How a ‘divine vision’ gave birth to Christian Residential Higher Secondary School, now celebrating 25 years

Founded in 1999, Christian Residential Higher Secondary School (CRHSS) celebrated 25 years of educational service at its campus in Artang Ward, Mokokchung. According to Tiala Ao, Co-founder of CRHSS, the school was established through “divine vision.”

She narrated how she, along with her husband, the late Rev Dr Chuba, were praying when a group of Americans visited the town. During their prayers, they had a vision of a paddy field with the words “Let the little children come to me” written above it. They took this as a sign from God, calling upon them to serve the children, which led her and her late husband to found the school in 1999.

The school also has an attached hostel, currently housing 85 children, with a total of 350 students enrolled in the school. Starting humbly, the school was initially built with bamboo and corrugated iron roofing.

Reflecting on the school’s growth, Dr Sentila Ao, Principal of NBC, remarked, “If we look back to how this school was when we first founded it and compare it to today, it’s almost unbelievable. This is God’s blessing.” Despite poor weather, she said, “Rain was not going to spoil our jubilee,” and acknowledged the jubilee as a time for retrospection.

“Twenty-five years seems like a long journey, but with God’s strength, it feels like 25 days,” said Mayang Ao, President of the Board of School Management, CRHSS, thanking the staff, students, parents, and everyone who supported them along the way.

In 2022, the school opened its Higher Secondary section and changed its name from Nagaland Christian Residential School to Christian Residential Higher Secondary School, retaining the name ‘Christian.’

Jane from the UK, a long-time friend and partner of the school, reminisced, “This school did not sprung out of nothing; it was born from a divine vision.”

Dr Cynthia Walker from the United States, another long-time friend and partner of the school, delivered a message under the theme, “Proclaiming the Year of the Lord’s Favor.” Dr Walker emphasized that God has a plan, stressing that He values sacrifices of the heart most and called on everyone to be a living sacrifice to the Lord.

The silver jubilee also featured a speech from Arenlila Jamir, an alumna from the school’s first batch of Class 10 graduates.

The Jubilee Souvenir was released by Mrs Wilma Naylor, UK along with Nisha Mabel J, Convener of Souvenir Committee.

Ati Mongro, Chairman of Artang Ward, highlighted some of the school’s achievements, including an Ao Subject topper in the HSLC exams in 2021 and a Top 12 ranking in the same exam. The school has also had teachers honored with district and state-level awards.

The celebration included speeches from Geoff Naylor from the UK and an invocation by Rev Martin Poole, also from the UK. The school choir presented a jubilee song composed by Imtiwapang. The event was hosted by Sunepienla Lkr, with a benediction by Nokden, Associate Pastor of Artang Baptist Church.

MT