More than 4,000 people gathered Sunday to celebrate the three-day platinum jubilee of Thahekhu Village Baptist Church (TVBC) and Thahekhu Village at the new church premises under the theme “God of Generations.”
Delivering the theme message, executive secretary of Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK), Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema reflected on Daniel 4:34, where King Nebuchadnezzar declared God’s kingdom everlasting and His dominion enduring from generation to generation.
Recounting the biblical account of King Nebuchadnezzar, Rev. Dr. Sema said the king, at the height of his reign, attributed his kingdom to his own wisdom and strength. Because of his pride, he was driven from his palace and made to live like an animal in the fields for seven years. However, when the king realised his mistake and acknowledged God’s sovereignty, he looked up to heaven, sought God’s mercy and declared that all glory belonged to God alone.
Rev. Dr. Sema said the account reminded believers that while generations, lifestyles and cultures change, God remains constant and unchanging. “The God who led the pioneers—late Thahekhu and late Hejeto—continues to guide the people today as the village marks its 75 years of existence,” he said, adding that while kings rise and fall and kingdoms come and go, God’s kingdom stands forever.
Highlighting the legacy of the pioneers, he said they had generously donated land for the welfare of the people on which the Akuvuto Mission Centre was established. He also noted that WSBAK was incepted there, describing the act as a demonstration of faith that continues to bear fruit even today.
Rev. Dr. Sema further said that Thahekhu had produced officers in various fields, including IPS, IRS, NCS and NPS, which he described as blessings from God. Urging the congregation to remain humble, he cautioned believers against pride and reminded them not to attribute success solely to human strength while forgetting God.
Delivering jubilee greetings, head GB of Thahekhu Village, K. Kakheho Yepthomi, recalled that the village was established in March 1951 by late Thahekhü with just 14 houses and 61 people. He acknowledged the hardships faced by the early settlers and the contributions of past and present leaders in shaping the village.
From a small settlement, he said the village had now grown into a large community with thousands of residents and nearly 10 colonies. He attributed the progress to the prayers of parents and early servants of God and expressed hope that the community would celebrate its centenary in the present church premises. He also challenged the youth to live in the fear of God and strive for success.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by women pastor of TVBC, Dr. L. Phitoli Khala, while invocation was pronounced by Rev. Dr. James I. Swu, associate professor, TTC. Convener of the platinum jubilee planning board, H. Atokhe Aye, delivered the welcome address.
A dedicatory prayer for the jubilee souvenir was offered by Rev. Tovishe Sema, secretary DoME, and the souvenir was released by Thahekhu Village GB ‘gen.’ Samson Aye.
Prior to the commencement of the programme, a flag hoisting ceremony was held. The village flag was hoisted by head GB K. Kakheho Yepthomi, the platinum jubilee flag by GB Gen. Samson Aye and the church flag by senior pastor TVBC, Rev. Dr. Yehevi Jimo.
The platinum jubilee monolith, donated by the sons of late Khehokhu Yepthomi, former head GB of the village, was also unveiled by K. Kakheho Yepthomi.