A concise history of Kulajan Baptist Church
In 2019, the Kulajan Baptist Church celebrated its momentous 25th Silver Jubilee. This celebration was a poignant reminder not to overlook the church's rich history, for understanding the present requires embracing the past. The past serves as a guiding light for the future, making it essential to reminisce about the church's journey, enabling us to analyze our future aspirations in the context of the present.
The story begins in June 1988 when tragedy struck the family of the late Punya Kanta Pegu, a resident of Kulajan village. The village was devastated by floods, causing food shortages, and amid this suffering, Punya Kanta Pegu's wife, Yakasi Pegu, fell seriously ill. Desperate to find a cure, they explored various avenues, from traditional remedies to consultations with numerous healers and physicians. Despite their efforts, hope seemed to be slipping away.
It was during this challenging time that a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of a local young man named Mr. Kamaleshwar Taye, who was also battling a debilitating illness. Seeking treatment, Kamaleshwar encountered a woman named Pagli, who, despite not being a Christian herself, believed in the healing power of Jesus. She introduced Kamaleshwar to a Christian believer who, moved by compassion, shared the comforting message of Jesus' love and prayed fervently for his recovery.
This encounter marked a turning point in Kamaleshwar's life, and he, along with Ronoj Kumar Pegu, Punya Kanta Pegu's third son, delved into Christian literature. As they read, the peace and solace of faith enveloped their troubled hearts. Their newfound conviction led to a significant event in October 1988 when they were baptized in the Chimenmukh River by Deacon Late Bhadra Pegu, signifying their deep commitment to Christianity.
In December of the same year, they initiated discussions with fellow believers and extended an invitation to ministers from Gogamukh. These ministers brought a message of peace and salvation to Kulajan, deeply touching the hearts of the congregation members. Many sought healing through prayer, and the community's faith and unity continued to strengthen.
This marked the inception of the congregation's growth, but it was not without challenges. In their village, the new believers faced ridicule and persecution due to their newfound faith. However, they drew strength from one another and stood together in prayer and solidarity.
The believers began their worship journey, initially gathering in homes. This nascent congregation was led by dedicated young individuals who were deeply inspired by Jesus' love. Over time, their numbers swelled, and it became evident that they needed a dedicated church building to accommodate their growing faith community.
In 1994, after fervent prayers and persistent efforts, they acquired a piece of land and undertook the construction of a permanent church. The late Punya Kanta Pegu played a pivotal role in this endeavor, serving as the founding pastor of the church. Alongside him, Umesh Jimey took on the role of Secretary, Jagannath Taye as Treasurer, and Dhaneshwar Taye as caretaker. This marked the official establishment of the Kulajan Baptist Church.
Through the years, the congregation's faith continued to flourish, leading to an increase in their numbers. Along this journey, they faced challenges and experienced both growth and loss. Sadly, two men and three women from their faithful membership passed away. These beloved members were Kamalakantha Pegu, Yakashi Pegu, Premawati Taye, and Tampi Kuli. Among them, Premawati Taye and Tampi Kuli were especially noted for their contributions to the ministry through fervent prayer and dedicated fellowship.
Aside from these faithful members, others made significant contributions by selflessly dedicating their lives to serve the church. Their unwavering commitment paved the way for the church's Silver Jubilee celebration in March 2019. This milestone was achieved through their sacrifices and tireless work.
As the congregation moved forward, they remained united, drawing inspiration from Psalm 133:1, which reads, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The church's faithful members continue to pray for unity and aim to spread the message of God's love in their community and beyond, carrying the legacy of their founders and contributors forward into the future.
Families' Names at Silver Jubilee 2019
