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Delegates pose for a photograph during the fourth edition on ‘Rev. Dr. I Ben Wati legacy talk at CTC on October 18 and the 19.[/caption]
Dimapur, Oct. 24 (EMN): The fourth edition on ‘Rev. Dr. I Ben Wati legacy talk,’ organised by ELIM Resource Centre, Guwahati, was held on October 18 and the 19th at Clark Theological College, Aolijen, in Mokokchung district.
In his opening remarks, Senti Longkumer, president of the legacy talk, while quoting John Langlois said, “Those who knew Ben Wati…. will never forget the sound foundation he laid for world evangelism…. as a wise master builder and for his gracious gentle spirit, a true follower of Jesus Christ.”
In the welcome address, Rev. Dr. Mar Pongen, principal of Clark Theological College, thanked ELIM Resource Centre for providing the privilege to co-host the legacy talk. He mentioned on the immense influence the late Rev. Dr. Ben Wati had towards the progress of the college. He stated that CTC is maintaining Ben’s archive including his personal collections, correspondences and books. He urged the delegates to learn from his life and build on his legacy by furthering his works.
Speaking during the devotion on the theme ‘Vision and leadership,’ Rev. Dr. JM Ngul Khan Pau, senior consultant of Development Associates International said, “Vision is grasping the big picture. It is forward looking and a deep desire to change for the better. Our vision must outlive us.”
In his talk on “Culture, ethnicity and diversity,” Rev. Dr. Paul Borthwick, senior consultant of Development Associates International said, “…God wants your culture to be part of the church and not the only part but a contributing part.” He stated that everyone has the responsibility to make the church a better place. Stating that culture is dynamic and constantly changing, he said culture is to human beings what water is to fish.
On the second day, Rev. Dr. Akheto Sumi, general secretary of CBCNEI, led the devotion basing his sermon from the book of Luke 5:1-11. He said, “We need to get deeper in our life and ministry and should continually grow in obedience in Christ.”
In her closing remarks, Lucy Pau, director of ERC, mentioned how Rev. Dr. Ben Wati had been a great blessing for many Christian leaders from the Northeast and beyond. She also informed that the Rev. Dr. I Ben Wati legacy talk as an annual event would deal with relevant topics for theological educators, Christian leaders and organisations.