A Spiritual Mother — A Tribute to Mothers

Mother’s Day is celebrated across the world on the second Sunday of May, a tradition established by Anna Jarvis to honor the love and sacrifice of mothers. This year, Koinonia Baptist Church and Koinonia Prayer Centre will commemorate the occasion on May 11, 2025, reflecting on the profound impact of spiritual mothers in our lives and communities.

The phrase “Missionary resting place becomes a seed of the church” resonates deeply when we remember the life and work of Hattie Rivenburg.

Hattie married Rivenburg in September 1883 at the age of 21, while he was 26. In October of the same year, they left America as American missionaries and arrived in India in January 1884. They journeyed into the Naga Hills, dedicating their lives to spreading the gospel among the indigenous communities.

From 1885 to 1887, they served in the Ao region, and from 1887 to 1923, they ministered in the Angami region. Hattie Rivenburg passed away on March 22, 1908, and was buried in Kohima—the present-day capital of Nagaland. Today, Kohima is known for its rich spiritual heritage, fervent prayers, and churches deeply engaged in mission works.

Hattie Rivenburg’s unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel to the Naga people—once known as headhunters—transformed them into soul hunters, fervently seeking to win souls for Jesus Christ. Her life exemplifies the essence of a spiritual mother—nurturing faith, shaping hearts, and guiding many toward spiritual awakening. Her legacy stands as a lasting testimony to the power of sacrificial love and unwavering devotion.

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Like Ruth in the Bible, who left her homeland and became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ, Hattie’s sacrificial journey was driven by a higher calling. The seeds of faith she planted continue to bear fruit for the glory of God.

In that same spirit, as I reflect on the life of my late mother, Mrs. Rheivoleü Kiewhuo—one of the earliest and oldest members of our church—I am reminded of the enduring power of a mother’s prayers and godly teachings.

She went to be with the Lord on April 4, 2025. Her deep commitment to dawn prayers, inspired by the early missionaries, and her intercession at home have shaped our lives in powerful ways. Her steadfast faith through life’s challenges continues to bless and guide us as we strive to live as men and women of God.

Just as Anna Jarvis initiated Mother’s Day in honor of her beloved mother, let us remember and honor spiritual mothers like Hattie Rivenburg, whose prayers and dedication have shaped generations of believers.

Let us recommit our lives to the glory of God, drawing inspiration from the legacy of our mothers’ prayers and their life-giving teachings. As Proverbs 23:25 reminds us:

“Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.”

To mark this historic tribute, Koinonia Prayer Centre will distribute American candies (Jolly Ranger) during the evening service on Mother’s Day — a symbolic gesture to honor the life and legacy of missionary Hattie Rivenburg.

May this Mother’s Day inspire each of us to live lives that reflect the prayers, sacrifices, and spiritual wisdom of our mothers and mentors in Christ.

Rev. Dr. Zotuo Kiewhuo

Senior Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church

Principal, Kohima Bible College