The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) is holding its 5th Biennial Assembly from 21st to 24th May 2026, hosted by the Garo Baptist Convention at Resubelpara Baptist Church, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The Assembly has gathered church leaders and delegates from across North East India under the theme Embracing the Other (Colossians 3:12-14).
The Independent Church of India is represented at the Assembly by Rev. Lalneikhup Hmar (Executive Secretary), Rev. Dr. James R. Ruolngul (Secretary, Finance), Rev. Lalliensung (Academic Dean, SBC), Rev. Lalṭanpuia, Rev. Alan L. Ṭhiek, and Elder T. Varte.
Rev. Lalneikhup Hmar is serving as Leader for one of the Public Worship Services on Sunday, 24th May, with Rev. Kalu Kalai leading in Bible Reading and Prayer.
A highlight of the ICI’s participation is the presence of the ICI Central Choir, who are scheduled to minister in song before the Assembly. Their journey to Resubelpara alone speaks volumes about their commitment. The choir undertook a gruelling three-day journey to reach the venue, navigating winding mountain roads and long hours of travel. A significant number of the choir members are employed as teachers in private schools, and making the trip meant applying for leave and setting aside their professional commitments. Financial costs, logistical challenges, and the sheer physical demands of the journey all had to be overcome. Yet they came.
The choir is scheduled to present three songs before the gathered Assembly — a moment eagerly anticipated, and one that already embodies the theme of the Assembly: the willingness to go beyond what is comfortable, to cross distances, and to offer one’s best to the broader body of Christ.
The Assembly is expected to conclude on 24th May with the installation of new office bearers. Rev. Dr. Meya Changkiri of the Nagaland Baptist Church is set to be elected as the incoming General Secretary of the NEICC.
