The Thenyizumi Baptist Church (TBC) on 26 December celebrated its 75th Gospel Anniversary under the theme ‘Arise and Shine’ held at Multi Purpose Building, Thenyizumi village in Phek district.
Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), on Monday morning delivered his message and stated that 75 years ago, Thenyizumi had become believers with the certainty of salvation and that a new dawn had dawned in the village.
Rev Keyho then maintained that the occasion is a time to count blessings and asked the people to recount and retrospect, stating that everyone is gifted with manifold blessings.
He challenged the gathering to arise and shine and not stand still but to keep going forward for the Gospel adding that the Gospel of Christ has brought with it the calling and challenge to cast out further.
Rev Keyho challenged the congregation to leave a legacy by standing strong for the cause of the Gospel.
During the service, greetings were delivered by Rev Vevotso Theluo, chairman of Chokri Area Baptist Church Council (CABCC). Rev Dr Kowepe Kanuo, director of Chakhesang Mission Society, released the Souvenir.
Rev P Bonny Resu, lead pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church (CBC) Dimapur, pronounced the blessings while Neshotsulu Thisa, associate pastor (W), read the scripture.
The programme was led by Thepuzhoyi Theyo, pastor of Thenyizu Baptist Church (TBC).
The welcome address was delivered by Vepozoyi Theyo, convenor of the Organising Committee.
Rev Dr Kevekhalo Lasuh, senior pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou (CBCK) delivered the invocation prayer. Vezokho Vezhu, pastor of Pholami Baptist Church gave the offertory prayer, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev Dzuthohu Kezo, pastor of Kikruma Baptist Church.
The anniversary choir presented ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ while special songs were presented by Thenyizumi Baptist Church Parents Choir and Chetheba Town Baptist Church Choir.
Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, Rev Khrotso Mero, Rev P Bonny Resu, Thepuzhoyi Theyo, Vepozoyi Theyo and others after unveiling the 75th Gospel Anniversary on 26 December.
Earlier, a dedicatory service was held at the church premises wherein, Dr Keveduyi Theyo, the son of the first Christian convert N Theyo, led the dedicatory programme. A song of dedication was presented by Sunday School Choir and Rev Khrotso Mero unveiled the monolith in the presence of Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho while blowing of the trumpet also marked the occasion.
Later in the evening, Rev Khrotso Mero, executive secretary of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), recalled the contribution of N Theyo, the first Christian convert in Thenyizumi village, and stated that the early church had overcome all trials and tribulations and withstood the test of times for faith. Rev Mero paid homage and honoured the pioneers.
He stressed on the need to start a mission from home to further spread out and exhorted the parents to teach their children the word of God.
Rev Mero also urged the parents to be role models in raising children. He viewed that in the present society many parents have less time for the family and urged the parents to spiritually discipline children. He pointed out that ministry should begin from home and one must have compassion for one another.
He also encouraged the members in attendance to get rid of all evils, forgive one another, humble themselves and live in the likeness of Christ.
The programme was led by C Kroso Kezo, associate pastor of Thenyizu BC.
Vesakho Thisa, convenor of Resolution Committee and director of Children and Education Department, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), led the anniversary declaration.
Special songs were presented by Christian Revival Church, Thenyizu; St Andrew Church, Thenyizu; Thenyizumi Christian Fellowship Kohima; and Anniversary Choir.
Zapose Dawhuo, associate pastor of Chetheba Town Baptist Church read out the scripture. The invocation was pronounced by Reduyi Medeo, pastor of K Bawe Baptist Church while Vejuyi Rose, pastor of Thipuzu Baptist Church, delivered the offertory prayer.
The thanksgiving prayer was offered by H Praneyi Dawhuo, head deacon of TBC and the benediction was pronounced by Vesupra Tetseo, pastor of Chetheba Town Baptist Church.
