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ZUNHEBOTO — A three-day pastors’ recreation organised by the Sumi Baptist Akukubou Kughakulu (SBAK-Aizuto) got under at Aizuto Tourist Destination in Zunheboto town on the theme "He restores my soul."
Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, executive secretary of SBAK-Aizuto, led a formal session with a dedication prayer for the Tourist Cottage on April 15. Rev. Chishi informed that the Tourist Cottage was constructed and named as "Aizuto Tourist Destination" on November 25, 2008.
He, however, stated that the Tourist Cottage could not be fully utilised due to lack of proper maintenance. He added that in order to revitalise the aging infrastructure of the tourist cottages, the Aizuto Mission Centre spearheaded in repair and renovation.
“With contributions from churches across twelve villages, seven tourist cottages underwent extensive refurbishment, resulting in the upgradation of Aizuto Tourist Destination extensively,” Rev. Chishi elaborated.
He emphasised the importance of those cottages, which would now serve as a central hub for various church activities including prayers, seminars, campaigns and worship. He expressed gratitude to the churches and villages that supported in their endeavours.
The special guest and joint director of Tourism department, T Kakihe Sumi, stressed on the moral responsibility of citizens in safeguarding government properties for sustainable development. He acknowledged the communication gap that has led to some hindrance for improvement of tourist cottages in the region. He has particularly lauded the efforts of Dr. Daniel Chishi and the Aizuto Mission Centre in revitalising the tourist destination.
He has sought continued support to safeguard government properties to promote tourism and generate sustainable growth and employment opportunities. While emphasising on the importance of church members as stakeholders, he called upon the leaders to foster unity and essence of Christianity within the Sumi context.
He also advocated mutual respect and collaboration between theologians and laypeople within the church, emphasising the shared objective of advancing the larger interests of the Sumi community.
As the Sumi community is set to celebrate 125 years of Christianity, he urged all stakeholders including pastors, reverends, church leaders and believers to reflect on their roles and uphold the true principles of Christianity for the collective benefit of the Sumi community.
He advised to focus on forging a unified Sumi society and urged the present leaders to seize the opportunity to guide the community towards a brighter future. He also inspected the tourist cottages at Aizuto Tourist destination.
The programme was chaired by Ilika Zhimo, CE Secretary, while an invocation prayer was said by Zhetoli Yeptho, CE Coordinator, and songs were presented by Akuluto VK and Zunheboto A, CLF.
A prayer was also said by Rev. Kihoshe Assumi, youth secretary.
Altogether, 97 pastors are attending the three-day event.