Officials pose for a photo during the Platinum Jubilee celebration at the SBAK Mission Centre, Nito Mount, Zunheboto, on November 5.
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | November 6
The Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (SBAK) Nito Mount, affiliated with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India (CBCNEI), celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of its Department of Youth Ministry (DoYM), marking 75 years of faith, service and spiritual growth, at the SBAK Mission Centre, Nito Mount, Zunheboto, on November 5.
The celebration was held under the theme “Joyful Harvest”, with its biblical reference from Psalm 126:5.
Speaking to The Morung Express on the significance of the theme, Rev Sühuto N Chishi, Youth Secretary of NBCC, described “Joyful Harvest” as an agricultural metaphor representing the joy of witnessing the fruits of the hard work and sacrifices made over the past 75 years.
He said the Platinum Jubilee provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of pioneers, farmers and leaders whose efforts had sustained the ministry across generations.
“The young people of today must retrospect on what our pioneers have established over the last 75 years. The responsibility now is to look forward and live out the faith they have been groomed in,” Chishi said.
Emphasising that Christian faith should extend beyond church activities, he encouraged young people to demonstrate their values in workplaces, offices and everyday life. He also urged the present generation to prepare for the centenary celebration, expressing hope that the next 25 years would bring greater achievements and further strengthen the ministry.
As Youth Secretary of NBCC, Chishi further encouraged Naga youth to remain rooted in their faith and the Word of God, stay committed to serving the Lord and strive for excellence in their respective fields. He said the church would continue to pray for and support young people as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on the transformation of the youth ministry, Rev Küghato K Chophi, Executive Secretary of SBAK Nito Mount and former Youth Secretary, recalled that during his tenure, young people were generally hesitant to participate in public and church activities.
“During my time as Youth Secretary, the youth were very shy and hesitant to come forward. It was even difficult for them to come up on stage. But today, when I look at our youth, they are much more advanced, participative and obedient,” he said.
While acknowledging that challenges and shortcomings remained, Chophi expressed confidence in the present generation, describing them as God-fearing young people who could become the bright future of the church.
Reflecting on the Jubilee preparations, he said the year-long observance had received cooperation from the beginning, adding that God had answered the prayers of the organisers.
Zhekugha Assumi, President of the SBAK Executive Council, described the Jubilee as a celebration of the prayers, tears and sacrifices of those who established and nurtured the ministry 75 years ago.
He appreciated the DoYM for organising the celebration and said the milestone represented the fulfilment of the prayers and investments made by earlier generations.
Explaining the significance of “Joyful Harvest”, Assumi referred to the presence of Jubilee speaker Kheto I. Kinimi, former minister and grandson of Rev Inaho, who had served as a Dubashi during the British period but gave up the position to remain committed to his Christian faith. He also highlighted that Kinimi's father, Ihoshi, had served as a former Executive Secretary of SBAK.
Meanwhile, Y Lhotoi Awomi, Chairman of the Jubilee Planning Board, said the celebration was organised through the collective efforts of former youth executive chairmen, former youth secretaries, present youth executives and various subcommittees.
Awomi expressed hope that the legacy of the Jubilee would be carried forward by future generations, particularly towards the centenary celebration. He said such occasions should not be limited to social gatherings but should also strengthen the spiritual lives of Sümi youth.
Hekuto Anche, Secretary of the Jubilee Planning Board, described the 75-year milestone as a significant achievement for a church department dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth of young people.
He acknowledged the contributions and support of more than 150 churches under SBAK Nito Mount, stating that the collective efforts of pioneers, former leaders and the present generation had made the celebration possible.
On the financial arrangements, Awomi clarified that the Jubilee was organised without a specific budget allocation. He said the organising committee had decided on a contribution of Rs 75 from each youth member, corresponding to the 75 years of the ministry, as a gesture of collective participation.
According to him, SBAK Nito Mount has more than 150 churches and over 18,000 registered youth members. Contributions from churches, youth members, well-wishers and believers also supported the celebration.
Jasper Achumi, Secretary of DoYM, said the Platinum Jubilee was observed through a series of year-long activities beginning January 11.
The pre-Jubilee programmes included special gatherings with former youth executives on May 7 and former youth pastors on July 14. A Jubilee Rally was also conducted from September 21 to 23, covering various areas across Zunheboto district.
