KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 20: The two-day sesquicentennial, 150-years celebration of Christianity in Nagaland, concluded today with churches resolving to work for greater unity and better understanding and also to stand in the gap for a political solution that is non-violent, just and honourable.
The celebrations, which commenced on Saturday, was organised by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) on the theme “His Story” at NBCC Convention Centre.
Adopting a 10-point resolution as a ‘commitment’ or the NBCC Covenant – A way forward – during the concluding worship, the congregation affirmed to work for greater unity and better understanding among various groups of people through cessation of selfish pursuits and conflicts that divide and damage the historical harmony of the Nagas.
“To this end, we affirm our shared oneness and resolve to stand in the gap in our collective search for political solution that is non-violent, just, and honourable”, it resolved.
Other resolutions include: “To intensify the ministry of care, support and respect within the body of Christ. This we will do by recognizing and addressing needs and sharing resources in any manner possible, living up to NBCC’s motto: “Fellowship, Proclamation, and Service”.
To stand true to the apostolic faith: rooted in the Bible, strong in foundational doctrinal affirmations, sensitive to the needs of people in all walks of life and prophetic in nature bold in calling out evils and committed to bringing the lost to repentance.
To call our attention to the need to strengthen the family unit by the discipline of prayer and study of the Bible, righteous living and nurturance of healthy and wholesome growth in every aspect of life.
To implement intentional Children and Youth ministries in and through the church, taking serious note of the alarming signs and dangers of the pervasive culture that does not promote biblical principles.
To reinforce the importance and urgency of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by reaching out to the unreached world, taking the Gospel to the least and the lost without prejudice or discrimination and giving equal importance to both home and intercultural missions.
To regard people of both genders with equal dignity and provide ministerial opportunities without gender bias, by encouraging and empowering them to utilize their God-given gifts and abilities to the fullest for the glory of God.
To accept without reservation, people with disabilities who are also created in God’s own image, and consciously work towards providing all means for them to feel included and valued by God and people, even considering their place and convenience in programme designing and building structures.
To actively participate in the task of creation care, taking our duty and privilege as custodians of the earth seriously and working towards retaining her original state of goodness (Gen. 1:10, 18, 21, 25).
To stand firm and be true to our commitment, as responsible citizens of the land and as agent of the Kingdom of God, by speaking the truth in love and by playing a proactive role on issues of Christian social responsibility.”
The resolution was read out by Convenor Sesquicentennial celebration resolution committee Rev Rümatho Nyusou while the congregation accepted it by raising hands.
Emeritus Professor of Oriental Theological College, Prof Alongla P Aier, delivering the message on the topic “His Story: Celebrating the Gospel”, said Nagas are blessed as the celebration of His Story has united us.
In this, she called upon Nagas to be His witness as the ‘salt and light’ of the world wherever placed. She also called upon all to usher in the light of Christ in our homes, offices and the Church.
Message through songs was presented by Sesquicentennial Celebration choir and Nagaland Police Choir.
On the occasion, greetings was extended by Church of Christ, Thailand, while scripture reading was done by Secretary Department of Christian Education of Western Sumi Baptist Akukukou Küqhakulu Jesse K Yeptho and Kohima Baptist Women’s Union president Thingpio N Lam.
Commitment and benediction was pronounced by former General Secretary of NBCC Rev Dr Phuveyi Dozo.
Earlier during the morning, worship General Secretary of Baptist World Alliance, Rev Dr Elijah Brown delivered the message on the topic “His Story: Transforming Communities” while greetings was extended International Ministries, ABC-USA, and worship through giving by former General Secretary of NBCC Rev Dr Anjo Keikung.
(Page News Service)
