The Center for Thai-Nagaland Missions Platform was officially opened at New Land Church, Nong On, Udon Thani, Thailand, on September 5, marking a new phase of cooperation between churches in Nagaland and Thailand.
The centre was inaugurated by Rev. Dr Chekrovei Cho-o, Executive Secretary, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), and Rev. Dr Boonrat Buayen, Moderator-President of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT). Around 150 church leaders from across Thailand, along with local believers and international volunteers, attended the dedication programme.
The centre was established jointly by CBCC and Church District 13 of CCT to promote rural community development, youth empowerment and church ministry. Its daily operations will be overseen by Rev. Dr Zelhou Keyho and his wife, Santi Keyho.
Keyho expressed gratitude to CBCC, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima and Chozuba Baptist Church for their support and prayers, while also acknowledging individual donors and others who contributed to the initiative.
The centre will initially serve local children and youth through conversational English classes, music lessons, recreational sports, skills development activities and Sunday children’s church ministry.
Its long-term plans include supporting local evangelists, providing theological education scholarships to young people committed to rural ministry, recruiting volunteers from Nagaland to teach English in rural government schools, organising church exchange programmes and encouraging other NBCC associations to replicate the model in northeast Thailand. The platform also aims to expand its network to other parts of the 10/40 Window, particularly Southeast Asia.
Organisers said the initiative was guided by their conviction of God’s direction in the mission fields of northeast Thailand. “God has not sent us here merely to visit,” they stated. “He has called us to work together for lasting and meaningful transformation.”
Keyho also acknowledged Elder Anan Nakdilok, Rev. Siae Suthisan and Dr Prawet Kidarn for their roles in strengthening ties between the two communities.