Chümoukedima, May 24 (MExN): Koinonia Baptist Church on May 24 inaugurated and dedicated the Koinonia Prayer Centre at Vidima in Chümoukedima as part of its spiritual outreach and community service mission.
The newly inaugurated centre is the second prayer centre under the church’s mission, following the establishment of the first centre at Tsiesema Basa.
The inaugural programme, held under the theme “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13), was hosted by Neikho-o Mere and family.
The service was chaired by Zashekho Hibo, while the dedication message and inaugural address were delivered by Zotuo Kiewhuo, who is also the principal of Kohima Bible College.
During his sermon, Rev Dr Kiewhuo said churches and Christians without prayer could never succeed spiritually. Referring to the time of Haggai, he said believers had neglected prayer and focused only on praise and worship, leading to ridicule from unbelievers.
He said restoration came when believers returned to repentance and prayer, adding that churches, prayer centres and believers should remain rooted in prayer.
Referring to the transformation of biblical figures such as Haggai and Paul, he said that through Christ people become new creations and called upon the congregation to dedicate themselves to Christ and work towards saving souls.
During the programme, Ruokuoneizo Sanchu and Zashekho Hibo were inducted as full-time workers at the prayer centre.
Delivering a report on the project, Lhouzakie Rutsa said the prayer centre was initiated as part of the commemoration of the church’s 25th anniversary celebrations covering the period from 1998 to 2023.
He said the foundation stone was laid by Rev Dr Zotuo on June 18, 2024, while the first approach road construction began on September 2 that year, marking the start of the project’s development.
According to him, it took 21 months to complete the centre and open it to the public.
H Rokopra Mekro, in his vote of thanks, described the prayer centre as a divinely ordained place for the people of Nagaland, particularly those from Chümoukedima and Dimapur.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Lhouzakie Rutsa, Rükhievituo Bao Kerhüo, Kekhrieselie Kekhrieo Kiewhuo, Sede Meyase, the Women Fellowship of KBC and Seitseilhou Virie for their support towards the project.
Speaking on behalf of his father, Ruokuo Kire recalled that Seitseilhou Virie had long prayed for the establishment of the prayer centre and had donated the land for the project.
In a message read out during the programme, the land donor expressed hope that the centre would become a place of prayer, healing, worship and salvation for generations to come.
Shürhozetuo Rutsa served as pianist during the programme, while special praise presentations were offered by Ruokuozenuo Meyase, the Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Youth and Junior CYE Fellowship, and Toni Virie.
The dedication ceremony brought together church leaders, sub-fellowships and congregants to celebrate the establishment of the prayer centre.
The organisers informed that the Koinonia Prayer Centre at Vidima would remain open round the clock with daily dawn prayer beginning at 4.30 am.
