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Dimapur, Dec. 11 (EMN): A two-day platinum jubilee celebration of the Western Sümi Baptist Churches Association (WSBAK) culminated on Sunday evening at WSBAK Mission Centre, Aküvüto, with Rev. S Vitoshe Swu, senior pastor of Dimapur Sümi Baptist Church, as the speaker in the final session.
In his sermon, Rev. Swu lamented that the Western Sümis, though blessed with rich resources, have failed to wisely utilise the resources and also failed to give back to God His share.
“Not acknowledging God is ignorance,” he said.
Reflecting on the theme ‘Ebenezer’, he said that God has brought the Western Sümi thus far not because of their merit but because of His unconditional love. He, therefore, encouraged the congregation to forgive the past misgivings and embark on a new journey.
Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Tokheho Yepthomi, greeted the gathering and asserted that God has a plan for everyone and so one should fulfill the purpose of one’s life. He encouraged the people to live godly lives.
“Without being led by God, there will be a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment,” he said.
The morning session began with Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, executive secretary of WSBAK, by dedicating the jubilee monolith. Azheto Zhimomi, MLA, who released the jubilee commemorative magazine, also exhorted the gathering and challenged the church leaders to work for unity in the society.
Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, senior pastor of Thilixü Baptist Church, shared on the topic “Ebenezer: Stone of help.” He stated that if the church leaders are led by the Holy Spirit, then the society would be united through their leadership.
“When Israelites obeyed and returned to God, He blessed them and helped them. When led by the spirit of God there is peace, unity, love and prosperity,” Rev. Achumi said.
The two-day event was attended by more than 6000 people. Apart from 179 churches under WSBAK, representatives from CBCNEI, NBCC, Chakhroma Baptist Church Council Choir, Zeme Baptist Church Council, NCRC Sümi, and Baptist churches associations from Arunachal Pradesh also attended the jubilee celebration.