Kohima, Sep. 8 (EMN): The three-day spiritual awakening crusade being organised by the Sumi Christian Fellowship Kohima began at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on Friday evening.
Delivering the message at the inaugural session, Pastor of NCRC (Sumi) Purana Bazar, Dimapur, the Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Assumi, termed the coming together of Sumi believers from different denominations as God’s doing.
Referring to the book of Psalms 6 and 2 Chronicles 7, the pastor asked the Sumis whether Sumi tribe as a whole was ‘ailing’ and whether or not the Sumis are really ‘people of God’. According to the press release, the Rev. said the Sumis have been blessed with rich culture, tradition, and dialect and also known for their truth and honesty. He however said that without God’s intervention, these qualities may fade into oblivion. He also said many preachers have prophesised God’s greater plan for the Sumi tribe if they ask for forgiveness and reconcile among themselves.
He termed the gathering of believers as not only a fellowship but God’s work in healing all manner of ailments among the Sumis towards a Christ-like transformation.
Stating that the name of Jesus was a name above all names, the rev. Assumi asked the gathering in what manner the Nagas today are actually using the name of Jesus Christ even after declaring the slogan “Nagaland for Christ.”
Delivering the welcome address, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS Chairman Planning Committee, said Sumi people have had their due share of shortcomings in the past and the present and the crusade was a small step towards ushering a complete change in the socio-spiritual aspects of lives among the Sumi tribe.
Kikheto said that though Sumi believers in Kohima were divided through denominations, yet they believed in one God and one salvation and it was through this design that the Sumi Christian Fellowship Kohima was formed.
Stating that Sumi people have erred before God, he said that the time has come for the tribe to love and forgive one another in the name of God to heal the sickness that has been long possessed.
He said that this initiative was a step towards unifying the believers, he called upon other believers beyond Kohima belonging to different denominations to do the same as “Sumi Christians.” “Only when we unite and move together as Christians then only we can ask our National workers to unite,” he remarked.
The inaugural evening of the crusade was chaired by Dr. Hokheto Chophi, pastor of SBCK and special numbers were presented by Crusade Choir and Lokivi Lejoh.
