Dimapur, January 29 (MExN): More individuals and organisations have conveyed condolences on the demise of Rev Yankey Patton who passed away at the age of 94 at Dimapur on January 28.
Rev Dr VK Nuh said that Rev Yankey Patton was a veteran soldier of Christ, he fought many battles for the Lord, and the Lord enabled Him for all the success. He is a son of the soil of the Nagas. He was the man who prayed and dedicated the Naga National flag history ceremony on March 22, 1956 at Parashen. And he also dedicated the prayer of Naga Archival Resources Centre, while offering prayer for inauguration he broke down remembering all the fate that fallen to Naga people for the last 6 decade.
Rev Nuh said that Rev Yankey was an honest and simple man and all along His service last 60 years, He serves the Lord in different capacity, as Chaplain, Pastor and Administrator and as Missionary at last with honest and with vision, we paid rich tribute to Him, we lost a great man of God, he die fully ripe man, he lay down many historical miles stone in his life for the future generation to come, he added.
The NSCN (IM) in a condolence note issued by Q Tuccu said that Rev Yankey Patton, the first Nagaland State Chaplain, was a great God fearing leader who made his presence felt throughout his life with his strong conviction which reflects courage and inspiration.
“I believe he left behind footprints for others to follow to work for God wholeheartedly without looking back. I am comforted that he died after giving his best service to our Almighty God and be at peace to meet Him in heaven,” Tuccu said.
“I on behalf of the rank and files of GPRN offer the bereaved family members consisting of his son, grand children and great grand children my thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this dark time. A beautiful soul, full of love and faith, ascended to heaven, away from us, but closer to God,” he conveyed.
Tuccu added that the Naga nation is proud of Rev Yankey Patton who lived an exemplary life leading the people to live close with God and to work for God.
In another condolence issued by M Daniel Lotha, Kilonser, NSCN (IM) said that Rev Yankey’s contributions towards the spiritual horizons have been widely acknowledged and also he is popularly known by his preaching pronouncing, ‘God as his University Jesus Christ as his qualification and Holy Spirit as his Degree.’
“He believed in the future and nurtured one generation after another of younger religious leaders. He was a mentor to many, showing extraordinary compassion for the lives of the people he encountered on his journey,” Lotha observed.
He added that Naga preachers should follow his footstep towards the nation building as he has perfectly left his legacy behind. He was a powerful preacher and a spiritual rock.
May his memories be an eternal and his prophetic passion for the love of Christ and reigns in our hearts now and forever, Lotha conveyed in the condolence.
The FGN in its condolence note said that Rev Yankey Patton of Ralan village, Lotha Region joined NNC/FGN in 1950s and served the Nation as a spiritual Chaplain in Naga Army, FGN. He wholeheartedly worked for peace with the Peace Mission Members and Members of the Peace Observer Team when the International Ceasefire Agreement was signed between the FGN and the Government of India in 1964 which officially came into effect on September 6, 1964.
Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN in the note said that Rev Yankey was an honest and a principled national worker until 1970s. He however, remained as a nationalist though he did not work in the field as an active worker.
His passing away is a great loss for the Naga people and communities. Yet his invaluable services rendered to the Nation will be in the record of the Nation, he added.
