History

Our Journey of Faith Since 1966.

Founding the Church: A Historic Decision in 1966

In 1966, eleven elderly individuals from Aoyimti village gathered at Lt. Imkongmangyang’s (Süngratsü) residence to discuss the formation of a church. That evening, they made a firm decision to establish the church on May 15, 1966. The attendees were: Lt. Latongtemjen, Mr. Rongsennungba, Lt. Noklennungsang, Lt. Imkongmangyang, Lt. Chubawati, Lt. Akangmeren, Lt. Semsadangba, Lt. Noklentemjen, Lt. Takameren, Lt. Alisosang, and Lt. Imrongtoshi. 

They resolved to serve the church, and the initial church workers were:

Initially, they decided to name the church "Air Field Ao Baptist Church." However, in 1985, they renamed it "Aoyimti Baptist Church," which remains its name to this day.

 

The First Church

After establishing the church on May 15, 1966, they gathered the next day (May 16, 1966) at Mr. Rongsennungba’s place to make a covenant to unite in faith. Once they identified the church location, Lt. Imkongmangyang prayed and asked for God’s blessing over the land. Despite their small number, they contributed resources among themselves, including pillar posts, money, and other materials for the church building. The construction took nearly two months, resulting in a church building measuring 25x15 square feet. It was dedicated by Lt. Memen Marak, Pastor of Eralibill Garo Baptist Church, on July 17, 1966. The total cost for the church building was Rs. 850.

On the day of dedication, Lt. Bendangwati (Mongchen), Pastor from Kohima Ao Baptist Church, attended the program with four church members and donated Rs. 50. The preacher’s group from Kohima donated Rs. 10. Lt. Tatongkaba, Pastor from Dimapur Ao Baptist Church, attended the dedication with a co-worker and donated a pulpit and a chair.

 

Affiliation

The church was affiliated with Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) on January 17, 1976. 

 

In 2016, the church celebrated its 50th anniversary (jubilee). Over the past 50 years, the church has made significant progress in spirituality and infrastructure. Currently, the church has 470 households and 1,160 baptized members, with nine full-time workers and seven deacons tirelessly serving the community.

15 May, 1966

Formation of the Church

Eleven elderly people from Aoyimti village, including Lt. Latongtemjen, Mr. Rongsennungba, and others, gathered at Lt. Imkongmangyang's place to discuss the formation of a new church.
 

16 May, 1966

  • The church members gathered at Mr. Rongsennungba's place and made a covenant to unite in faith.
  • The church members contributed materials and funds to build the first church, which was 25x15 sq. ft.
  • Lt. Imkongmangyang prayed for God’s blessing over the land

17 July, 1966

  • The church was dedicated by Lt. Memen Marak, Pastor of Eralibill Garo Baptist Church. The total construction cost was Rs. 850.
  • Lt. Bendangwati (Mongchen), Pastor of Kohima Ao Baptist Church, attended with four members and donated Rs. 50.
  • The preacher’s group from Kohima donated Rs. 10.
  • Lt. Tatongkaba, Pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Church, and his co-worker donated a pulpit and chair.

17 January, 1976

Church Affiliation

  • The church became officially affiliated with the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), a significant milestone in its growth and recognition
  • Dedication of the first church building by Lt. Memen Marak, Pastor of Eralibill Garo Baptist Church.
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1985

Renaming of the Church

The church was renamed from "Air Field Ao Baptist Church" to Aoyimti Baptist Church, the name it carries to this day.

2016

50th Jubilee Celebration

The church celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of spiritual and infrastructural growth.

2024

Present

  • The church has grown to include 485 households and 1,160 baptized members.
  • It is supported by 9 full-time workers and 7 deacons who continue to serve the community.