Nagaland: LBCA 103rd annual conference calls for unity, humility

The two-day 103rd annual conference of the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) commenced at Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar ‘B’, on Saturday with delegates from over 99 churches attending the conference held on the theme, Colossians 3:14 – “Arise together in Love”.
The programme began with a prayer on the theme by Rev. Dr. E. Nrio Ezung, pastor of Ekyo Yan Baptist Church. Delivering the message based on the conference theme, Rev. L. K. Tsanglao, pastor of Longsa Baptist Church, spoke about the growing fragmentation within the Lotha Baptist family. He said such division has emerged because both leaders and members have failed to practice humility.
“There is no humbleness among the Lotha Baptist family. If we do not humble ourselves, we will not move forward, nor will we receive God’s blessings,” he cautioned.
Rev. Tsanglao urged the congregation to forgive one another and, above all, to love one another, noting that the absence of love has weakened the community. He prayed that God’s unceasing love would dwell among the people.
He further stated that the Lothas have struggled in many areas because they lacked humility and patience. Calling for honest self-reflection, he reminded the gathering that according to Ephesians 1:4, believers are chosen by God, yet often fail to admit their mistakes. Citing 1 Peter 2:9–10, he emphasized again that the church is a chosen people, set apart for God’s purpose.
Referring to Matthew 22:37, he encouraged everyone to give their whole heart to the Lord and trust Him fully. He urged church leaders not to be swayed by worldly pleasures but to remain steadfast in their calling. “Do not worry about worldly things; leave everything to God, and He will take care of it,” he said.
Drawing from Philippians 1:21, Rev. Tsanglao highlighted Paul’s message of surrender—laying aside all earthly concerns and waiting faithfully for God’s reward.
He also spoke from Isaiah 41:10, reminding the congregation that the Lord commands His people not to be afraid, assuring them that He will lead and strengthen all who believe in Him. He challenged the gathering to reflect honestly on whether love and forgiveness truly existed among the believers.
Quoting John 13:34–35, he highlighted how Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment—to love one another as He has loved them. He emphasized that many of the issues within the Lotha Christian community stem from a lack of forgiveness. Without a spirit of reconciliation, he said, unity cannot flourish.
He said that God has given the Lotha community a season of grace—a time to reconcile and come together with one voice. “This is the time to reconcile. If we fail now, we will face the consequences of our disunity,” he cautioned.
The programme was chaired by Meribeni Ngullie Kikon, women secretary LBCA. It began with an invocation by Renben Ovung, pastor of Chandalashong New Baptist Church, and a welcome address by Wojanthung Ngullie, pastor of Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar ‘B’. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the departed soul, with a prayer led by Rev. Zaremo Lotha of Lotsu Baptist Church, followed by the offertory prayer by N. Peter Shitiri, mission secretary LBCA.
Scripture was read by T. Erenbeni, women pastor of Shaki Baptist Church, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Longshi Lotha, pastor of Bhandari Town Baptist Ekhumkho.
On Sunday, greetings will be delivered by Achumbemo Kikon, MLA of 40 Bhandari A/C, while the message will be delivered by Rev. N. L. Kithan, pastor of Samyan Baptist Church.