KOHIMA, JUNE 2: Faith Theological Seminary (FTS) held its 8th Convocation Ceremony on June 2 at its Chapel Hall with 33 students graduating from B.Th, M.Div, M.Min and M.Div Extension.
Rev Dr Visielie Angami, Principal FTS addressing the graduating students stressed on the need to pass on the flame – ‘the flame of the gospel’ which he termed it as ‘a gift of God’. He asserted that in today’s problematic and bleeding world, the cause of discipleship is hard and the call to be faithful is urgent. Personifying God as faithful and His word trustworthy, Rev Visielie, said those who have faith in God are faithful and trustworthy.
‘To be faithful is to be true and trustworthy’ said Rev Visielie and urged the graduating students to be faithful to people, in service, all the time and even unto death for the cause of Christ.
Stating that Jesus Christ has commanded the people to be faithful in passing on the flame- the flame of gospel, Rev Visielie has outlined four important points in order to fulfill this command. He advised the students not to fail in proclaiming Christ’s sacrifice as they face hardships, trials, temptations, hatred and even persecution during their ministries.
The students were also asked to continue to nurture new disciples and believers, be obedient to the voice of God always and to live exemplary lives wherever and in whatever ministry they might be in.
Emphasizing on the importance of finishing well, Rev Visielie said people are in need of the gospel, and said the ultimate reward and joy, therefore lies in passing on the flame of the gospel by feeding the hungry. He has called upon the students, as they venture to various fields, to continue to pass on the gospel wherever they go.
Earlier, thirteen students were conferred with degrees in Masters of Divinity, fourteen students with Bachelors of Theology, one with Masters of Ministry and five with Masters of Divinity (Extension).
Meanwhile, in the special awards category for M.Div students, Asho Khing was awarded with the academic best student, Küveseto Khüsoh with best thesis, Senuo Mere with most improved student and Kevigwelhou Kuotsu with best all round student. Besides, Kuviete-o Ritse from B.Th was conferred with the academic best student award.
The programme chaired by Asola Jamir, Academic Dean commenced with Kholi Salew, Registrar invoking God’s blessings, Kimboi Zomi, lecturer read out the scripture while Kevigwelhou Kuotsu, M.Div spoke on behalf of the graduating students.
The gathering was favored with special numbers presented by the FTS Choir and Neivizonuo Pienyü. A special prayer for the graduating students was led by the principal.
With a vision to train students coming from different background to the same mind of becoming an effective missionaries, pastors and academicians Faith Theological Seminary was establish in the year 2008, and since then it has produced a total of 172 graduates.
