Continuing its mission of spiritual outreach and community service, the Koinonía Baptist Church officially inaugurated and dedicated the Koinonia Prayer Centre at Vidima, Chumoukedima, Nagaland on May 24. This centre is the second prayer centre of its mission, with the first at Tsiesema Basa.
The inaugural programme, held on the theme, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13), was hosted by Neikho-o Mere and family.
The service was chaired by Zashekho Hibo, Assistant Pastor of Koinonia Baptist Church. The dedication message and inaugural address were delivered by Rev Dr Zotuo Kiewhuo, Founder and Pastor of Koinonia Baptist Church and Principal of Kohima Bible College.
During the sermon, Rev Kiewhuo stated that churches and Christians without prayer can never win. Citing the times of Haggai, he said believers were without prayer and were only worshipping and doing praise and worship, and were mocked by unbelievers. However, in God’s restoration, they once again sang songs of repentance in Psalms 37.
“Churches, prayer centres and believers should pray,” he stated. He added that at one time Haggai and Paul were also in dilemma and persecuted Christians, and were successful in doing bad things, but quoting, “In Christ we are a new creation; old things have passed away and everything has become new,” he said they were both restored. He called on the congregation to come to Christ, make a vow and save souls for Jesus Christ.
During the programme, Ruokuoneizo Sanchu, Evangelist and Zashekho Hibo, Assistant Pastor were inducted into the prayer service as full-time workers at the prayer centre.
Lhouzakie Rutsa, Deacon KBC, delivered the report and stated that the prayer centre was an initiative to commemorate the Koinonia Baptist Church’s 25 years celebration (1998–2023), whereby the project started with the laying of the foundation stone by Rev. Dr. Zotuo on June 18, 2024, and the first approach road construction began on September 2, marking the beginning of development.
He recounted that it took 21 months to construct and open the centre to the public, with the inaugural held today.
H Rokopra Mekro, Pastor, Koinonia Prayer Centre, delivered the vote of thanks wherein he stated that the fulfilling visionary commitment of Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo to reach out to the people of Dimapur and other districts of Nagaland, as well as states across India and America, the prayer centre is a divinely ordained place for the people of Nagaland, especially for the people of Chumoukedima and Dimapur. He specially acknowledged Lhouzakie Rutsa (Deacon), Rükhievituo Bao Kerhüo, Kekhrieselie Kekhrieo Kiewhuo, Sede Meyase, Women Fellowship KBC and Seitseilhou Virie (land donor) for their endless support towards the project.
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Ruokuo Kire, the son of Seitseilhou Virie, speaking on behalf of his father, who was the land donor, recounted that his father had been earnestly praying for the start of this prayer centre. Reading his father’s letter, he stated: “With a grateful heart, I humbly offer this land for the glory of God. May this place become a place of prayer, healing, worship and salvation for generations to come. May every prayer lifted here be answered, every heart be renewed and every soul be drawn closer to God. May the name of the Lord be lifted high forever. Amen.”
Shürhozetuo Rutsa served as the pianist for the day. Special praises were presented by Ruokuozenuo Meyase, Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Youth and Jr CYE Fellowship, while Toni Virie also presented a special praise.
The dedication ceremony brought together church leaders, sub-fellowships and faithful congregants to celebrate the establishment of the new spiritual sanctuary.
It may be mentioned here that the Koinonia Prayer Centre at Vidima will be open 24/7, with daily Dawn Prayer from 4:30 am. More informations are available on Koinonia Baptist Church social media handles.
