Faith and legacy celebrated during Thahekhu village Platinum Jubilee

Around 3,500 gather as leaders recall pioneers and urge youth to uphold faith

Morung Express News
Thahekhu | March 15 

The 75th Jubilee of Thahekhu village was celebrated with religious services, speeches and ceremonial events, drawing an estimated gathering of over 3,500 people as leaders recalled the faith and sacrifices of the village pioneers while urging the present generation to remain humble and steadfast in their faith.

Delivering a message during the celebration, Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary of the Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK), spoke on the theme “God of Generations,” drawn from the Book of Daniel 4:34.

Referring to the Biblical account of King Nebuchadnezzar, Rev Dr Sema said the king had once declared that his kingdom was built by his own wisdom, goodness and strength. At that moment, he said, God’s judgment came upon the king, who was driven away to live like an animal and graze in the fields.

He said Nebuchadnezzar lived in that state for seven years until he realized that his downfall was caused by pride and ego. When the king looked up to heaven, acknowledged God and sought His mercy, he recognized that everything belongs to God and that no credit belongs to man.

Highlighting the theme, he said generations change over time, as seen in changing lifestyles, dress and social practices. However, he said God remains the same through all generations.

“The God who led the pioneers, Asu Thahekhü and Asu Hejeto, has continued to lead the people through the years, and today the village is marking its 75th Jubilee. Let us thank God,” he said.

He also reminded the gathering that kings rise and fall and kingdoms come and go, but the kingdom of God will endure forever. Warning against pride, he said arrogance blinds the hearts and eyes of people and can lead to downfall.

Rev Dr Sema further recalled that the pioneers had generously donated land for the welfare of the people, on which the Akuvuto Mission Centre now stands. He described their act as a step of faith, noting that the Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu was incepted there.

“That act of faith has been carried on by the people of Thahekhu, and today they shine like a star and the sun within WSBAK,” he said.

He added that the village has produced several officers including those in the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) and Nagaland Police Service (NPS), describing these achievements as blessings from God.

Cautioning believers, Rev Dr Sema urged the people not to assume that their success comes solely from their own strength and goodness, warning that such pride could lead them to face consequences similar to those experienced by King Nebuchadnezzar.

He therefore called on the community to remain humble and continue seeking God in the days ahead.

In a greetings message, Akükatou K Kakheho Yepthomi of Thahekhu village said the milestone celebration was possible because of the vision and sacrifices of the pioneers. He recalled that the village began with just 14 houses and 61 people when it was established by Asu Thahekhü in March 1951. The founder passed away the following year, while seven of the original settlers have since passed on.

He said the early years were marked by many hardships, but through the prayers of parents and early servants of God, the village gradually flourished.

Today, people from different villages and areas have come together to form a thriving community with around nine to ten colonies and a population numbering in the thousands, he said.

Expressing gratitude to the pioneers and leaders of the past and present, Yepthomi said the blessed life enjoyed by the villagers today was built upon their sacrifices.

He also expressed hope that visitors from various areas attending the celebration would return home with jubilee blessings and voiced confidence that the village would continue to grow and celebrate its centenary in the new church building.

Calling on the younger generation, he urged the youth to live in the fear of God and strive for success in all walks of life.

As part of the celebration, three flags were hoisted during a ceremonial event. The Thahekhu Village flag was hoisted by Akükatou K Kakheho Yepthomi, the Platinum Jubilee flag by Akükau Gen Samson Aye, and the Church flag by Rev Dr Yehevi Jimo, Senior Pastor of Thahekhu Village Baptist Church.

A Jubilee Memorial Stone was also unveiled by the Head GB of Thahekhu Village, K Kakheho Yepthomi, marking the historic milestone of the community.