Church leaders, Bible Society of India members, and representatives from four states gather for a group photo during the 40th Anniversary celebration of BSI Dimapur Auxiliary at Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church on April 13.
DIMAPUR, April 13 (MExN): The Bible Society of India (BSI) Dimapur Auxiliary celebrated its 40th anniversary with a two-day program from April 12 to 13 at the Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church (DRBC), Khermahal. The event brought together church leaders, BSI members, and branch representatives from Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur in a show of gratitude and renewed dedication to the ministry of the Word.
The inaugural service on April 12 was chaired by Zakiebito Terhuja, President of the Dimapur Branch, with praise and worship led by the DRBC Youth. Rev. Tar Choya opened the service with a prayer of invocation. The evening featured testimonies from Dr. Oling Perme (Roing Branch, Arunachal Pradesh), Borsing Tisso (Vice President, Diphu Branch, Assam), Rev. Dr. Vanmawia (President, Churachandpur Branch, Manipur), and Temsü Longchar (Mokokchung Branch, Nagaland), who shared how God's hand has led their ministries.
A special musical performance by New Life Bible College students preceded the Scripture reading by Rev. Toshi Longchar. Rev. L. Timothy Phaomei, President of the Imphal Branch, delivered the message, urging the congregation to live by biblical principles. “Dealing with the Word of God is dealing with Jesus Christ. For Jesus is the Word of God,” he said. The service concluded with a benediction from Rev. Peihwanf Wangsa.
The main anniversary celebration on April 13 was chaired by Rev. Tenga Seb, BSI Treasurer and local pastor, with a welcome address by Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, Auxiliary President. Special songs were presented by BSI Kohima Branch, Chakhesang Baptist Church Youth (Dimapur), and DRBC Youth. The host church also offered contributions toward the New Bible House construction.
Outstanding contributors were acknowledged for their support in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Mijungla, Senior Translation Advisor at the Shillong Translation Centre, highlighted that more than half of the BSI’s ongoing translation work falls under the Dimapur Auxiliary. She challenged the community to continue supporting the mission to bring the Bible to all people.
Lily Tep, Associate Pastor (Women), DRBC, read Scripture before the Auxiliary Secretary delivered a message reflecting on the early struggles and enduring faithfulness of God in the Auxiliary’s journey. “God’s Word will never pass away,” he said. “It is like a hammer that breaks stony hearts and a fire that purifies and transforms.”
Those Kraho, Vice President of the Dimapur Auxiliary, offered a vote of thanks, especially acknowledging DRBC for hosting the event. The celebration concluded with a benediction by Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo.
