Faced with the growing threat of HIV & AIDS reaching the doorsteps of Christian families, the Church recognized the urgency of addressing this serious issue. Initial discussions among Deacon Board members were hesitant, as they grappled with how to respond to this dreaded disease. In God's timing, the opportunity came when NEICORD, Shillong, through the NDO (NBCC) in Dimapur, invited us to partner in this ministry. After several deliberations, the Deacon Board passed Resolution No. 1 on July 24, 2008, to accept this challenge. As a result, eight delegates were sent to attend an Induction Training at Carmel Higher Secondary School, 4th Mile, from August 20–22, 2008, fully sponsored by NEICORD, Shillong.
To ensure smooth functioning, a Core Group was formed to establish the modalities of the activities and determine the name and style of the ministry. The Core Group met on August 13, 2009, and decided on the name "Eyilo (Hope) Ministry." The primary focus of Eyilo Ministry is to provide hope to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) for holistic living, both physically and spiritually. This proposal was approved by the Deacon Board in its meeting on the same evening.
Eyilo Ministry was launched on April 19, 2009 during Sunday Devotional Service in a simple function as follows; Rev. K.Chumben Kyong, Convenor spoke introductory speech about formation and its intended main activities of Eyilo Ministry. While Dr. Mhabemo Ovung from Zion Hospital briefed the present HIV/AIDS scenario in Nagaland and suggested important roles needed to be played by the Churches. Rev. Zanao Mozhui, Pastor introduced the Core Group members and offered dedicatory prayer for them.
On May 21, 2009 a meeting was held where the following Non Governmental Organizations working with PLHA’s as well as dealing HIV & AIDS in Dimapur area attended:
| # | Organizations | Representatives |
| 1. | Prodigals Home | Moang Jamir (Associate Director) & Nchumbeni (Outreach Worker) |
| 2. | Akimbo Society | Abraham (Project Manager) |
| 3. | DNP + | Toshi (General Secretary) |
| 4. | NEDHIV Oasis | Achumlo (Outreach Worker) |
| 5. | Chavara Home | Sr. Agil (CMC) & Sr. Luma (CMC) |
| 6. | CAD Foundation | Teiso (General Secretary) & Tiameren Jamir (Project Manager) |
| 7. | Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre | Lipokchiten Jamir (Assistant Director) & W.C. Humtsoe (Executive Director) |
| 8. | Elpis Home, WSBAK | Iliho T. Sumi (Assitant Co-ordinator) |
An elaborative sharing of experiences in this area-dealing with the infected & affected people, their care and support as well as reaching the message to every citizen for preventive measure. It was agreed by all the participants representing different NGO’s to co-operate and co-ordinate and put joint effort fighting against all related problems caused by this dreaded disease – HIV / AIDS.
On June 25, 2009, at 8:00 a.m., the Core Group convened to review the proposals and suggestions from the NGO meeting. Following detailed discussions, the Core Group made concrete decisions regarding the activities and focus areas for the Eyilo Ministry.The Core Group contentiously decided that Eyilo Ministry will take up two activity initially –
i. Fellowship Counseling:
Schedule: Every second Tuesday of the month.
Goal: The primary objective of the Fellowship Counseling for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) is to guide them towards a meaningful and hopeful spiritual life beyond their physical ailments. This will be achieved through a collaborative approach involving doctors, nurses, counselors, and peer educators. The core activities will include systematic Bible study, counseling, and prayer. Additionally, while the provision of nutritious food supplements will be minimal, they will be offered periodically to support overall well-being.
ii. Teenage Seminars:
Schedule: Organized periodically.
Goal: To educate teenagers on HIV/AIDS prevention, aiming to protect the younger generation by raising awareness early on.
The Core Group of Eyilo Ministry expected that a good member will turn because it was widely published through media and NGO’s. Even Media persons from Eastern Mirror and Morung Express were eagerly waited for interviews. To our utter disappointment and shame of participants present no targeted fellow friends turn up after a lapse half an hour. And yet the highest represented Baptist Churches in Dimapur – Baptist Pastors Fellowship Dimapur, Dimapur Baptist Women Union, Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur were not discouraged rather started an informal discussion for practicable and continuous efforts to bring effective ministry.
About 10:45 a.m. slowly one +ve friend came. While the media persons were interacting with him another friend came and finally another +ve friend walked in. With the three +ve friends the media friends and Core Group members enthusiastically interacted, which details are inserted with newspaper clips below, finally parted with mass spoken prayer.
It was held on July 23-24, 2009 at Bethdesda Youth Welfare Centre (Centre for Community Transformation Training Complex) 151, Bank Colony, Walford, Dimapur : Nagaland. Fully sponsored by North East India Committee On Relief and Development, Shillong.
The second Fellowship and Counseling session for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) was held on August 11, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Chapel Hall, District Hospital Dimapur. The program proceeded as follows:
Seven individuals living with HIV attended the session, along with several doctors, including the Medical Superintendent, nurses, peer educators, field workers from various NGOs, and other well-wishers. During the session, two individuals shared their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of stigma and discrimination and emphasizing the need to combat these issues to prevent the spread of the disease.
The program was successfully conducted as planned. Following the worship service, light refreshments were served, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact, share their challenges, and receive encouragement and advice.
An Awareness Seminar for teenagers was held on August 15, 2009, from 12:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur. The seminar was attended by over 300 children and youth, who listened attentively to the talks.
From this experience, we learned the importance of dividing participants into more specific age groups to better address the needs of the children and facilitate teaching. The seminar featured open and honest discussions based on biblical teachings about sex and moral foundations, which were crucial for shaping young minds. Additionally, a presentation on the basic facts about HIV & AIDS, using PowerPoint, left a lasting impression on the attendees, promoting awareness and prevention.
In recent months, we have actively participated in various programs in Dimapur related to HIV & AIDS and PLHAs Ministry, gaining significant knowledge and experience.
a. Cross Learning Programme -
On Friday, August 21, 2009, from 10:35 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a Cross Learning Programme was held at Cross Road Café, 1st Floor, NBCC Complex, Nyamo Lotha Road, Dimapur. Organized by Nagaland Development Outreach with support from NEICORD, Shillong, the event brought together Alempang Baptist Church (Mokokchung) and Lotha Baptist Church (Dimapur). The participants shared their activities and experiences over the past year, following the Project Commencement Training conducted on August 20–22, 2008, at Carmel Higher Secondary School, 4th Mile, Dimapur.
b. Events on August 25–26, 2009 -
i. Workshop on Local Capacity for Peace :
Organized by: Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre, Dimapur
Location: Centre for Community Transformation, Walford Bank Colony, Dimapur
This two-day workshop focused on empowering local communities to manage and resolve issues using their own resources and strategies.
ii. Exposition Programme :
Organized by: People Foundation of India (PFI), Nagaland Network of Positive People (NNP+), and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS)
Theme: “Empowering People, Strengthening Networks”
This concurrent event aimed to empower individuals and strengthen networks to better address the challenges of HIV & AIDS.
c. Home-based care training -
On Thursday, August 27, 2009, Akimbo Society Dimapur organized a Home-Based Care Training at the Centre for Community Transformation.
d. Advocacy Campaign on HIV & AIDS -
On Friday, August 28, 2009, an Advocacy Campaign on HIV & AIDS was held at IMC, organized by the Nagaland Legislative Forum and Dimapur Baptist Women Union.
e. Church Leaders Training on HIV Prevention and Care -
On August 28–29, 2009, a joint UN HIV Preventive and Care Program, along with a NACO Regional Office training for Nagaland Church Leaders on prevention and care, was held at the Centre for Community Transformation, Walford, Dimapur. This event was organized by NEICORD and Nagaland Development Outreach (NDO).
Since inception, the following activities have been held regularly every month.
Held on the second Friday of every month for prayer and fellowship.
Counseling sessions are conducted following the fellowship.
Light refreshments are served after the service to facilitate interaction.
Special Christmas celebrations organized by Eyilo Ministry.
Eyilo Ministry participates in funeral services to provide support and condolences.
Being a Core Group Member of Eyilo Ministry has been a profound blessing, both mentally and spiritually. It has been an honor to work with individuals who, despite societal rejection, are beloved creations of God.
It is imperative for both the Church and society to recognize the gravity of HIV/AIDS as it reaches our doorstep. Addressing both physical and spiritual needs must be central to our efforts, as many families are torn apart by this epidemic. The impact is devastating: children are orphaned, spouses become widows and widowers, and entire families are left in distress.
Children cry for their parents in the streets, living lives of rejection and exclusion. We must ask ourselves, where is the love we were taught—to "love your neighbor as yourself"? How can we call ourselves true followers of Christ if we fail to embody this principle?
Let us come together and work towards a better tomorrow, showing compassion and support to those in need.