SBCK marks pre-centenary with call to renewal

Kohima, September 28 (MExN): The Sumi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) commemorated the Pre-Centenary celebration of its Women’s Department on Sunday with a call to rediscover the spiritual significance of Jubilee. Rev. Dr. Hokheto Chophi, Lead Pastor of Thilixu Village Baptist Church and former Pastor of SBCK, served as the guest speaker.

Addressing the congregation, Rev. Dr. Chophi elucidated the concept of Jubilee, stressing its heavenly origins and purpose as a time for retrospection, testimony and thanksgiving. Drawing from scripture, he cited the biblical account of the widow of Zarephath, who received blessings for her family through Elijah, to underline the importance of spiritual healing, humility and accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior and Lord.

He told the congregation that “true blessings stem from a personal relationship with God, rather than earthly possessions,” and referenced John 3:16 to illustrate God’s profound love for humanity. Rev. Dr. Chophi urged the congregation to “embrace the true meaning of Jubilee by releasing themselves from sin and embracing eternal life through Jesus Christ.”

In his concluding remarks, he appealed to the SBCK community to continue serving as “ambassadors of peace and reconciliation, upholding Christian values” as the church approaches its 100-year Centenary Jubilee.

The programme also featured greeting messages from K. Nihoto Chishi, former Chairman of the Board of Deacons, and Kheholi N. Shohe, First Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Department. Kuholi Chishi, Associate Pastor of Women’s Ministry at SBCK, chaired the devotional service, while Lhosheli V. Chishi, former Associate Pastor of Women’s Ministry, shared the sermon during the evening session.