Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) attended the 75th anniversary celebration of Phusacchodumi Baptist Church (PBC) and conferred blessing to the village on Sunday.
The occasion held historical significance as it marked reconciliation following an incident in December 1925 when five Angami missionaries were chased away while attempting to share the gospel.
Sieliezhü, Kruneizhü, Rüzhükhrie, Shürholhoulie, and Kevizelie Sophie from the Angami community encountered resistance during the village’s “Thürinye” harvest festival.
Despite seeking accommodation, the missionaries faced rejection, insults, and even an attempt to humiliate them with spilled rice beer. Eventually, the villagers forced them to leave, leading to a mysterious fire that engulfed Phusachodu village, leaving it mostly in ruins. A cholera epidemic further compounded the hardships that year.
98 years later, the ABCC, represented by executive director Rev. Dr. Rachulie Vihienuo and president Rev. Savito Nagi, attended the 75th anniversary celebration of PBC. ABCC offered an act of blessing, expressing gratitude for the growth of the church and referencing Isaiah 55:11, emphasizing the enduring impact of God’s word.
During the ceremony, Rev Savito presented a Bible as a token of prayer for unending blessings, cautioning that it also records curses for disobedience. Further, the presentation of a Bible and the words spoken during the celebration reflected a deep historical connection, signifying reconciliation and progress for Phusacchodu Village and the Angami Baptist Church Council.
Rev. Vihienuo invoked Numbers 6:24-26 on the church, symbolizing the commitment to follow the path of obedience. In the morning worship, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, general secretary, Rev. Dr Z. Keyho, commended Phusachodu village for adopting “One Village, One Church, One Faith.” In the evening worship, former executive secretary of CBCC, Rev. Khrutsoyi Luruo, underscored the importance of the Word, stating that it gives life.