The Youth Ministry of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) on Friday released a fitness video titled “ABAM Fitness Project” at the Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA) Youth Ministry Office.
According to a press release issued by ABAM, the initiative aims to promote physical fitness and healthy living from a Christian perspective. It stated that the project was conceived in response to ongoing discussions among Christians regarding the appropriateness of Yoga, which it said is rooted in Hindu philosophy and spirituality. “As a result, discussions regarding the appropriateness of Yoga for Christians have continued for many years, particularly in Nagaland and the North-Eastern region,” it said.
ABAM said the fitness project has been developed as a church-based initiative that encourages physical well-being while remaining consistent with Christian convictions. It added that the programme seeks to provide a practical alternative that can be adopted by churches, schools, offices and community gatherings.
Speaking at the release programme, MTBA Youth Director Akangtemsü Yaden said the project highlights the importance of physical fitness as an aspect of Christian discipleship.
“It is a source of immense encouragement that the ABAM Youth Ministry is launching this fitness project as a constructive alternative that encourages physical well-being from a Christian perspective. While serving as a counter movement, this initiative highlights the importance of physical fitness as an essential aspect of Christian discipleship. Maintaining physical health through exercise, discipline, and healthy living is not merely a personal benefit but an act of stewardship and obedience to God,” he said.
Yaden expressed hope that the initiative would encourage people to pursue holistic wellness, “honouring God with both body and spirit.”
ABAM acknowledged the contributions of the Aoyimti Baptist Arogo Youth Ministry, the MTBA Youth Ministry Media Team, Lean Wolf Gym, Impur Bible Seminary and Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School towards the completion of the project.
The fitness video will be available on ABAM’s official YouTube channel. ABAM Youth Ministry said it views the initiative as the beginning of a broader effort to encourage churches and Christian communities to actively promote physical fitness, healthy living, and holistic discipleship.
“This project is just a preliminary effort with available local resources, and therefore, may have so many limitations. The primary objective for us is to create a consciousness that there are always constructive alternative for churches. We hope that the church take such projects with higher level of professionalism,” said Butesen Ozukum, Secretary, ABAM Youth Ministry.