Molungkimong Baptist Church sesquicentennial celebration reflects on peace-making, strengthening of bonds

Dimapur, Dec. 22 (EMN): The second day of the sesquicentennial celebration of Molungkimong Baptist Church (MBC) commenced on Thursday with various speakers reflecting on the significance of peace-making and strengthening bonds in times of jubilee.

Pointing out some differences between the American and the Naga context, Rev. Taku Longkumer, Regional Consultant, American Baptist Churches International Ministries, stated that people tend to invest more time and resources in celebrating centenaries and jubilees than the American counterparts. He also juxtaposed his earlier experiences of the centenary celebration at Molungkimong in 1972 that he attended as part of Renthy Keitzar’s choir.

 He asserted that one must recognise Molungkimong as the first soil of Christianity, reflect on why this village was chosen, and find ways to fulfill his greater plans.

Rev. Ponen Longchar, Pastor, MTBA and I Nukshi, Pastor, Merangkong Baptist Arogo, shared greetings on behalf of their churches and ministries, and highlighted that a jubilee is not just a time for celebration, but also a time to forgive and be forgiven, to remember and honor efforts of the ancestors and elders, practice humility, and strengthen the foundations to envision a progressive future for the church and its members.

Special guest, Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, also shared centenary greetings and affirmed that this story is not just about Molungkimong but the story of an ancient, historical God.

 Reminding the congregation about consolidating their commitment to Christ, he stated that true commitment requires one to remain steadfast in faith and power through times of trials and tribulations.

Speaking on the theme “Osang Tajung Ain Benjongong”- Celebration of the Power of the Gospel (Rom 1:16), Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary, ABAM deliberated on the Chungli Ao word ‘Ain’ and its various implications in different languages as well as its applications within the context of Christianity.

He said that one must not be content with the status quo as believers, but take the jubilee as an opportunity to critically examine the kind of Christians one has become over the last 150 years. Pongener also warned against misusing the Gospel to proliferate lies, and stir conflicts for the purpose of vested interests.

‘Following the true path of the Gospel requires us to be decisive and unambiguous. Let us be the people who spread the Gospel of truth, not of lies,’ Pongener said, and called upon the congregation to stand powerfully in the truth, reflect on one’s shortcomings and seek ways to grow spiritually.

Sentila Yanger, Asso. Pastor, Yaongyimsen Arogo, was the chairperson, and Dr. N Toshi led the congregation in verse and prayer.

The programme also honored the efforts of previous ministry workers and hosts of annual Christmas feasts in the village by presenting them with certificates.

Addressing the congregation, Rev. R Moaliba, Pastor, Molungkimong Baptist Church stated that the tradition of giving certificates in the village began in 1997 while the tradition of families and clans hosting Christmas feasts in the village began in 1998, an update stated.

Earlier, Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener also inaugurated the Sesquicentenary Souvenir Book along with Limaangzük, Convenor of the Sesquicentenary Editorial Committee.

The morning service also saw musical performances by the Sesquicentenary Choir, Clark Theological Choir, Aolijen, and Grace Lalchhanhimi and F Nghakiiana from Mizoram and ended with a benediction by Rev. WatiKichu, Associate Pastor, DABA.