Nagaland: Rev. Dr. Yanbemo installed as new LBCD pastor

Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) on Sunday accorded a warm farewell to its senior pastor, Rev. Zanao Mozhui, who retired after 16 years of dedicated service to the church. At the same service, the congregation also witnessed the installation of the new pastor, Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha.
The act of prayer of blessing for both outgoing and incoming pastors was conducted by executive secretary of Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Rev. Dr. Renbi Rangthang.
In his farewell address, Rev. Zanao Mozhui expressed gratitude to the members of LBCD for their constant support and prayers, which enabled him to carry out the Lord’s ministry entrusted to him. He thanked the Almighty for granting him good health and strength, and sought forgiveness from the congregation for any shortcomings during his tenure. A special song dedicated to him was presented by his daughter, Kianzani.
Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, who has been associated with LBCD since 1996 as youth director, later serving as associate pastor in 2006 and senior pastor till date, sought the continued support of the congregation in carrying forward the ministry. He acknowledged the challenges of pastoral service and assured to build upon the work initiated by his predecessor.
Delivering the message, Rev. Prof. Dr. Ezamo Murry, former president of Eastern Theological College, spoke from John 3:25–30, drawing on the transition between John the Baptist and Jesus. He recalled how John’s disciples expressed concern that Jesus was gaining more followers, but John responded by affirming his role as the forerunner to Christ, declaring, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Rev. Murry highlighted the passage as a lesson in humility, stressing the need to recognize the supremacy of Christ. Just as John remained humble and accepted his mission to prepare the way for the Messiah, Rev. Murry encouraged the congregation to embrace humility in their own lives and service. He reminded that John acknowledged he was sent by God to make way for Jesus, and that he himself was not the Messiah.
He also addressed internal challenges during pastoral transitions, urging members not to spread rumours about past or present leaders but instead to uphold them in prayer.
Rev. Murry further reminded the congregation that unity and prayerful support are essential for the church to continue its mission faithfully.
The service was led by Rev. Lanlongo Yanthan, with invocation by pastor Longshi Mozhui of Longtsung Baptist Church. Offertory was pronounced by Rev. R.P. Murry, while scripture reading was done by Elizabeth Ovung.
The programme concluded with mass prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. E. Nrio Ezung, pastor of Ekhyo Yan Baptist Church. As part of the church activity during the service, Benlanthung Yanthan offered prayers for members of the congregation who would be celebrating or had celebrated their birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or other blessings in the month of December.