The second day of the Sesquicentennial celebration organised by the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) under the theme ‘Tsüngrem dang Sentsüwangshi’ (To God be the Glory) was held at Centennial Hall, Impur ABAM Mission Center on 2 November.
On the second day, there was a service in the morning and one in the evening. A special prorgramme of various performances was also held in the afternoon. The speakers for the morning and evening sessions were Rev Watson Rajaratnam, Regional Director, Serving in Mission, East Asia and Rev Prof Dr Limatula Longkümer, Registrar, Senate of Serampore College (University) respectively.
Rev Watson Rajaratnam delivered the sermon on the topic ‘Tsüngrem dang sentsüwangshi’ (To God be the Glory) from the book of Galatians 1:5. He said when God blesses us, God wants us to be a blessing to others. “We are saved in order to bring people to salvation,” he proclaimed.
In his brief exhortation, Rev Tugaso Manyu, General Secretary of Arunachal Baptist Church Council, congratulated ABAM on its 150th year anniversary in Christ the Lord and Saviour.
He lauded ABAM’s commitment to God’s mission as commendable and honourable. Mentioning that many churches in Arunachal Pradesh are the fruits of ABAM, he said they are forever grateful for the gospel brought to them.
He took the moment to thank God for his grace upon his people and reminded the crowd of God’s good grace.
Rev Manyu appealed ABAM to renew their strength and find new ways and means for the continuation of God’s ministry in Arunachal Pradesh.
He further encouraged ABAM not to become complaisant and satisfied with the work done but appealed for the 2nd phase of ministry by supporting in human resource development.
Padma Bhushan Dr S C Jamir, former Chief Minister & Governor in his greetings to the crowd said this Jubilee is the right time to think of the deeds done during these 150 years and that our early believers accepted Christianity with honesty.
Jamir said Nagas have so many organisations with different views and aims. Referring to the state as the state of Babylon, Jamir added: “there is a terrible confusion prevailing in Naga society as we have snapped our relationship with our Almighty God”. He added that the crucial challenge in our society is how to revive it.
He remarked that if the believers are not ready with faith, their Christian identity will be challenged in the future as the world is dynamic and changing which will further affect our Naga identity and encouraged the people to be prepared for the challenges.
He concluded by saying that we are living in a digital era where one needs to develop accordingly and revive ourselves with love, peace, equality and endurance.
Rev O Alem, former Executive Secretary of ABAM, reflected that the coming of the gospel to Nagaland is the best news as it says to forgive those who commit sins in the world. The gospel has helped in developing a good relationship with God. He further encouraged the crowd to do the same with God and people through the jubilee.
Imnatiba, Advisor, Industry and Commerce, represented all the legislatures of Nagaland and delivered greetings. Alemla Mozür, Secretary, Women Ministry, ABAM led the Prayer for ABAM staff – both past and present.
The programme for the morning session was chaired by Moalemla, Assoc Pastor (W), East Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo; Bible recitation and invocation was pronounced by Rev T Alem Longshir, Pastor, Phek Ao Baptist Church. The celebration was graced by Indisen Baptist Arogo (Youth Ministry) and songs were presented by the choir of Clark Theological College and Baptist Church of Mizoram Choir.
The benediction was pronounced by Pastor Yashi Jamir, Chungtiayimsen Baptist Arogo.
After the morning service, a special programme titled Homecoming Celebration was held from 1 to 3pm.
A variety of song and dance performances were presented by the following individuals and groups:
Phom Baptist Christian Association; Ao Naga Choir, Delhi; Nungshitula Pongener & Merenyangla Pongener; Lotha Baptist Churches Association; Akangmongba; Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SBAK, Aizuto); ABAM Choir; United Sangtam Baptist Lithroti Ashimükhong (ASBLA); Samaro; Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu, Nito Mount; ABAM Youth Ministry; Meyitemsü Pongen; Aoyimti Baptist Arogo.
The evening service was led by Watijungla, Assoc Pastor (W), Nokpu Baptist Arogo. Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Sceretary, NBCC and Chubawati Longchar, Ao Senden delivered greeting messages. A special song was presented by Ao Naga Choir, Delhi.
The Baptist Church of Mizoram Choir also performed a song.
Rev Prof Dr Limatula Longkümer, Registrar, Senate of Serampore College (University) gave the sermon on the theme ‘His steadfast love endures forever’, Psalms 100:5.
