GBC Kiphire celebrated the New Year with a special morning service marked by worship, prayer, and reflection on January 1. Before the formal programme commenced, the congregation was led into a time of worship by Blaze to Glory, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Following this, the moderator formally initiated the programme with scripture readings from Jeremiah 29:11 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, after which he briefly highlighted the order and significance of the service.
The programme officially began with the hymn “How Great Thou Art”, followed by the invocation prayer offered by Kirtaman Gurung. Subsequently, Sunil Chettri and Biru Sunar read from Nehemiah 1:4 in Nepali and English respectively. This was followed by songs of praise presented by the Youth Department, General Department. The offertory and sanctification prayer was then conducted by Bimal Khadka. Thereafter, the speaker, Dr Bhim Sapkota, Pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, Kiphire, delivered a powerful and inspiring sermon on the theme “A Year to Rebuild and Restore,” emphasizing God’s unfailing power to rebuild broken lives, relationships, and communities.
Taking reference from Nehemiah 1:4, Dr Sapkota explained how Nehemiah, upon hearing about the ruined walls of Jerusalem, responded with fasting, prayer, and total dependence on God. He highlighted that the rebuilding of the walls was not achieved through human strength alone, but through God’s divine guidance, wisdom, and strength.
Dr Sapkota reminded the congregation that God’s work often requires patience. He stated that not all prayers are answered immediately, and not all walls rise overnight. However, he assured believers that prayer never fails, and what prayer begins, God faithfully completes in His perfect time.
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Using biblical illustrations, he encouraged believers to remain steadfast despite opposition and challenges. He cited Noah, who faced ridicule while obeying God; David, who confronted the giant Goliath with faith; Jesus, who endured the cross for the salvation of mankind; and Nehemiah, who faced enemies, mockery, and threats while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. In every case, Dr. Sapkota emphasized that obedience and perseverance led to God’s victory and fulfillment of His purpose.
He further stated that believers today are no exception to trials and temptations. Challenges, discouragement, and resistance are part of the Christian journey, but followers of Christ are called to continue the work of Jesus without giving up. He exhorted the church not to stop rebuilding because of negative words, past failures, or people’s opinions, reminding them that God’s calling is greater than human criticism.
Concluding his message, Dr Sapkota declared that when God initiates a work, no opposition can stop it. He encouraged the congregation to enter the New Year with renewed faith, commitment to prayer, and confidence in God’s restoring power, believing that the same God who rebuilt Jerusalem is still rebuilding lives today.
The programme continued with a cultural dance performed by the Children’s Ministry, and concluded with the benediction led by Arang Sapkota. After the service, a photo session was held, followed by light refreshments.
