The second day of the sesquicentenary celebration of Molungkimong Baptist Church commenced this morning with various speakers reflecting on the significance of peace-making and strengthening bonds in times of the Jubilee.

According to the Molungkimong media team, the programme honored efforts of previous ministry workers and hosts of annual Christmas feasts in the village by presenting them with certificates.

Addressing the crowd, Rev R Moaliba, pastor of Molungkimong Baptist Church, stated that the tradition of giving certificates in the village began in 1997 while the tradition of families and clans hosting Christmas feasts in the village began in 1998.

Delegates Rev Ponen Longchar, pastor of MTBA, Rev Taku Longkumer, regional consultant of American Baptist Churches International Ministries and I Nukshi, pastor of Merangkong Baptist Arogo, shared greetings on behalf of their churches and ministries, and highlighted that a jubilee is not just a time for celebration, but also a time to forgive and be forgiven, to remember and honour the efforts of the ancestors and elders, to practice humility, and to strengthen the foundations so as to envision a progressive future for the church and its members.

A section of the congregation at the second day of the Molungkimong Sesquicentenary celebrations. (Credit: Caisii Mao)

Pointing out some differences between the American and the Naga context, Rev Taku Longkumer stated that Nagas tend to invest more time and resources in celebrating centenaries and jubilees than the American counterparts. He also juxtaposed his earlier experiences of the centenary celebration held in Molungkimong in 1972 that he had attended as part of Renthy Keitzar’s Choir with the current sesquicentenary celebrations, and asserted that we must recognise Molungkimong as the first soil of Christianity, reflect on why this village was chosen and find ways to fulfill God’s greater plans.

Special guest Temjen Imna Along, minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, also shared centenary greetings and affirmed that this story is not just about Molungkimong but the story of an ancient, historical God. Reminding the congregation about consolidating their commitment to Christ, he stated that true commitment requires one to remain steadfast in faith and power through times of trials and tribulations.

Temjen Imna Along, minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs. (Credit: Caisii Mao)

Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener, executive secretary of ABAM, delivered the sermon on the theme ‘Osang Tajung Ain Benjongong’ – Celebration of the Power of the Gospel (Rom 1:16). He deliberated on the Chungli Ao word ‘Ain’ and its various implications in different languages as well as its applications within the context of Christianity.

He told the congregation that they must not be content with their status quo as believers but instead take this jubilee as an opportunity to critically examine the kind of Christians they have become over the last 150 years.

Pongener also warned against misusing the Gospel to proliferate lies and stir conflict for the purpose of vested interests. Following the true path of the Gospel requires one to be decisive and unambiguous, he added .

“Let us be the people who spread the Gospel of truth, not of lies,” Pongener said and called upon the congregation to stand powerfully in the truth, reflect on their shortcomings and seek ways to grow spiritually.

Rev R Moaliba presenting the Sesquicentenary Memento to Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener. (Credit: Caisii Mao)

Earlier, Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener also inaugurated the Sesquicentenary Souvenir Book along with Limaangzük, Convenor of the Sesquicentenary Editorial Committee.

Sentila Yanger, Associate Pastor, Women, Yaongyimsen Arogo was the chairperson of the morning service while Dr N Toshi led the congregation in verse and prayer.

The morning service also saw musical performances by the Sesquicentenary Choir, Clark Theological Choir, Aolijen, and Grace Lalchhanhimi and F Nghakiiana from Mizoram.

Clark Theological Choir, Aolijen. (Credit: Caisii Mao)

The benediction was pronounced by Rev Wati Kichu, Associate Pastor, DABA.

The sesquicentenary celebrations will conclude this evening with Rev Sentisashi Aier, Senior Pastor, KABA, delivering the sermon.

Read more: Molungkimong Baptist Church begins sesquicentenary celebrations