Dimapur, September 27 (MExN): Rev Dr Shiwoto Assumi, Pastor, Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC), Sümi, Purana Bazar passed away on September 26.
He was a prominent leader among the Sümi Christian leaders who has also played an efficient role in the ministry of the NCRC and has been termed as one of its pillars. He was a former President of NCRC, Executive Secretary of NCRC (Sümi) and Vice President of the Bible Society of India.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio expressed sadness over the demise and said that Late Rev Dr Shiwoto was not only a powerful and charismatic preacher but a genuine human being with deep concerns for the welfare of the Naga people.
The Naga society as a whole has lost a spiritual guide and a mentor. His demise has created a vacuum, which will be difficult to fill. However, let us celebrate his life today and cherish the wonderful memories he has left for us, Rio said in a condolence message.
My family joins me in conveying our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. We humbly pray that Almighty God will give them comfort and strength to bear the irreparable loss, he added.
WSBAK: The Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) also mourned the demise and said that Late Rev Dr Shiwoto was a prominent leader Sümi Christian leaders who has also played an efficient role in the ministry of NCRC, among Sümi community and beyond.
During his ministerial service he has served under various offices as well as contributed a lot in the Lord’s ministry and was a man of upright nature who stood to witness and testify the Word of God, WSBAK stated in a condolence message from its Executive Secretary Rev Dr Phughoto Sema.
His earthly demise is indeed a sad moment for the entire Sümi community for losing a veteran Church leader, a man of faith who has played an influential role among the community and for the Naga people in general, it said.
“With deepest and heartfelt empathy the Association grieves with the bereaved family and prays for God’s comfort and peace to be upon the family members,” it added.
NDPP: The rank and file of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) have also conveyed their sadness over Late Rev Dr Shiwoto’s demise.
“Words alone are not enough to define the person Rev Dr Shiwoto was; his life itself is testament of a true and dedicated man of God ... In his passing, not just the Nagas, but Christians as a whole have lost a dedicated Shepherd and a loyal friend,” read a condolence note from NDPP President Chingwang Konyak.
He had a special place in the hearts of the members of the NDPP as we remember him invoking God’s blessings and dedicating the party on its formation day in May 2017, it said.
"On behalf of the NDPP and my family, I convey our deepest condolences to Yanpeni and children. May God grant solace and strength to members of the bereaved family during these difficult times," it added.
NPP: The National People’s Party (NPP), Nagaland State has also expressed anguish and shock at the sudden and untimely demise of Late Rev Dr Shiwoto.
In his demise, the Naga people in general and the Sümi tribe in particular have lost a resolute, principled, dynamic, honest and God-fearing man, stated NPP in a condolence note issued by its President Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema.
Late Rev Dr Shiwoto will always be remembered by generations to come as a man of upright nature and earthly demise has left a deep void in the modern Church and Missionary Movement of Nagaland in particular and the greater Christian society in general which will be difficult to fill in days to come, it said.
“The entire rank and file of NPP Nagaland State pay our deepest respects and homage to the departed soul and offer our profound condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives. We pray that our God Almighty give you moral strength and spiritual courage to bear with this immense loss,” it added.
“May his great soul rest in eternal God’s peace!”
