Rev Dr Mar Pongener with others during 2nd day of NBCK Golden Jubilee celebration in Kohima on August 1. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 1
The second day of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Nepali Baptist Church (NBC), Kohima, was marked by worship services as church members, pastors and guests gathered to thank God for His faithfulness over the church’s 50 year journey.
The morning service, attended by representatives from local churches and various organisations in Kohima, was chaired by former NBC Kohima pastor Surjay B Sapkota.
The Jubilee sermon was delivered by Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).
Speaking on the topic ‘Beyond Our Expectations’ from Ephesians 3:20–21, Rev Dr Pongener said that a jubilee is a time to look back with gratitude while looking ahead with faith in the context of the present.
He paid tribute to the pioneers and founders of the church, led by late Jodhbir Hamal, for their vision and dedication.
Emphasising that the ultimate purpose of the Church is to glorify God, he reminded the congregation that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
He encouraged believers to trust in God's power, which surpasses human limitations and expectations.
The service started with the invocation by Vicky Gurung, Associate Pastor of NBC Kohima, Scripture reading from Ephesians 3:20–21 by Uttam Kumar Bharati, Pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, Borlengri (Nepali), and Neeraj Karki, Pastor of Gorkha Baptist Church, Meluri (English).
Special praise was presented by the Jubilee Choir and Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima Village.
Rev Phomlee Phom, Pastor, Phom Baptist Church, Kohima, and Rev Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, President, Kohima Baptist Pastors' Fellowship shared greetings.
The service concluded with the benediction by Rana Chettri.
‘Practice forgiveness and reconciliation’
The evening service was led by Karna Thakuri, a member of the Organising Committee.
The Jubilee message was delivered by Rev Rajendra Malla, President of Nepal Baptist Church Council, based on Leviticus 25:10.
Reflecting on the significance of the Jubilee, Rev Malla spoke about the mission work initiated by NBC Kohima, particularly in Nepal over the past three decades.
He urged believers to remember the sacrifices of the past, practice forgiveness and reconciliation, and encourage the younger generation, especially Gen Z, to actively participate in evangelistic ministry and mission work.
The evening service started with invocation by Nanda Prasad Tiwari, Associate Pastor of Lekhnath Baptist Church, Arghaun Chowk, Pokhara. Scripture from II Corinthians 8:7 was read by Md. Israil, Adviser to the Organising Committee (Nepali) and Puran Basnet, Convenor of the Finance Committee (English).
Welcome and felicitation address was delivered by Narayan Bahadur, Co-Convenor of the Organising Committee.
Special praise was offered by the Jubilee Choir and Nepali Baptist Church, Peducha, while greetings were conveyed by Hari Magar, Church and Mission Secretary of AGBCN. The service concluded with the benediction by Devi Rai, Adviser to the Organising Committee.
The day's programmes reflected the spirit of unity, worship and thanksgiving as the Golden Jubilee celebrations continued, commemorating five decades of God's guidance and the enduring ministry of Nepali Baptist Church, Kohima.
The celebrations will conclude on August 2. The Jubilee Sunday devotion will begin at 10:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Rachulie Vihienuo, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council as the main speaker.
The valedictory service at 3:00 PM, will feature Visato Yhoshü, Pastor Union Baptist Church, Kohima as the speaker.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will conclude with a cultural night at 6:30 PM.
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