Mopungchuket Baptist Arogo (Mopungchuket Baptist Church) commenced its Quasquicentennial (125 years) celebrations on December 27 at the Mopungchuket Baptist Church, commemorating 125 years of the church’s journey and ministry from 1900 to 2025. The two-day observance, scheduled to conclude on December 28, is being held on the theme “Khrista Ajanga Yimjung” (Peace from Christ).
The QQC celebration features Rev Temsü Jamir, Executive Secretary, ABAM Impur; Dr. Sashinungla Pongen, Associate Professor, OTS Dimapur; and Rev Dr A Tali Ao, Academic Dean, CTC Aolijen, as the main speakers.
On the opening day, the Quasquicentennial Monolith (QQC Nüngshi Lung) was unveiled by Rev Dr Wati Aier, Emeritus Professor of Constructive Theology and Philosophy, OTS, and Convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). The first-night worship service included jubilee openings, addresses, and presentations.
Dr Sashinungla Pongen spoke on the topic “Khrista Den Küm 125” (125 Years with Christ).
Speaking at the opening night of the QQC celebration marking 125 years of Mopungchuket Baptist Church, Sashinungla, said the occasion was “not just the opening night of the QQC celebration” but “a moment of sacred remembrance.”
She said the celebration is a time when people leave aside individual work and family commitments and come together in their native village to remember God’s faithfulness over 125 years. Recalling the church’s journey, she noted that the current Mopungchuket Baptist Church has been the eight Church, and that the congregation was seated in the eighth church building during the celebration. She also mentioned that ten pastors, including the pastor-in-charge, served the church.
Referring to generations of believers who had come and gone, she quoted Hebrews 13:8, stating, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” and said that while generations change, God remains unchanging.
Explaining the basis of her message, Sashinungla said she was led to Jeremiah 30, which she described as God’s message to the people of Israel during one of their darkest periods. She said God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to write the message down, as it would be important for future generations.
She also referred to Jeremiah 9, speaking about warnings given to Israel regarding falsehood, deceit, and lack of truth among people, and said such actions had consequences.
Addressing the people of Mopungchuket, she asked whether, in the story of their own faith journey over 125 years, they could “point to God’s work” in the coming of Christianity to the village.
She recalled the early days of faith in Mopungchuket, mentioning Punayangla, the first baptized in the village and brought the Christian faith here and leading to the establishment of the Mopungchuket Baptist Church, which is now completing 125 years. She acknowledged God’s blessings through the lives of His servants, who served the church over the years.
Referring to Jeremiah 30:3 and 18, she said that as the church has walked with Christ for 125 years, Christ declares hope and restoration. She asked the congregation to reflect on whether their faith was ready to receive that hope and restoration.
Calling the celebration a time for reflection, she asked, “Are we ready to give our whole life to Him?” and urged believers to consider their relationship with God. She further asked, “As we celebrate this QQC, when we think of what Christ has done for us, what do we feel in our hearts?” and whether believers were offering themselves wholeheartedly to God.
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She also paid tribute to those who had served the Mopungchuket Baptist Church over the years, beginning with Punayangla, the first Baptized and a faithful believer, believers of that time and late pastor. She spoke of the current generation, Medemsanger putu (generation) who carries the responsibility of passing on the faith. She asked, “Will we guard the faith?”, “Will we pass the faith on through our lifestyle?” and “Will we continue walking closely with Jesus?”
Stating that the quasquicentennial celebration was not the end, she said it should be understood as the beginning of revival, and called upon the congregation to move forward with that understanding in prayer.
Welcome address was delivered by K Bendang Lemtur, Deacon, MBA, who acknowledged the presence of Mopungchuket village citizens attending the celebration from Mokokchung, Dimapur, Kohima, Tuensang, Chümoukedima, Tzüdikong, Tuli, Kobulong, Impur, and Wokha. He also acknowledged those who had come from various places to their home village, including the in-laws of Mopungchuket village. Inviting all attendees to participate in the jubilee services, He extended a warm welcome and invoked God’s blessings upon the celebration.
Greetings were delivered by Rev Dr Akok Amer, Pastor, Impur BA; I. Kilen Longchar, Pastor, Sungratsü BA; and P Tenzük Jamir, Pastor, Aosüngküm BA.
The Quasquicentennial souvenir was released by the Pastor of Mopungchuket Baptist Church, while Lanlia was delivered by Dr N Moa Jamir, Dimapur. A special presentation titled “Pa Nüng Sangang” was presented by the Jubilee Choir, MST Mokokchung Town.
The Longrar (remembrance of departed souls) was conducted by K. Imtisenla Ozüküm. The opening program was conducted by Kika Aier and Akangsüngla Lemtur, while the Jubilee opening ceremony was presented by the Christian Education Ministry, MBA. The invocation was led by I. Lanu Longkumer, Pastor, Kubolong BA.
A song presentation titled “Khristar Benjungmong” was presented by incharge – Imtila, Asangla, and Putimeren Ozüküm while B. Yashi Longkumer, Pastor, Khanimu BA pronounced the closing prayer.
Around 2000 people attended the service.
