A recovery and wellness centre named “Meribah Centre,” an initiative of Shalom Tribal Trust (STT) under the leadership of Rev Dr Temsu S (Director), was inaugurated at Yimchalu village in Mokokchung district on May 2 by Advisor for Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum.
Director of Shalom Tribal Trust (STT) is a registered society working in jail ministry and among people affected by alcohol and substance abuse.
Speaking at the programme, Rev Dr Temsu S said the trust has two main objectives: to help people struggling with alcohol and substance abuse, and to support churches and church workers through different training programmes. He said the “Meribah Centre” is the first phase of the initiative aimed at helping people dealing with addiction.
He informed that the centre is based on four visions : Life Transformation, Learning, Leadership and Livelihood, collectively termed as “L4.” He said the approach of the centre would focus on both physical and spiritual well-being.
Explaining the name of the centre, Rev Temsu said Meribah” is a Biblical term derived from the Old Testament account where Moses brought forth water from a rock for the Israelites in the wilderness. He said the name was chosen to signify hope and restoration.
The centre has a capacity to accommodate 20 persons with a 20-bedded facility. He encouraged those in need to avail the opportunity.
Rev Dr Temsu S, who served as pastor of Alempang Baptist Church for 28 years, said he took voluntary retirement to begin a ministry focused on addiction and recovery. He said laws alone cannot control the problem of substance abuse and added that detoxification alone is often insufficient, as many cases require medical intervention.
He informed that Lenjem Hospital would be used as a referral system for patients requiring medical attention. He also said the term “rehabilitation centre” is often misunderstood and carries a negative perception, which was why the trust chose the name “Meribah Centre” instead.
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He further stated that the initiative was started with a holistic approach, adding that creating meaningful impact in society was more important to him.
In his address, Tongpang Ozukum described the initiative as a “noble venture” undertaken by Rev Dr Temsu S and his family. He said that even after retirement, the director had not forgotten his calling to serve society.
Ozukum expressed hope that the centre would benefit people in need and appreciated the work of Shalom Tribal Trust. Referring to the future phases of the initiative, he said programmes related to financial literacy and management training for churches and church workers were timely and relevant.
He also encouraged the centre to maintain a distinct identity through committed service while noting that many rehabilitation centres in Nagaland were working with good objectives.
Quoting a proverb, he said, “Hospitals save lives, but rehabilitation centres save lives, save futures and save families.” He expressed hope that the centre would serve as a “second chance” for those in need.
Earlier, Rev Temsu Jamir, Executive Secretary, Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang, Impur, delivered the dedicatory prayer and message, while Wati, Chairman of Yimchalu village, shared a brief address.
