Minister PHED, Tokheho Yepüthomi graced the last and third day of the ongoing three day “annual mission conference” under the aegis of Sümi Baptist Akukhoü Kuqhakülü- Nito Mount (SBAK-NM), with the theme “retrospect – mission”, here in Luvishe New village BC Aghunato, Zunheboto district, Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Tokheho extended warm greetings on his behalf and DAN government.
Tokheho, who is also a native of host Luvishe New Village and Akükaü/GB while warmly welcoming the delegates said that, “I sincerely extend my fullest joy and gratitude to God Almighty and the SBAK-NM for being a part of this historic gathering and also seek prayers and blessings of the missionaries”.
He maintained that, “this kind of grand annual affair/conference is being hosted for the maiden time since half a century ago, back in 1960s during my graduation days”.
“The quality of leadership can be witnessed during the times of trails and hardship, therefore we should not compromise leadership responsibility (s)” exhorted Tokheho who urged leaders to be firm and strong against all odds.
He briefly highlighted the contemporary Naga Political turmoils/crisis/division etc both in state NLA and NPGs which he said are, “the gravest, biggest and mammoth obstacles/challenges towards the progress, development and harmony in Nagaland state which is in a pity phase”, lamented Tokheho.
Further, PHED minister expressed his dismay over the divisions, disunity, conflicts and evil seeds of tribalism by citing the infamous Tuensang andKiphire Districts tribal conflicts respectively.
He also dwelt on “Corruption; nepotism; bogus and ghost employees; misuse of funds; developmental lapses etc from the grassroots level to the highest top state govt machinery”.
While highlighting the poor development activities especially roads, he challenged and exhorted the missionaries to, “educate the general public on the misuse and preservation of government properties and land ownership crisis which hampered the swift constructions and road maintenances”; he also briefly spoke on Article 371 (A).
He recalled the Shillong Accord in 1960s and also the ceasefire amongst GOI-NPGs, “which is almost nearing 2 decades but no concrete solution or results had been yielded till date”, rued Tokheho while expressing his dismay over the splits and factional conflicts. “These are the reasons for the underdeveloped and disharmonies in the state”, pointed out Tokheho.
He briefly dwelt on the NLTP Act.
“Schools, hospitals and churches will never cease to exist, therefore I urge all delegates present to propagate and be responsible for creating awareness back in your respective villages/towns for its smooth function and governance to serve themselves”, exhorted the Minister.
Tokheho concluded with, “questions on the integrity of Church council and leaders” and to “bring a change/unity”.
SBAK-NM executive secretary, Rev Hukugha Zhimo in his Sundaydevotional sermon dwelt on the topic, “retrospect – church in mission”. In his opening remark, Rev Hukugha stressed on corruption while stating that, “Not only the state govt and the leaders are to be blamed but the public too, since we had already sold our rights and votes which keep the mouths shut to voice out development or progression”.
“Collective efforts of all stakeholders such as leaders, NGOs, churches and public from various walks of life, will bring light in our society”, stressed Rev Hukugha.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Asukhuto BC pastor Khutovi and began with SBC Phek Town pastor Shekito who led the opening theme and invocation prayers followed by SBAK-NM women evangelist Hukatoli who administered “responsive reading, No.17”.
Child evangelist Kalivi S Jimomi and duo enthralled the gathering with special duet; while the Gospel Tune trio also entertained the congregation with two beautiful special numbers.
Pastoral secretary, Shekheto Swu administered offertory and special prayers for the host Luvishe New Village; DVD on CLF Golden Jubilee Commemoration was formally released and dedicated by SBCZ Sr Pastor Rev Yevito S Sümi.
The devotional service ended with Ustomi BC pastor Nikheto who said the benediction prayers.