A Call To Prayer, Peace And The Way Of Jesus In Manipur
The joint statement from Growing Healthy Churches, Santa Clara First Baptist Church, and Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association stated that “we believe Jesus is the hope of the world, and the church is called to bring His hope into communities marked by violence, division, fear, and grief. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand for peace, mercy, justice, and reconciliation.
“We remember with deep sorrow the tragic killing of three Baptist pastors on May 13, 2026: Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitihou, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitihou. We grieve with their families, churches, and communities as they mourn the loss of beloved pastors, husbands, fathers, and spiritual shepherds. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the wider Christian community in Manipur.
“We also continue to pray for the safe release of all hostages, including the two Naga pastors. In this fragile moment, we call upon pastors, church leaders, and Christian communities to pursue peace in the way of Jesus.
“Jesus did not answer hatred with hatred or violence with revenge. He came as the Prince of Peace and calls His church to be peacemakers. As Scripture says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9, NKJV). We urge the church to seek peace with truth, courage, humility, compassion, and prayer.
*We especially pray for Tangkhul Naga pastors and leaders to continue serving as peacemakers in this difficult hour. May God use them to help create pathways for dialogue, healing, protection for the vulnerable, the release of hostages, and peaceful resolution for all communities affected by this crisis.
“Even in the midst of violence and grief, God continues to bless. Growing Healthy Churches, Santa Clara First Baptist Church, and the Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association extend heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Dr. Soprang Machiri on his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association.
“It is our shared prayer that Growing Healthy Churches, Santa Clara First Baptist Church, and the Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association will continue building a meaningful gospel partnership that brings hope to the world through Jesus Christ.
“May the Lord bring comfort to the grieving, protection to the vulnerable, freedom to the captives, wisdom to leaders, and peace to Manipur” added the statement issued jointly by Reverend Gilbert Foster, Executive Minister Growing Healthy Churches, Reverend Wungreiso Valui, Senior Pastor Santa Clara First Baptist Church and Reverend Soprang Machiri, Executive Secretary of Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association.
