Basar, Arunachal Pradesh, August 29: The Christian Revival Church (CRC) Redputu began its journey with a strong emphasis on prayer, fasting, evangelism and personal spiritual experience, according to an account by Dr Yumri Taipodia of Arunachal Pradesh.
From its early days, the church’s pioneers reportedly focused on reaching people within their surrounding communities with the message of Jesus Christ. With limited formal theological training, prayer and fasting became the principal tools of evangelism for the early believers.
The account states that the approach contributed to the rapid growth of the congregation and eventually led to the establishment of two new churches in the Basar area. Members living close to the new congregations reportedly played a key role as their founding members.
Experience at the Centre of Early Ministry
During its formative years, CRC Redputu placed greater emphasis on personal spiritual experience than on church administration and physical infrastructure. Prayer meetings, fasting, worship, revival songs and house fellowships became regular features of its ministry.
Believers sought the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit and encouraged members to share their testimonies and spiritual experiences. According to Taipodia, the pioneers believed that practical experience of faith should precede the development of formal church structures and theories.
Community Networks Used for Evangelism
Door-to-door evangelism became another important feature of the church’s early ministry. The pioneers visited relatives, friends and people from other faith backgrounds to share the Gospel.
The close social and family relationships within Galo society provided opportunities for personal evangelism. Church members reportedly used house visits not only to spread the Christian message but also to encourage existing Christians through prayer and spiritual fellowship.
Inclusive Approach
The early congregation also reportedly welcomed people from different social and economic backgrounds. According to the account, several economically disadvantaged people, widows and those facing physical hardships became among the early members.
The church sought to create a sense of belonging without discrimination based on gender or economic status, while members were encouraged to actively participate in worship and ministry.
Holiness and Moral Discipline
Personal holiness was another major emphasis of the early CRC Redputu movement. Members were encouraged to avoid alcohol, intoxication and immoral practices and to maintain disciplined lives.
The account further states that the early believers moved away from traditional practices such as polygamy and polyandry, viewing a holy lifestyle as an essential requirement for followers of Jesus Christ.
Their belief in the imminent return of Christ also strengthened their emphasis on spiritual preparedness and personal holiness.
Healing Ministry Strengthened Outreach
Prayer for the sick and healing ministry also played a significant role in the church’s early expansion. Having experienced healing themselves, early believers reportedly developed a strong concern for people suffering from illness.
They visited sick people in homes and hospitals and prayed for their recovery. According to Taipodia, some people reportedly experienced healing and subsequently embraced Christianity, while the testimonies of such experiences helped draw more people towards the church.
Growth Credited to Divine Grace
Taipodia describes the growth of CRC Redputu as a result of what the pioneers understood as God’s grace rather than a carefully planned institutional programme.
The early believers reportedly viewed themselves as instruments in the service of God and attributed the expansion of the church to divine intervention. New converts later joined the evangelistic mission, further strengthening the church’s presence in the Basar area.
The early history of CRC Redputu, according to the account, reflects a ministry built around prayer, personal faith, evangelism, healing, holiness and strong community relationships, which together shaped the foundation of the church and its subsequent growth in Arunachal Pradesh.
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