The two-day celebrations of 150 years of Christianity in Nagaland by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) culminated today at the NBCC Conventional Centre, Kohima.

Speaking on the occasion, Alongla P Aier, Emeritus Professor, Oriental Theological Seminary, said it is His story that has forged connections and united all the Nagas by melting all differences to make the community one. This chain cannot be broken, she said.

Speaking on storytelling as a necessary tool for social change, Aier said: “The power of storytelling is well tested and proven by psychologists.” She said stories are especially powerful in changing people’s beliefs and behaviours.

“Story telling is one of the most powerful means to influence, teach and inspire,” Aier said.

She highlighted how for the first time in the land of Nagas, when the nine people who had decided to follow Jesus took part in their first communion, they cried out in great joy, “Everything is just light”.

Aier urged the congregation to join the nine men in spirit and to cry out in worship and adoration, acknowledging and thanking God for shining His light on the land of the Nagas.

Alongla P Aier, Emeritus Professor, Oriental Theological Seminary. (Credit: NBCC Youth Ministry/YouTube)

The speaker reminded the congregation to never forget that it is His story that has brought everyone together in this celebration.

It is His story that has forged connections and united us Nagas of so many differences in a common bond that cannot be broken, she added.

“The Bible is not a collection of fragmented parts brought from here and there. There is a clear story line from creation genesis to the new creation revelation,” Aier said.

She urged the congregation to have a dynamic relationship and to take the command of God seriously to want to share the good news beginning in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth permitting the Holy Spirit that stays inside and empowers in order to spread the story of only hope and future as we celebrate the 150 years of the good news in our land.

“Hope doesn’t come from powers or wealth or the human might but is generated from God’s own character,” she said.

The trio God is all involved in giving the believers hope, she added.

She reminded that human life on earth has never felt more threatened by global warming, climate change, human made disasters, population explosion, conflicts and wars. Aier, however, encouraged those who believe in His story to take heart for what is awaiting them.

Aier posed the question – what is the response to His story? – to the congregation and encouraged them to shine in the light of Christ in homes, offices, market places, political arenas, other societies and even to the churches.

“We must become light and salt beginning right here from our home,” she said.

Aier urged the congregation to make a commitment to be a witness, to be the salt and light in order to bring honour and glory to God who revealed Himself out of His great love.

During the closing worship service, the Message through Songs was presented by the Sesquicentennial Celebration Choir followed by the Nagaland Police Choir.

Greetings were delivered by the Church of Christ in Thailand. The Sesquicentennial Celebration Worship Team then led the congregation in a time of worship through songs.

Rev Rümatho Nyusou, the convenor of the Sesquicentennial Celebration, Resolution Committee, read out the Resolution and Pledge.

The Commitment and benediction were delivered by Rev Dr Phuveyi Dozo, Former General Secretary, NBBC.

Read more: NBCC celebrates 150 years of Christianity