The much-awaited Sesquicentennial Celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the Naga Hills got underway on Tuesday evening at the Centennial Hall, Impur ABAM Mission Centre. The celebration is being organised by Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) under the theme “Tsüngrem dang Sentsüwangshi” (To God be the Glory).

Rev Watson Rajaratnam, Regional Director, Serving in Mission (SIM) East Asia, delivered the sermon at the inaugural service which was attended by thousands.

Speaking on the topic “Ibai Kibuba inyakba mapa” (This is the Lord’s doing) from the book of Psalms 118:23, the reverend said that ABAM exists because of the amazing grace of God and that each individual is a testimony of God’s existence.

“This is the grace that has brought us thus far and this grace will continue to lead us as long as ABAM exists until the Lord Jesus comes.” Rev Rajaratnam proclaimed.

He said that the 150 years celebration is the celebration of God’s mighty work and conveyed that ABAM has been called to glorify His name.

“We have Christ glorifying history of ABAM and ABAM has been called to glorify his name and that with the growth of churches and believers in Nagaland is beyond expectations and this testifies that God is at work among us” he said.

Rev Watson Rajaratnam at the ABAM Sesquicentennial Celebration.

He reminded the congregation that in the present day, ABAM has 166 churches, 10 fellowships and 1,24,697 baptized members and along with ABAM, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has 20 constituent member associations, 4 associate members, 1710 churches and 7,22781 baptized members.

Rev Watson Rajaratnam added that the best is yet to come out from Nagaland, declaring that Nagaland is a blessed state and have been blessed by the Heavenly Father.

In his sermon, he gave tributes to the first missionaries in Nagaland, Rev Dr Edward Winter Clark, his wife Mary Mead and Godhula Brown, stressing on the importance of God’s text saying, “Never forget what our pioneers have gone through”.

“The people of God must give thanks to God for all the blessings and privileges he had bestowed upon us” the reverend reiterated before concluding his sermon.

The service was graced with melodious songs and drama from Changtongya Town Baptist Arogo (Youth Ministry), Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo, ABAM Choir and Baptist Church of Mizoram Choir.

Baptist Church of Mizoram Choir at the ABAM Sesquicentennial Celebration.

In a brief exhortation, Rev Dr L Kari Longchar, Former Executive Secretary ABAM, besought all to repent and ask for forgiveness for our sins during the Jubilee time.

Rev Longchar reminded all Naga Christians to give thanks to God for all His mighty works and encouraged the churches to cleanse with true discipleship of God and give a helping hand to the people who needs God’s love.

Ao Baptist Tetsur Mungdang (ABTM) released the 150 years Jubilee Souvenir book at the service with L Bendangla Jamir, Former Secretary, doing the honours.

The inaugural service that took place on 1 November at 5:00 pm was chaired by Rev Dr Menu Changkiri, Pastor Ao Baptist Arogo Shillong. Rev K Temjen Longchar, Pastor Khensa Baptist Arogo pronounced the Invocation while Sentisashi Aier, President ABAM, welcomed all members and guests to the celebration.

A moving ‘Remembrance and Tribute’ to the pioneers was led by Rev L Yapang Mollier, Secretary Church & Mission, ABAM, Impur.

An introductory session was presided over by Rev Prof Dr Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary ABAM, Impur and the benediction was pronounced by Dr S J Akhum, Executive Secretary Yimkhiung Baptist Borü Amukhungto (YBBA), Shamator.

Biren Gowalla, Pastor Central Baptist Church, Sivasagar and Rev Dr W Along Jamir, Translation Director Bible Society of India, Bangalore congratulated ABAM and Nagaland on the occasion of 150 years of Christianity (1873-2022).

Read more: ABAM sesquicentennial celebrations to begin on 1 Nov

There will be two services on Wednesday (2 November) at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The speakers will be Rev Watson Rajaratnam and Rev Prof Dr Limatula Longkümer, Registrar Senate of Serampore College (University).