Sesquicentennial celebrations at Molungkimong concludes

The second and concluding day of sesquicentennial celebration of Molungkimong Baptist Church commenced on Thursday morning with various speakers reflecting on the significance of peace-making and strengthening bonds.
Speaking on the theme “Osang Tajung Ain Benjongong” (Celebration of the Power of the Gospel) (Rom 1:16), Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) executive secretary Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener deliberated on the Chungli Ao word “Ain” and its various implications in different languages as well as its applications within the context of Christianity. He appealed to Christians not be content as believers, but take this jubilee as an opportunity to critically examine the kind of Christians they had become over the last 150 years.
Pongener also warned against misusing the Gospel to proliferate lies and stir conflicts for vested interests. Following the true path of the Gospel required believes to be decisive and unambiguous, he stressed.
“Let us be the people who spread the Gospel of truth, not of lies,” he commented, exhorting the congregation to stand steadfast for the truth, reflect on their shortcomings and seek ways to grow spiritually.
Earlier, a monument was also inaugurated by Imna Along, before the commencement of the morning service. The monument was erected to commemorate the first chapel hall built at Molungkimong established by Rev. Godhula Brown along with the nine converts after they returned from their baptism in Sibsagar in 1871.
On the occasion, Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener also unveiled the sesquicentenary souvenir along with Sesquicentenary Editorial Committee convener Limaangzük.
The morning service also saw musical performances by Sesquicentenary Choir, Clark Theological Choir, Aolijen and Grace Lalchhanhimi and F Nghakiiana from Mizoram and ended with a benediction by Rev Wati Kichu, associate pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA).
With Sentila Yanger, associate pastor, women, Yaongyimsen Arogo at the chair and Dr N Toshi leading the congregation in verse and prayer, the programme honoured efforts of previous ministry workers and hosts of annual Christmas feasts at the village by presenting them with certificates.
Addressing the gathering, Molungkimong Baptist Church pastor Rev R Moaliba said giving away of certificates began in 1997, while the tradition of families and clans hosting Christmas feasts began at the village in 1998.
Delegates MTBA pastor Rev Ponen Longchar, American Baptist Churches International Ministries regional consultant Rev Taku Longkumer and Merangkong Baptist Arogo pastor I Nukshi extended greetings on behalf of their churches and ministries.
They stressed that a jubilee was not just a time for celebration, but also to forgive and be forgiven, remember and honour efforts of ancestors and elders, practise humility and strengthen the foundations for a progressive future of the church and its members.
Referring to some differences between Americans and Nagas, Rev Taku Longkumer said that Nagas tended to invest more time and resources in celebrating centenaries and jubilees than the Americans. He recalled his earlier experience of attending centenary celebration at Molungkimong in 1972 which he had attended as part of Renthy Keitzar’s Choir. He called for recognising Molungkimong as the first soil of Christianity, reflect on why this village was chosen and find ways to fulfil God’s plans.
Higher Education and Tribal Affairs minister Temjen Imna Along extended centenary greetings as a special guest and affirmed that this story was not just about Molungkimong, but of God. Urging the congregation to consolidate their commitment to Christ, he remarked that true commitment required people to remain steadfast in their faith through times of trials and tribulations.
Later addressing the closing service in the evening, Senior Pastor, KABA Rev. Sentisashi Aier, who spoke ion the theme ‘Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord, reiterated that faith in the power of God must remain steadfast even in challenging times.
Recalling the trials encountered by the Ao churches during the mid-20th century, Sentisashi affirmed that these difficult experiences had a transformative outcome only because of their resilient faith.
Stating that jubilee was a time of emancipation, he called upon the congregation to reflect on the different ways the people have been enslaved, and unshackle ourselves from the bondages of sin.
The evening service was chaired by Yarmanen, ETC Jorhat and the service began with invocation and scripture by Tia pastor Yimjenkimong Baptist Church.
Kaisa Konyak, Pastor- Chin Loiye Baptist Church, Rev. Nungshi Pongen – Aliba Baptist church, Longer Longchar, Missionary -Uriamghat, Rev. S. Tiameren, Pastor -Asangma Baptist Church shared greetings on behalf of their churches and ministries.
SQC planning committee convener Noknen Longchar presented the report while Dr. Meren Longchar presented the SQC resolutions while vote of thanks was delivered by Rev. R. Moaliba, Pastor, Molungkimong Baptist Church.
The service concluded with a closing ceremony presented by Youth Ministry of Molungkimong Baptist Church and benediction by Rev. Yapang, Missionary, Molungkimong Baptist Church.