State chief minister Neiphiu Rio and others have deeply mourned the passing of Veteran church apostle and evangelist, former president of the Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC) and also former executive secretary of NCRC Sumi, Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Assumi. Born on February 2, 1949, Rev. Dr. Shiwoto passed away on September 26, 2021 after a prolonged illness.
He was laid to rest after funeral service at his residence Eralibill village, Dimapur.
In a condolence message Mrs. Yanpeni, the chief minister Neiphiu Rio said late Reverend was not only a powerful and charismatic preacher but a genuine human being who had deep concerns for the welfare of the Naga people. Rio also said that late Reverend, wherever he went, preached about brotherhood and love—a message for which he would be fondly remembered.
Rio said Naga society as a whole has lost a spiritual guide and a mentor, adding that his demise has created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill. “However, let us celebrate his life today and cherish the wonderful memories he has left for us,” Rio said and conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) expressed “profound sadness” over the demise of Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Assumi and said that in his passing, not just the Nagas, but Christians as a whole have lost a dedicated Shepherd and a loyal friend.
In a condolence message, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak said words alone were not enough to define the person Rev. Dr. Shiwoto was, saying his life itself was testament of a true and dedicated man of God. Konyak said late reverend had a special place in the hearts of the members of the NDPP. “It is with fond memories that we vividly remember him invoking God’s blessings and dedicating the party on its formation day in May 2017,” Konyak said, adding party rank and file remained ever grateful to him.
NDPP president conveyed deepest condolences to bereaved family and prayed that God grant them solace and strength during these difficult times.
WSBAK: Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) said it was bereaved at the demise of late Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Assumi, who it described as a prominent leader among the Sümi Christian leaders and played an efficient role in the ministry of Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC) and among NCRC Sümi Community and beyond.
In a condolence message, WSBAK executive secretary Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema said late reverend was a faithful servant of God who loved the Lord with zeal and dedication to minister the word of God. During his ministerial service, WSBAK said he had served under various offices and “contributed a lot in the ministry of our Lord.”
WSBAK also said that his “earthly demise was indeed a sad moment for the entire Sümi community”.
It said that late Rev. Dr. Shiwoto would always be remembered as a man of upright nature who has stood to witness and testify the Word of God.
With deepest and heartfelt empathy, the association said it grieves with the bereaved family and prays for God’s comfort and peace to be upon the family members.
NPP State unit: Expressing grief over the demise of Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Assumi, National People’s Party (NPP) state unit said that in his demise, Naga people in general and the Sumi tribe in particular had lost a principled, dynamic, honest and God-fearing man.
In a condolence message, NPP state unit president Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema described late Rev. Dr. Shiwoto as a man of upright nature who not only led the NCRC towards its goals and objectives but also guided the Christian society with deep wisdom and rare acumen.
NPP said even through the years of sicknesses and hardships he faced, he never lamented about his struggles and rather stood to witness and testify each time the Lord brought him back from death itself.
“His earthly demise has left a deep void in the modern Church and missionary movement of Nagaland in particular and the greater Christian society in general which will be difficult to fill in days to come”, NPP said.
NPP extended condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives and prayed that the Almighty would give them strength and spiritual courage to bear with this loss.
NCRCMDYF: Nagaland Christian Revival Church Mokokchung Division Youth Fellowship (NCRCMDYF) has expressed grief over the demise of Rev. Dr Shiwoto Assumi.
In a condolence message, NCRCMDYF president Aonochet Walling and general secretary Dr. Moajungla described the late reverend as a passionate and influential speaker, who made an impact in the lives of people he came across.
While stating that he was a strong pillar of the NCRC, NCRCMDYF said that his demise was not only a great loss to the NCRC but to all who knew him.
“His tremendous works and contributions shall ever be remembered,” it stated.
Further, NCRCMDYF extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and said that it took comfort in knowing that he was now in peace with Christ.