With hope for ‘Abundant life,’ NBCC council concludes

EMN Dimapur, February 14 The 79th Annual Council of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), which began on February 12 on the theme “Abundant life” at the Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Association (NPBCA) Mission Centre, Chumukedima, concluded on February 14. The highlights of the programme included bible study for focus groups where Ms. Shelly Swu, lecturer of TTC, led the youth group on the topic “Abundant life in relationship: Youth,” while Mrs. Anshely Sumi, Director of Aloino Centre, Dimapur, led the women group on the topic “Abundant life in relationship: Women,” and Vemuriyi Vadeo, Assistant Professor of OTS, led the men group on the topic “Abundant life in relationship: Leadership.” There were also workshops on the topics like “Youth and the church,” “Women in ministry: Challenges and prospects,” and “Men in ministry: Witness in the market place.” The workshop speakers were Rev. Dr. Don Ng; Gregory Ng; Mrs. Joy Ng; Rev. Lauren; Rev. Dr. Ross Clifford; and Rev. Bonny Resu. There was also a panel discussion on “homosexuality and gay” with Dr. Sedevi Angami as the resource person. Plays on clean election and on women empowerment were staged by ABAM and WSBAK respectively. There was a special presentation of various items by the NPBCA on the third day. Executive meetings and business session of the Council were an integral part of the annual session. Khalenmew, Youth Secretary of YBBA, and Mrs. Neingupeü Rhakho, women secretary of CBCC, were the recorders for the sessions, while Haiwalo Apon, executive secretary of CRBC, did the necrology on the second night of the programme. DABA youth and NPBCA youth led the praise and worship during the evening services and Dr. Vivee Peseyie, Dean of Music, Patkai Christian College, was the pianist. The worship service speakers were Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, president of NBCC; Rev. Dr. Don Ng, President ABC – USA; Rev. Dr. Ross Clifford, president of APBF; and Mrs. Talijungla Longkumer, Director of ATA. Choirs from the Oriental Theological Seminary, Patkai Christian College, NPBCA and Town Baptist Church, Chumukedima, participated at the evening worship services. State Director General of Police, LL Doungel (IPS), brought greetings on Sunday devotional worship, while Rev. Dr. Ross Clifford spoke on the topic “Abundant life: ministry.” On the closing worship, Mrs. Talijungla Longkumer brought the message on “Abundant Life: Family.” She stated that family is a divine institution and that we are co-creators with God to care and nurture the family. She also said that it is the integrity of each family that is the beginning of the growth of the church. She also encouraged the congregation to move from church to home-centred ministry. The final words were conveyed by K Martin Pienyü (IPS), Convnor of COLA, and Rev. Hotokhu P Zhimomi, vice president of NBCC. There was a flag down ceremony and lighting of candles and lantern. Meanwhile, NBCC has thanked the host association Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Association (NPBCA), all the associations under NBCC, programme participants, delegates, families and individuals who have made the programme a success.