Evangelical leader Ben Wati passes away at 91

Rev Dr I Ben Wati, a leading Evangelical figure and former general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), passed away on Thursday, June 14 in Dimapur, Nagaland.

Rev Wati peacefully breathed his last at his brother's residence in Dimapur. He was 91 and leaves behind two daughters and two grand children.

According to sources, Wati's health went down days after his wife's death on May 28, this year.

"Rev Wati, fondly addressed as Uncle Ben, passionately loved and served Jesus Christ with commitment that is exemplary. He mentored a generation of leaders to serve God and love people," said Rev Dr Richard Howell, general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI).

"He was courageous to speak the truth in love and his life and witness will continue to be an example for the world wide body of Christ," added Howell.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio recalled how the Evangelical leader despite hailing from a remote corner of the world went on to become a leader of international stature in the global arena.

"His life gives all Nagas a sense of pride and it is an inspiration for the younger generations. His contributions have been a blessing to all of us," Rio said.

Nagaland's Home Minister Imkong L Imchen in his condolence message said the entire state mourned the death of Wati, who "throughout his long life served God with dedication and commitment".

He also expressed that Wati's deep understanding of the Scriptures was "immensely demonstrated in his contribution in the translation of Bible into Ao language".

Born at Impur, Nagaland on December 18, 1920, Wati did his BD from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, US and MA from Wheaton College, US. He has the distinction of being the first Naga to earn a BD degree.

The Evangelical leader, who played a major role in translating the first Naga Bible 'Temesh Lai', served as the chief of Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and later as the President of World Evangelical Fellowship (now world Evangelical Alliance).

Various organisations and individuals have condoled the demise of Wati. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) in a statement said Wati was a "pioneer" of the Indian Evangelical movement and "inspired, encouraged, equipped and strengthened evangelical leaders down through the decades".

"Dr Ben was passionate for peace in Nagaland. No doubt the entire Christian community in India has a lot to learn and emulate from Dr Ben's illustrated and exemplary life," said Rev Dr Roger Gaikwad, general secretary of the NCCI, an umbrella body of Protestant churches.

Rev Wati's burial will take place at 11 am on June 15 at Impur, his place of birth.