Neiliezhü Üsou

After his theological studies he joined the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) as Superintendent of Mission Hostel under ABCC from 1966 to 1968 and also in 1971. He also served as Youth Director of ABCC in 1968, 1971 and as Youth Promoter in 1972. He started Nagaland Christian Youth Movement (NCYM) in 1970 and Angami Youth Gospel Team (AYGT) in 1971 as the Director respectively.[3]

The ABCC gave him license in 1974 and in 1975 he was appointed as Evangelist-at-Large and held the same post until 1977. He was the Vice President of the ABCC during 1987 to 1989.[4]

Üsou was the first Honorary Youth Director of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in 1972[5] and actively participated in the Billy Graham Crusade held in Kohima the same year.[6][7] He became the Liaison Committee member of Nagaland Peace Council[8] under the aegis of NBCC from 1975 till 2009.[9] He led the Naga Choir as a Choir Director to India Youth for Christ convention in 1975 at Kolkata.

Üsou along with other members of Nagaland Peace Council met the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and Home Minister, Giani Zail Singh, in October 1979 at the Prime Minister's Office, New Delhi in connection with peace work in Nagaland.[10] He actively took part in the movement spearheaded by Nagaland Baptist Church Council for total liquor prohibition in Nagaland which finally culminated in the Government of Nagaland passing the, still widely debated,[11] Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP) in 1989 in the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly.[12]

He attended the 16th Baptist World Alliance Congress at Seoul, South Korea, 14–18 August 1990 and was among the 370 ordained ministers from 149 countries to take part in a mass Baptism at the Olympic rowing competition site in Misari Regatta, where 10,000 candidates received water baptism.[13]

In 1974 he was sent by the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India (CBCNEI) to Arunachal Pradesh to conduct a two-week music seminar. At this time, Arunachal Pradesh was known for persecution of Christians. He successfully carried out the dangerous mission, conducting music classes in the afternoons and Bible studies in the evenings.

Üsou was installed as full-time pastor on 1 October 1978, at Ministers' Hill Baptist Church (MHBC), located at a hillock named Ministers' Hill Colony because it quarters Government ministers.[1][4] He successfully completed twenty five years as full-time pastor and was conferred the title of Senior Pastor during the Silver Jubilee celebration held on 12 October 2003, attended by many Church leaders and believers from various Churches including the State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio. The same evening a musical concert was organized to honour him. He opened the concert singing his favourite song "His Eye Is on the Sparrow". Many local musicians and veteran singers participated. He was ordained on 20 December 1981, by Rev. L. Bizo at Ministers' Hill Baptist Church (MHBC) and celebrated twenty-five years as an ordained minister on 20 December 2006. During his Pastorship the Church grew from strength to strength, the Church managed school Ministers' Hill Baptist English School was alleviated to Higher Secondary level, Ministers' Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School (MHBHSS), in 1998.[14] The Church and the School has been producing many theologians and missionaries. His dream project "The new church building" was completed and dedicated by him on 22 December 2002.

Üsou served as Officiating Chaplain of the Royal British Legion (RBL) from 1994 till 2009.[1] Kohima is famous for the Battle of Kohima between the British and Japanese during the Second World War. The slain soldiers of UK, India and Nagaland are buried in Kohima War Cemetery.[15][16] Every three years the relatives and war survivors from the United Kingdom visit Kohima for memorial services where he conduct these solemn occasions.[17]

He chaired the Remembrance Day service along with some Agape members from Japan led by Keiko Holmes, recipient of OBE, working for reconciliation on 11 November 2002, at Kohima War Cemetery.[18][19]

He conducted several Revival Crusades in Nagaland and was invited to a number of such crusades and Churches to speak. He was considered to be one of the best interpreters in Nagaland and has interpreted renowned preachers including Billy Kim,[20] Frederick S. Downs and Roger Houstma.[21] His interpretive skill was marked by speed, accuracy and enthusiasm.

He established the first government-approved institute for Music studies in Nagaland, the School of Music, Kohima, on 13 August 1969, and held the position of Founding Proprietor until his death.[23] The school has been producing many amateur musicians and Church pianists and now offers programmes of study in voice, violin, piano, saxophone, drums and conducting departments under the music exam boards of ABRSM (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity Guildhall, London.[24]

His health deteriorated and he was once again rushed to Apollo Hospital, New Delhi and in the month of November 2007, he was shifted to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai for further treatment. For the first time in his entire ministry he was compelled to spend the festive season of Christmas far away from his family and Church. It was during this very critical period that the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary, Rev. Zhabu Terhüja, wrote an appeal to all the Nagaland Churches to pray for his health. Prayers of the believers were answered and he came back home stronger and was able to continue serving the Lord by being one of the main speakers during the crucial Naga Peace Convention[43] held from 22 to 24 February 2008, at Dimapur.

Üsou died on 30 January 2009, at Naga Hospital, Kohima.[40][44] His remains were kept for two days in his residence enabling thousands of mourners to pay their respects. His funeral service took place at 2:00 PM IST on Sunday, 1 February 2009, in his Church (MHBC) and was attended by thousands. His demise was mourned by the then Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan, the then Governor of Maharashtra, S.C. Jamir, Naga Hoho, different organizations and Churches in Nagaland and the United States.[30][45] Speakers at the Funeral included the Chief Minister of Nagaland;[46] representatives from various government and civil societies.[47]

For his contribution to the growth of music in Nagaland, an award in Music was instituted and approved by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE).[48] The first awarding of Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Award for Music to the highest scorer in Music in High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination in Nagaland was held on 6 June 2009, at the Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Üsou Memorial Hall. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, Minister for Higher and Technical Education and Urban Development, Nagaland presnnted the award as the Chief Guest of the auspicious occasion. This award is given annually and carries a citation, memento and cash money of ₹25,000.[49]

His first memorial service entitled "A Tribute: A life time of memories through Music and Testimonial" was held on 30 January 2010, at Ministers' Hill Baptist Church (MHBC) and was attended by family, church leaders, members, friends and well-wishers.[50]

A school was established and inaugurated on July 27, 2013, by the Chief Minister of Nagaland.[51] The school follows a structured, play based curriculum.