ABAM sesquicentennial celebration expounds on love, forgiveness, faith

November 3, 2022 80 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 3 (MExN): The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang’s (ABAM) sesquicentennial celebration of 150 years of Christianity in the Naga Hills continued for a second day on November 2.

The second day celebration was attended by a total of 2,961 officially registered participants. The ABAM SQC 150 Album was also released by Rev C Walu Walling, former Secretary, Literature and Education, ABAM. The second day celebration concluded with the screening of a pageant-montage documentary produced by the Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo.

Rev Watson Rajaratnam, speaking during the morning worship, underscored the point that “the glory God has given us is to empower others. Blessing us is to bless other.” He challenged the centennial participants to do “Mission in God’s way and send more missionaries to glorify God.”

In the sermon delivered by Rev Prof Dr Limatula Longkümer, Registrar, Senate of Serampore College (University), she noted that “God is a loving God and not a punishing God and we are to do the same.” She also stressed the fact that God’s love is everlasting and He desires a life of repentance and forgiveness from his followers. The speaker expressed concern by noting that many of the Churches in the North east are exclusive and not able to practice community spirit (ekklesia) and fellowship.

While bringing greetings to the SQC participants, Rev O Alem, former Executive Secretary, ABAM, shared that the celebration is an affirmation of the “good relationship that exist between God and human beings, and between believers.” He stated that the essence of Jubilee lies in “seeking of forgiveness and the restoration of right relationship between God and neighbors.”

Rev Tugaso Manyu, General Secretary, brought greetings on behalf of the Arunachal Baptist Church Council. He expressed appreciation to ABAM and the Ao people for working with the Tangsa, Nocte and Wancho Baptist Associations. He encouraged ABAM “to explore new ways of doing ministry in Arunachal Pradesh.”

Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC, addressed Impur as “the Jerusalem of the Nagas.” He reminded the gathering that “accepting Christ 150 years ago is a story of courage and determination. We remember the persecution and sufferings for those who stood their grounds becoming a part of our story.” Dr Keyho went on to say that “we are what we are today because of the Gospel that came to our land.” Furthermore, he challenged the ABAM to “go before us and lead us, be behind us and push us… because together we are stronger.”

Meanwhile, Dr SC Jamir, former Chief Minister & Governor, sent his greetings recalling that the pioneers of Christian faith among the Ao people did everything in “truth and with full faith in God.” He expressed that if Ao people lived their life and prayed with all sincerity, Nagaland would have been transformed into a paradise.” Sadly, according to Jamir, “there is a terrible confusion prevailing in Nagaland because we have snapped our relationship with God.”

Chubawati Longchar, President, Ao Senden called upon the delegates to “forgive one another and seek God’s wisdom as we celebrate the SQC and go out to the rest of the world with the Word of God.”

Imnatiba, Advisor, Industry and Commerce brought greetings on behalf of the legislators of Nagaland and the Chief Minister. “As pioneers of the Gospel, the Ao community played a prominent role in promoting justice and peace in Nagaland,” he expressed.

In his greetings, Takuyaba, Advocate, Mokokchung, “reminded that we are God’s created congregation who should live in truth.”

The morning and evening praise and worship was led by Indisen Baptist Arogo (Youth Ministry). The ‘Homecoming Celebration,’ comprising special presentations from more than 15 groups, added colour and vibrancy to the celebration.

The homecoming celebration featured presentations by Phom, Lotha, Sangtam, Sumi, Samaro, Ao Naga Choir, Delhi, and Aoyimti Baptist Arogo and other individual performances.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/abam-sesquicentennial-celebration-expounds-on-love-forgiveness-faith