Chizokho Vero
Kohima | April 19
A spectacular platinum jubilee celebrations of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) got off to a start this evening with several thousands of people from various parts of the state including abroad coming together to celebrate the arrival of the Christianity in Nagaland and to look back at what God has done in the 75 years to the people of Nagaland.
Since the inception of NBCC in 1937, a lot of things happened, many still happening and lots more to happen, commended the chairman of the opening service.
The jubilee started with traditional welcome by Ketholetuo Khezhie representing Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) followed by a spotlight on NBCC through documentary. NBCC president Keviyiekielie Linyu formally declared the jubilee opened.
A march with NBCC flag to the convention centre was led by General Secretary L. Anjo Keikung which was immediately joined by strong representatives from 20 full-fledged Associations and 4 Associate members covering 1553 churches in traditional finery. Thereafter, a gift exchange took place amongst the tribal churches association as a sign of peace and friendship, which also marked the end of hostility, and heralding peace and reconciliation. They also sung together jubilee theme song “One New Humanity in Christ,” which was composed in 15 dialects and English.
Subsequent presentations were done by the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SABAK) and Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) on the arrival of Christianity and the gift of God to Nagas.
Neiphiu Rio in his greetings gave an account of how Rev. Dr. E.W. Clark set foot on Naga Hills about 140 years ago and spread Christianity. He said the arrival of Christianity and education has really transformed Naga society and thus Nagas come thus far. Rio hoped that the celebration would renew the Christian spirit to unite, reconcile and look into the future.
He asserted that anything can be settled in the platform of the Church. He added that it is a time for Nagas to wake up and take the challenge to unite. He also stated that jubilee is an opportune time to unite, reconcile and have peace so that the people can glorify God together.
Rio also felt that the award given by the World Baptist Alliances to Wati Aier of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for unity and reconciliation recently, is not only an award to an individual but it is the recognition to Naga people as a whole and he was appreciative that the world came to recognize “our suffering and struggle.”
NBCC General Secretary Rev Dr L. Anjo Keikung said that this year marks the 140th anniversary of the coming of Christianity to Nagaland. Then 75 year ago, NBCC was formed for the unity of the Baptist churches and united ministry of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in and outside Nagaland through fellowship.
“In the context of our world where there is growing alienation, disorder and resignation we gather today, as Associations and Churches, to declare the reality of the “One New Humanity in Christ. And so, as we celebrate together, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Council, may you experience the power of the resurrected Christ, through the Holy Spirit. May this experience help us become communities of hope offering new meaning to those who are still lost,” he said in his welcome address.
Other highlights of the inaugural function included greetings by Ben Chan, International Ministries, ABC-USA, keynote address by President, NBCC, Keviyiekielie Linyu, release of souvenir by Khriemenuo Terhuja, special numbers by the Platinum choir and Ilitoli Aye and message by Reid Trulson, Executive Director, International Ministries, USA.
The Speaker of the first day of the celebration, Reid Trulson said the gift of Jesus, “Peace” is not an easy gift which is also not a gift to be kept for oneself. Delivering a message from the theme, “One new Humanity in Christ: He is our Peace”, Trulson said the worldly peace can be changed as there are many circumstances, yet the gift of Jesus, ‘Peace’, cannot be changed or can be taken away or take action against, adding that Jesus lived with power but not with violence.
The speaker said one may be rejected or prosecuted while trying to reach out peace to the world and that “Unless we come as part of new humanity in Christ”, one cannot find peace. He also said forgiveness has the power to free the guilt which can be known only by those people who experienced pain and suffering. Trulson expressed gratitude to join the celebration as Nagas celebrate 140 years of Christianity and the 75th year platinum jubilee as a response to one’s faith.
Ben Chan, International Ministries, ABC-USA, delivering greetings expressed profound joy to see the firm faith of the Nagas in persuading peace, justice and reconciliation, changing thousands and thousands of lives within and outside the country and said he is proud of Naga Christians, its friendliness, spirit, hospitality and toughness signifying the achievements of NBCC, uniting all the Nagas in Christ and urged to continue to reach blessings to Nagaland in particular and the world in general.
The morning service on Day 2 will commence from 9:00 AM onwards. Governor Nikhil Kumar will share greetings while message will be delivered by Wallace Charles Smith who will speak on the topic “One New Humanity in Christ: God’s Creation & Stewardship.”
Platinum band festival and film festival will take place at 1:00 PM. The evening service will start at 5:00 PM with speaker Anne Graham Lotz, who will speak on the topic “One New Humanity in Christ: God’s Mission.” Greetings will be shared by Bonny Resu, general secretary Asia Pacific Baptist Federation and A.K. Lama, general secretary, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India.
