Dimapur, September 26: In order to make young people stay in church, General Secretary of Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Rev. P Bony Resu, said we need to convert them to Christ, equip them with vision and give emphasis on Christian home ministry.
Speaking at the valedictory programme of the three-day 32nd annual conference of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) youth department which was held in Ahthibung town from September 23-25 on the theme ‘Abundant life – youth,’ Bony Resu pointed out that to have abundant life in God does not always mean prosperity. According to him, abundant life means knowing God and having the peace that passed all understanding even during pain and suffering.
In his message he mentioned that Christians need the cross to help us realise that we need God. He also said Christians need to understand and realise the source of our power and ministry which is the fear of God.
The speakers of the three-day programme were Rev. P Bonny Resu, and Mrs Khrieno Moa, Administrator of G. Rio School, Kohima. The first day started with an opening ceremony performed by the KBYE, Medziphema, followed by welcome address by Rev. H Minlen Singson, Executive Secretary, KBA, and EAC Ahthibung Mrs. Lithrila Sangtam challenged the youth gathering.
The keynote address was delivered by Hekato Awomi, President, NBCCYD and word of God by Mrs. Khrieno Moa.
Family group fellowship was the highlight of the second day followed by business hour of the Youth Department. There was a penal discussion on ‘Youth versus the church.’ The panelists were Miss. Iheule, Miss. Chingong, Rev. Aheto, Muluvoyi and Moa Imsong. Khalenmew, Youth Secretary of YBBB, was the moderator.
Ngauzeulungbe, Supervisor ICTC from Peren, also led a session on ‘The role of youth in fighting against HIV/AIDS’ in the evening. The sundown worship service commenced with students ministry spotlight followed by a special presentation by KBYE, Chumukedima.
Speaking at the service, Mrs Khrieno Moa stressed on the point of setting goals as children of God. She said we should make God’s goal as our goal and that our ultimate goal should be to know Christ. She also mentioned that God has placed us exactly where He wants us to be and so we are to use that platform to bring about change in our lives and in our land.
The evening ended with Color Night where different presentations were made by the associations’ young people under NBCC.
In the morning devotional service on the last day, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary NBCC, brought the greetings. In his speech, he encouraged the youth leaders to make youth as a performing department. He also mentioned that youth leaders should dwell on things which doesn’t work but should envision new ideas and strategies to bring about changes in their ministry.
Special presentations were made by KBYE Sirhima and Police Church, Saijang NPBCA. Cultural item was also presented by the Kuki Baptist Association.
The 32nd annual conference was hosted by the Kuki Baptist Association.
