The Changki Laisuri Longjem (CLL), the theological fellowship of theologically trained members from Changki village, successfully held its 23rd Conference from May 27 to 29, 2025, at the Garo Baptist Church, Camels Back Road, Shillong, under the theme “Christ Alone” (Solus Christus). The event was hosted by the Shillong Changki Relations.
Under the leadership of Pastor Wabang Ningdangri, President of CLL, the conference brought together a diverse group of delegates, including ordained ministers, church workers, missionaries, theological educators and students, and lay workers. The smooth execution of the program was acknowledged by I Chuba, Secretary of the Changki Laisuri Longjem.
In his welcome address and keynote speech, Pastor Wabang encouraged the delegates to remain steadfast in their calling and to continue bearing witness to Christ in all contexts. The conference saw active participation from both men and women engaged in various areas of ministry, with the eldest delegate being Dr Lanusenup Aonok, aged 82.
On behalf of the Changki in-laws of Shillong, C Apok Jamir, former Member of Parliament and former Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, exhorted the theological community to remain rooted in Christ, despite the changing tides and challenges of the times.
A thought-provoking address titled “The Expectations of the Changki In-Laws from the Theological Community” was delivered by Prof Dr Kedilizo Kikhi of North Eastern Hill University, a prominent in-law of Changki. He reminded the gathering of God’s abundant blessings upon the Changki people and emphasized the weight of responsibility that accompanies such blessings.
A thematic paper on “Challenges and Opportunities in Contemporary Christian Ministry” was presented by Dr Amongla Jamir, an in-law of Changki and a faculty member in Old Testament studies at Serampore College. Kijanochet Amri from Calcutta Bible Seminary served as the moderator for the session.
The spiritual highlight of the conference was the message delivered by Rev Vemuriyi Vadeo, Pastor of the Naga Christian Fellowship, Shillong, who preached on the theme “One Anothering” based on 1 Peter 3:8, encouraging mutual love and humility among believers.
The concluding day featured a visit to the Cherrapunji area, including a pilgrimage to Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church in Sohra – one of the oldest churches in Northeast India, built by Thomas Jones in 1846.
The group also visited the pioneering Bible institute founded by Jones. Notably, the Baptist Church Changki had selected and sponsored Noksünungba Ningdangri to study at this institution in 1915–16.
The three-day conference was marked by meaningful fellowship, theological reflection, and a reaffirmation of the participants’ commitment to serve Christ faithfully in today’s world.