The 10th convocation of Faith Theological seminary (FTS) Jotsoma Kohima was held under the theme “whoever serves me must follow me…” (John 12:26) at FTS church with general secretary Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho as the guest speaker on Friday.
Revered Keyho in his address said that the day was an important mile stone for the graduating students and they deserved this special honour for the hard work as the journey has been tedious, challenging and at times stressful but also fulfilling. He reminded them that the graduation event was not the end; it was the commencement of a new beginning. He said people will not be interested about the grades or degrees they possessed but they would assess their spiritual, inter-personal skills and lifestyles grade.
Revered Keyho challenged the graduating students saying that the theological education should enable them to carry the mission of the crucified Lord, which is the embodiment of their own crucified life whatever ministry they enter into. He said the theological knowledge should mentor their spiritual relationship with the Lord that will take them beyond what is imagined or thought about.
He said that to work in the field of God was not an easy task but it needed determination, commitment, and leaving comfort zones.
Stressing more on working in God’s ministry, he gave a piece of advice saying that success will depend not on how much they knew but on how well they communicate their knowledge. He stated that the moment they detach themselves from reality, their message will lose its relevancy and he also encouraged the graduands to avoid theological jargon and pretension.
The programme was led by Asola Jamir, academic dean, invocation prayer was said by Kholi Salew, registrar, special songs were presented by Neivizonuo and Friends and FTS choir, a speech on behalf of graduating students was given by Ngovetso Lohe B.Th, presentation of degrees and awards was done by Rev. Dr. Visielie Angami, principal FTS and prayer of commission for the graduating students was said by the guest speaker.
Altogether 33 students graduated, including 17 students in M.Div. (7 extension), 14 in B. Th (4 extension) and 2 M. Th. (extension). Various special awards were given away: for M. Div. (regular study) Keheizulungle Cerai bagged the academic best student award, Shovetalü bagged the best thesis award, Kevi Gwirie bagged the leadership best student award.
For M.Div (extension study) academic best student was bagged by Shothalü and best women pastoral ministry award was bagged by Hungoilu Nienu.
For B.Th (regular study) academic best student award was bagged by Khotolü Keyho, pulpit award was bagged by Dziesengulie Angami, best character student award by Zuvithsü Tsangkhuru, most improved student award by Rangmo Kholia, and best all-round student by Ngovetso. For B.Th (extension study) the evangelism best student award was bagged by L. Talichuba Sangtam.