Kohima Lotha Baptist Church (KLBC) and Borlengri Lotha Baptist Church (BLBC) observed Pastor Appreciation Day by recognizing the dedication and their ministry role at the devotional service held on Sunday.
The event was graced by Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, senior Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC) and principal, Kohima Bible College (KBC). In his message centered around the theme, ‘Pastor: a High calling of God’ (1 Tim 3:1-7), Rev. Zotuo emphasized the divine nature of pastoral ministry and the importance of not forgetting one’s vows to God.
Rev. Zotuo highlighted the tendency for people to forget the goodness of God, drawing parallels with the story of Jacob in the Bible who was reminded of his vow at Bethel and to return there (Genesis 31:13 and 35:1). He also stressed the need to remember the vows and stay committed to God, referencing the Christian pioneers in the Lotha region who upheld their faith.
He reminded the pastors of their role, pointing out that their services was lifelong calling, not just a career or a salary-driven occupation. Quoting from 1 Timothy 3:1-7, he described the qualities expected of pastors, including being blameless, sober-minded, non-violent, and not greedy for money.
He encouraged the congregation to be prayerful, emphasizing that prideful people do not pray and advised praying for pastors, quoting Galatians 6:6 regarding honoring those who teach the word of God.
Rev. Kiewhuo also stressed unity within the church, emphasizing that it was the body of Christ biblically and should not be divided along tribal lines. Further, he said that the gospel was not about separatism but oneness in one Father, one Faith and in unity.
Rev Kiewhuo also offered a special prayer for the pastors of Kohima Lotha Baptist Church and also for the congratulation. During service testimony was shared by Khriezovolie Suokhrie, chairman, Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC) men’s department, who survived from kidney failure.
The service was chaired by Renthungo Kikon, pastor, invocation by Y. Sancheo Ovung, deacon, a special song was presented by KLBC adult choir, a tribute was spoken by Mhayani Ngullie, offertory by Zubeni Humtsoe, director CNY and benediction by Dr. K. Benry Lotha, senior pastor.
At BLBC, Trinity Theological college, Dimapur associate professor Dr. Chumchano Ezung who was the speaker of the service, briefed about the observation of Pastor Day, which is celebrated on the second week of October, with the mission of uplifting and encouraging the pastors, missionaries and religious workers.
Special prayer for BLBC pastor Rev. Y Arhonthung Odyuo and associate pastor P Mhonchumo Tungu was presided by N Zankhomo Jamio
The programme was chaired by women pastor Nzanbeni Patton, offertory prayer by CNY director William L Humtsoe, special song by deacon and deaconess of the Church and scripture was read out by CNY superintended Mhalo Mozhui. The service ended with a mass prayer.