Yikhum Baptist Church (YBC) celebration of its quasquicentennial-125 years of Christianity under the theme, “Come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20) entered the second day on Sunday.
According to DIPR report, theme speaker Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, on behalf of Ao Arogo Mundang (ABAM) greeted the people of Yikhum village and thanked YBC for inviting them to speak and sing (by ABAM Choir). He also extended congratulations to Yikhum Baptist Church for completion of 125 years.
He reminded the gathering that it was through God’s grace that ABAM managed to extend a bit of support towards the establishment of Lotha Baptist Churches Association way back in 1923 and through historical events and realities witnessed the relationship between ABAM and Yikhum Church.
Sharing the story of Yikhum Baptist Church which began in 1898, he recalled two persons from Yikhum Village, who brought Christianity in the village. Nkhao Jungi, the first convert Christian received baptism at Impur on October 2, 1898 and Shanjamo Jungi (younger brother of Nkhao Jungi) baptized and study at Impur and became the second convert Christian from Yikhum Village. Both of them married an Ao women, Nukshila and Nuksangla from the same village. Their marriage was the true start of the Ao’s and the Lotha’s community, Dr. Mar Pongener said.
Acknowledging the presence of God, the speaker believed that the jubilee celebration will be a blessing for every members of the Yikhum village and Lotha community in the coming days. Pastor Yikhum Baptist Church, R. Zanbemo Kithan acknowledged the ABAM delegates with mementos and gifts.
The programme was chaired by Chenirao Jungi, invocation by Atul Gogoi, Missionary,Dhemaji, Assam and benediction by Roland Ngullie, pastor Senjum Yan Baptist Ekhumkho.