Eastern Bible College (EBC) held its 51st graduation ceremony, under the theme ‘Obedience’ at Buntain Chapel in its premises at Bank Colony, Dimapur on Thursday with Rev. Brent Knapton as the guest speaker. Altogether, 54 students graduated with Master and Bachelor degrees.
Speaking to the 51st graduating class of EBC, the guest speaker Rev. Brent Knapton delivered message centred on 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He encouraged students as they stepped into ministry, using Paul’s words as both a reflection and a commission.
He emphasized fighting the good fight, reminding students they are entering a world often hostile to the gospel. Drawing on Ephesians 6, he urged them to wear the full armour of God truth, righteousness, faith, and love. He referenced David’s victory over Goliath to face fears, discard hindrances, and finish every battle with faith.
He also called them to run the race with endurance, quoting Philippians 3:14 and challenged them to be faithful in whatever calling not seeking fame, but striving to serve. Drawing from Paul’s sufferings in 2 Corinthians, he underscored that trials produce eternal glory.
He then encouraged them to keep the faith noting that doctrine must be paired with deep intimacy with God. “Faith must endure through confusion, weariness, and uncertainty”, he added.
Finally, he shared the acrostic “BLESS” urging them to pray for people’s Body, Labor, Emotions, Spiritual condition, and Social relationships. He believes healing and breakthrough come through bold, compassionate prayer.
Closing his message, he thanked faculty and families for their sacrifices, and reminded graduates: “The world is your mission field and the gospel is your message.” He encouraged them to be vocal, humble, and faithful ready to say, like Paul, “I have kept the faith.”
Special awards were conferred to students for their achievements with Benshithung C. Odyuo was named Graduate of the Year, while Academic Excellence went to Joydip Basumatary and Bawi Thang Ceu. Mharoni Ngullie, Nay Ling Aung and Benshithung C.
Odyuo received the Campus Life Excellence award. Christian Ministry Excellence was awarded to Roimen Longri, Nighapu Shohe, Alino, and Longlang Konyak. Bawi Thang Ceu also won Best Sermon, and Tawk Nawl was recognized as the Most Improved Student.
Other highlights of the programme included release of College Magazine by Rev. Eric Elder, valedictory speech by Lika (M.Div. 3rd Year), song by EBV Choir, conferring of degree and prayer for graduates led by EBC Principal, faculty, senior church leaders and prayer warrior.
Earlier, the programme was led by lecturer CK Phutung Phom, while the pianist of the event was Solomon (B.Th. 1st year), invocation by Michelle Knapton, welcome address by Principal, Rev. Dr. T.N. Lotha Jr., scripture reading by Old Testament lecturer Imtikumla and New Testament lecturer Shinglong, offertory prayer by Rev. M.B. Ghatani, offering by Users EBC students, vote of thanks and announcement by board member, David Ngullie and benediction by Rev. NK Gurung.