Church leaders should make the biggest sacrifice: Rev. Upton

Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 10

AS believers and followers of Jesus Christ, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) having over 100 million baptized members all over the world has been spreading the message of the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ.
BWA president Rev. Dr. John Upton said this while addressing a mammoth gathering comprising leaders from around 50 Baptist churches in the State during the reception programme held in his honour and Moderator of Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) Rev. Dr. BoonratnaBoayan tonight at NBCC Convention Hall. The programme was organised by Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF).
Rev. Dr. Upton, speaking through Hebrews 11, said as leaders, the Church leaders have to start by putting God first and they should be willing to make the biggest sacrifice to set an example for others.
Stating that Nagaland is among the highest strongest Christian nations, he expressed hope that Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Church leaders would always endure to uphold the true Christian values.
Rev. Dr. Boonratna, in his speech, maintained that CCT is not at all a denomination but a council of churches in Thailand. He expressed the willingness to come to an understanding with the NBCC to partner in exchanging the available resources between CCT and NBCC, especially in the field of evangelism, education, medical and social development between Christians in Thailand and Nagaland.
He also acknowledged the services already being provided through the Angami BCC to CCT.
Also speaking on the occasion, general secretary of Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF) Rev. Bonny Resuh stressed the need to change the Naga way of doing missionary works. He said God has blessed Naga people abundantly and therefore “we should always work to be a blessing for others”.
God wants us to work together and be model for others, he affirmed.
NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. AnjoKeikung gave the introductory note.
Chaired by president of KBPF Rev. Dr. VevoPhesao, the reception commenced with scripture reading and prayer pronounced by NBCC president Rev. C. Lima Sangtam and concluded with benediction by Pastor of Ao Baptist Church, Rev. AsangbaLonkumer. Special songs were presented by choirs of Ministers’ Hill Chakhesang BC, Peraciezie BC, Sangtam BC and Union BC.