The Youth Department of Lotha Baptist Church (LBC), Dimapur, held its annual hymnal competition on Sunday under the theme “Behold, What Love!”
Eight sectors of the church participated in the competition—Town Area, KLOK, Notun Bosti, Kuda, Burma Camp, LRFN Sector, Duncan & Court Sector, and Rilan & Mon Sector.
LRFN Sector emerged as the winner, while Duncan & Court Sector secured second place and Rilan & Mon Sector finished third. KLOK Sector recorded the highest number of participants.
LBC Dimapur Music Director Avoni Odyuo delivered a word of exhortation based on the theme song “Behold, What Love!” and 1 John 3:1-3, focusing on the theme of identity.
Odyuo spoke about the tendency to seek identity and validation through professional and family backgrounds, describing these as temporary identities. She encouraged the youth to root their identity in God and recognise themselves as children of God.
She urged the youth to live in accordance with this identity, emphasising that other aspects of life would follow from this foundation. Referring to Psalm 37:4, she encouraged the congregation to delight in the Lord and trust in His direction.
Odyuo acknowledged that following God’s path could be difficult but encouraged the youth to remain committed, noting that the Lord directs the steps of the godly. She also urged them to attend church services regularly and actively seek God.
The competition was judged by TaFMA, Dimapur, Mhonyamo Kikon; CNY Director, LBC Diphubar Ajano B. Patton and Youth Pastor, LBC Seithekema C L. Erenbeni Yanthan.
The programme was led by Youth Evangelist Therali Kithan. It included an invocation by Associate Pastor Meripeni Lotha, welcome address by Youth Director Longshithung Patton, special number by Rhonbemo Humtsoe, and vote of thanks by Noyingbeni Kithan. Women Leader Libeni Jami pronounced the benediction.
Khochobeni Kithan served as the pianist.
(Staff Reporter)
