A three-day centenary celebration of Nungying Baptist Church (NBC) got underway with unveiling of monolith stone at the church compound by Lotha Baptist Church Association (LBCA) executive secretary, Rev. Dr. L. Tsanso and blowing of jubilee trumpet on Wednesday.
The celebration which was held on the theme, “Potsow jo echungren topvulo nkohopvui” (Ethungkhen 41:2) was attended by thousands including delegates from the neigbhouring villages.
During the programme, dedication of jubilee service hall at local ground was done by LBCA president, Rev. Dr. Nrio Ezung and welcome song by jubilee choir. Delivering jubilee greetings, deputy chief electoral officer, Kohima, R. Mhathung Ngullie reminded the congregation that jubilee was a time to retrospect and to forgive one another for past misdeeds.
He, however said that in order to move ahead, everyone must first remember and give thanks to the Almighty for His abundant blessings.
In the opening day, pastor Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Rev. Zanao Mozhui, who spoke on the theme reminded the gathering that it was everyone’s responsibility to honour and acknowledge the pioneers for their sacrifices. Earlier, history marking 100 years of Christianity of NBC was released by pastor, Wokha Town Baptist Church, Rev. Abemo Jungio while jubilee theme and programme was dedicated by Pastor LBC, Bor-Lengri, Dimapur, Rev. Arhonthung Odyuo.
On the occasion, pastor KLBC, Rev. Sankiluma Kikon prayed for the departed souls. Special numbers were presented by jubilee choir and Koio Baptist Church choir. Earlier, on December 28, a prelude service was held where the church acknowledged the past and the present pioneers for their services towards the church.
Greetings message was delivered by R.N. Kithan, Kohima while the speaker of the programme was ex-pastor, Rev. M. Kikon.
It may be mentioned that on December 30, jubilee greetings would be delivered by deputy chief minister, Home, Road and Bridges, Y. Patton.