At the closing service of the sesquicentenary celebration of Molungkimong Baptist Church on Thursday evening, Rev Sentisashi Aier, senior pastor of KABA, reiterated that one’s faith in the power of God must remain steadfast even in challenging times.
Speaking on the theme ‘Proclaim the Greatness of the Lord,’ Rev Sentisashi Aier recalled the trials encountered by the Ao churches during the mid-20th century and affirmed that these difficult experiences had a transformative outcome only because of the resilient faith of the churches.
God does not betray his covenants, he said and reminded the congregation that the Almighty’s eyes are set upon the Ao Nagas, especially the people of Molungkimong. We must not make assumptions about God’s loyalty during adversity, the reverend said.
A section of the congregation at the concluding service. (Credit: Caisii Mao)
Stating that the jubilee is a time of emancipation, he invited everyone to reflect on the different ways that they have been enslaved and unshackle themselves from the bondages of sin. “What do we take away from this Jubilee?” he queried and urged the gathering to make new covenants with oneself and with God and to follow through with commitment.
The evening service began with scripture and invocation by Tia, pastor of Yimjenkimong Baptist Church. Yarmanen, ETC Jorhat, was the chairperson of the service.
Greetings on behalf of their churches and ministries were shared by: Kaisa Konyak, pastor of Chin Loiye Baptist Church; Rev Nungshi Pongen, Aliba Baptist church; Longer Longchar, missionary, Uriamghat; and Rev S Tiameren, pastor of Asangma Baptist Church.
Convener Noknen Longchar shared the SQC planning committee report while Dr Meren Longchar presented the SQC resolutions.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rev R Moaliba, pastor of Molungkimong Baptist Church.
The service concluded with a closing ceremony presented by the Youth Ministry of Molungkimong Baptist Church followed by the benediction delivered by Rev Yapang, missionary, Molungkimong Baptist Church.
Paper lanterns being released at the fireworks display ceremony of the concluding session of the sesquicentenary celebration. (Credit: Caisii Mao)
Earlier in the day, Imnatoshi Longkumer, president of Nagaland Baptist Pastor Union, hosted ‘The joy of Jubilee Celebration’ where David Bogosian, president of Christian Aid Mission (CAM) and Rev Dr S J Akhum, executive secretary of YBBA, delivered jubilee greetings.
The programme also saw special performances by Clark Theological College Choir, Jorhat Baptist Church Choir and Grace Lalchhanhimi, and F Nghakliana from Mizoram.
Sentiyanger, pastor of Ngati Baptist Church and Rongsen, pastor of Tuli Town Baptist Church delivered the invocation and benediction respectively.
A monument was also inaugurated by Temjen Imna Along, minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, before the commencement of the morning service on Thursday.
The monument was erected to commemorate the first chapel hall built at Molungkimong that Rev Godhula Brown established along with the nine converts after they returned from their baptism in Sibsagar in 1871.
