Temjen is now an assistant professor and leads the Bethel Youth Ministry in Dimapur, Nagaland—but his journey to this point was far from easy. Growing up, Temjen was academically gifted, but the influence of his friend circle led him down a dangerous path. He began drinking alcohol as early as Class 8. Years later, after completing his studies, he was offered a principal position at a school in Arunachal Pradesh. What should have been a milestone became a turning point, as his drinking spiraled into full-blown addiction. Eventually, Temjen left the job in Arunachal Pradesh and returned to Dimapur to take up a teaching position at a college. But the addiction followed him.
Every day after class, he would drink heavily and return home intoxicated. His parents, deeply rooted in faith—his mother a prayer warrior and his father a church deacon—were heartbroken. They pleaded with him: “You’re an assistant professor; people look up to you.” But their words had little effect. Resigned, they eventually asked him to at least drink at home rather than come back drunk from outside. Temjen complied, but the emotional distance between him and his parents grew.
Then, on December 24th—his birthday—Temjen drank from morning till night. He became violently ill, vomiting blood into two or three dustbins. His parents feared for his life. He was rushed to the hospital and remained unconscious for four days. Born and raised in a Christian home, Temjen had heard about God all his life, but never truly encountered Him. From his hospital bed, barely holding onto life, he whispered a simple but desperate prayer: “If it’s Your will, give me a new life.” Slowly, his health began to improve, but the battle was far from over. For two more years, Temjen struggled with addiction.
Every day, he cried out to God for strength—not to live that life again. A breakthrough came when his uncle offered him a temporary job as a hostel warden, alongside his teaching role. Temjen accepted, knowing that staying busy would help him resist temptation—especially since he knew exactly where alcohol was sold after his college hours. What started as a five-month commitment stretched into five years, and in that time, Temjen overcame his addiction. Today, Temjen is married and continues to serve as a professor. More importantly, he leads the Bethel Youth Ministry, ministering to young people battling the same chains he once wore. He shares his story with honesty and hope, reminding others:
“If you are willing, God is willing to help you.
