Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 1 (NPN): The second day of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Nepali Baptist Church (NBC), Kohima, was marked by morning and evening worship services centred on thanksgiving, reflection and a renewed commitment to mission as church members, pastors and guests celebrated God’s faithfulness over the church’s 50-year journey.
The morning service, attended by representatives from local churches and various organisations in Kohima, was chaired by former NBC Kohima pastor Surjay B. Sapkota. The Jubilee sermon was delivered by general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener.
Speaking on the theme “Beyond Our Expectations” from Ephesians 3:20–21, Rev. Dr. Pongener said a jubilee was an occasion to look back with gratitude while looking ahead with faith in the context of the present. He paid tribute to the pioneers and founders of the church, led by late Jodhbir Hamal, for their vision, dedication and contribution towards the establishment and growth of the church.
He reminded the congregation that the ultimate purpose of the Church was to glorify God and said believers should remain confident in God’s power, which, according to Scripture, was able to do immeasurably more than all that people asked or imagined. He encouraged the congregation to continue trusting in God beyond human limitations and expectations.
The service began with the invocation by associate pastor of NBC Kohima, Vicky Gurung. Scripture from Ephesians 3:20–21 was read by pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, Borlengri (Nepali), Uttam Kumar Bharati and pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, Meluri (English), Neeraj Karki.
Special praise was presented by the Jubilee Choir and Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima Village. Greetings were conveyed by pastor of Phom Baptist Church, Kohima, Rev. Phomlee Phom, and president of the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship, Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü. The service concluded with the benediction pronounced by Rana Chettri, followed by a fellowship lunch.
The evening service was chaired by Organising Committee member Karna Thakuri, while the Jubilee message was delivered by president of the Nepal Baptist Church Council, Rev. Rajendra Malla, based on Leviticus 25:10.
Reflecting on the significance of the Jubilee, Rev. Malla spoke on the mission work initiated by NBC Kohima, particularly in Nepal over the past three decades. He called upon believers to remember the sacrifices of earlier generations, practise forgiveness and reconciliation, and inspire the younger generation, especially Gen Z, to actively participate in evangelistic ministry and mission work.
The evening service commenced with the invocation by associate pastor of Lekhnath Baptist Church, Arghaun Chowk, Pokhara, Nanda Prasad Tiwari. Scripture from II Corinthians 8:7 was read by Organising Committee adviser Md. Israil (Nepali) and Finance Committee convenor Puran Basnet (English). The welcome and felicitation address was delivered by Organising Committee co-convenor Narayan Bahadur.
Special praise was offered by the Jubilee Choir and Nepali Baptist Church, Peducha, while greetings were conveyed by Church and Mission Secretary of AGBCN, Hari Magar. The service concluded with the benediction by Organising Committee adviser Devi Rai.
The day’s programmes reflected the spirit of unity, worship and thanksgiving as the church commemorated five decades of God’s guidance and enduring ministry.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will conclude on Sunday. The Jubilee Sunday devotion will begin at 10 a.m., with Executive Director of the Angami Baptist Church Council, Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo, as the main speaker. The valedictory service will be held at 3 p.m. with Visato Yhoshü of Union Baptist Church, Kohima, as the speaker, while the celebrations will conclude with a cultural night at 6:30 p.m.