initiation of evangelism when the first Zeliang got converted to the gospel of Christ. The first Zeliang to be converted to Christianity was Mr. Heizieluing of Benreu village in 1897, which also became the first village to have church among the Zeliangrong villages. In 1905, the second church was established in Mpung (now Tampung) village through the conversion of Irangteing. However, the growth of Christianity was not rapid as the American Baptist Mission could not penetrate much in some areas, due to the presence of the British Government in the Naga Hills. Nevertheless, it was not so discouraging, the little seed that they have sowed was carried forward by the local evangelists. Evangelists such as Rev. Keneise Meru, Rev. H. K. Lungalang, Rev. Hazieding Hairangbuing, Evan. Wisungbo Nrak and many other pioneers who are not mentioned here have carried forward the legacy of spreading the gospel and contributed to the growth of the churches among the Zeliang Nagas.

**Contents and Sample Pages**