ABAM commits to resetting biblical, spiritual foundation

Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) three-day Sesquicentennial celebration at Impur concluded on Thursday during which a five-point resolution was adopted, which were all build around the aim of resetting the Biblical and Spiritual Foundation of ABAM and Ao churches.
The resolutions were adopted during the last session of the SQC celebration, after which ABAM executive secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongen, offered a special commitment prayer, seeking God’s strength and wisdom in the execution of the resolutions.
According to media and publicity team, ABAM and its churches sincerely pray and hope that strengthening of its spiritual foundation will help them as individuals and as a community to journey along with God toward the 2072 bicentennial.
Delivering his sermon on the theme “Preach the Good News to the World” (Mark 16:15), ABAM president Rev. Sentisashi Aier called upon the congregation to pray and ask for forgiveness and seek God’s providence upon the Naga people.
Aier lamented that in the past 150 years of Christianity, the Ao people had become nominal Christians. He therefore said that there was an urgent need for “re-evangelization” among the believers to correct this weakness. This process of “re-evangelization”, Aier noted, should begin from each and every family and by “focusing on our children.”
“Encourage to start to preach the gospel from family as well as share to the neighbour around us,” he said.
Also preaching from 1 Corinthians 15:58 on the theme “Stand Firm in Faith,” ABAM executive secretary Rev. Dr. Prof. Mar Pongener appealed to the congregation that “God’s blessing always follows us when we have faith in God and asking God’s help sincerely.” Christians, especially Ao believers, should “be willing to be a fool in the eyes of men as long as we are walking in God’s plan,” he said.
Pongener challenged the congregation to “reevaluate their faith witness” by their works and not through their words alone. He further called upon all to stay rooted in God’s word and seek divine wisdom and understanding.
SQC convenor planning committee Rev. Dr. Bendang Longkümer gave an overview of the tasks, resources and planning that led to success of the event and also acknowledged all individuals, churches, groups and institutions that contributed their resources for the event.
According to ABAM, 3195 people registered for the SQC jubilee celebration.
Bringing greetings on behalf of the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society, Kathy Longkumer reminded the gathering that God chose the Ao people at a strategic time in history and raised them up for his purpose and plans. Let us not rest in our laurels but let’s press on to Gods calling for us today so that we can be his instrument to go to ends beyond.
Others who exhorted the gathering include– Chumlamo Humtsoe, who spoke on behalf of DC Mokokchung, Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India (CBCNEI) general secretary Rev Dr. Akheto Sema, president of the 1972 ABAM centennial celebration and former general secretary of CBCNEI Rev. Imo Aier, former secy ABTM Rev. Toshinaro, former ABAM executive secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Imliwapang missionary serving under ABAM International.
Major highlights of day: Morning and evening praise and worship was led by Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (Youth Ministry) and a special song by Clark Theological College, songs by Baptist Church Choir Baptist Church of Mizoram.
The Children Choir, Mokokchung Town Arogotem, comprising 150 young boys and girl presented a choreographed gospel song directed by Yanglu, associate Pastor, MTBA. The presentation from this Children Choir was significant as these children would be the ones who will carry the torch forward from their elders toward the 2072 bicentennial, the media team stated.
The celebration closed with a presentation that challenged ABAM and the delegates to set their faith and spiritual eyes toward the coming 175 years of Christianity in the Naga Hills.