Mokokchung, November 21 (MTNews): Rev. O. Alem’s book ‘Journey of an Evangelist – Ministry of J. Onen Ao’ was formally released on Sunday by Chubatemjen, Associate Pastor, Ao Baptist Church Padumpukhuri making it the 64th publication of PenThrill.
In his author’s introduction, Rev. O Alem appealed to the readers to read the book through the lens of an evangelist. “For Nagas, it is important to realize that an evangelist is someone who is willing to sacrifice his life for Christ. If I have to say about this book in one sentence, then it would be, ‘Stories of how God worked aptly with His people,” he noted.
The book is based on the life of the author’s father, late J. Onenlepden Ao, who took the gospel to the eastern Naga tribes of Sangtam, Chang, Yimkhiung, Phom, and Khiamniungan.
He also thanked Sentinaro Longkumer for translating the book, as well as for assisting him in the formulation of the chapters and the formation of the book. He also thanked his daughter and son-in-law, who he said went to great lengths to edit the manuscript to make it easier to read. He also acknowledged his beloved wife, whose constant encouragement kept him writing.
Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, Principal of Clark Theological College, wrote a blurb for the book, stating that “The Journey of an Evangelist in the Person of Rev. J. Onen Ao (Onenlepden) authored by Rev. O Alem is a priceless and unique contribution.”
“This book will be a source of inspiration for all the believers in the church for their faith and ministry and especially for the committed young people who are interested in the Lord’s ministry in cross-cultural contexts,” he added.
In 1961, the author, Rev. O. Alem Ao, surrendered his life to Christ and committed to serve God. In 1979, he was ordained by ABAM (Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang), Impur, and in 1984, he was appointed Professor by Clark Theological College. From 1981 to 2000, he was the Principal of Clark Theological College; from 2001 to 2011, he was the Executive Secretary of the Ao Baptist Church Association; and from 2014 to 2017, he was the Principal of Discipleship Bible College, Mt. Miracle, Dimapur.
Rev. O. Alem Ao is from Changki village under Mokokchung district and attended Guwahati University for his high school education. He then pursued L.Th. degrees from Eastern Theological College (Serampore), B.D. from United Theological College, Bangalore (Serampore), D.Min. from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, USA, and M.Th. from Bishops’ College, Kolkata (Serampore). He also wrote ‘Tsüngremmology’, a resource book on theologizing traditional religion in light of Biblical Teaching on God. In 1972, he married Qhetoli L Chishi. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
