The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has been observing May 31 as the day of abstinence from intoxicants for a few years now by organizing different programs. This year, ABAM organized a procession program in all the churches under its constituent from 5:00 AM onwards, an update from Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary, ABAM said.
“The procession was not to condemn or curse the one who is indulged in the intoxicants but to give proper awareness to the general public on the effects of the intoxicants and also to help the one who is indulged to abstain from it,” the update read.
ABAM, as an office, organized the procession culmination program in Mokokchung Town Baptist Church (MTBA) from 6:30 AM -7:30 AM with the churches in and around Mokokchung Town. The program was also attended by the apex bodies in Mokokchung Town and the Excise Department, Mokokchung.
Speakers during the short program were: Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary, ABAM, Mr. Limatemsu Changkeri, Superintendent, Excise Mokokchung, Mr. Limanungsang Kichu, President, All Ward Union Mokokchung, Mrs. S. Arenla Lkr President, Watsu Mungdang, and Mr. Limasangwa, Coordinator Media & Social Concern, ABAM.
“The concern on the alcoholics and the rich amount of tobacco users, both smokeless and smoked in the Mokokchung District have been succinctly deliberated. The need for strict regulation from the administration and the serious ministerial involvement of the church and family can have a great impact in the fight for abstinence were the main highlights of the speakers,” the update said.
It was conveyed that ABAM encourages every individual, organization, and Church to continually work towards abstinence from intoxicants even if the result is very tight. ABAM also thanked MTBA for providing the church building and for arranging refreshments for the attendees and to all the Churches for their cooperation in observing the day of abstinence.