NBC Kohima officials along with the speaker during the conclusion of the golden jubilee celebration in Kohima on August 2.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 2
The three-day Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Nepali Baptist Church (NBC), Kohima concluded on Sunday with church leaders calling on believers to remain faithful to God and build upon the spiritual foundation laid by the pioneers of the congregation over the past 50 years.
The concluding day's Jubilee Devotion Service was led by Organising Committee Convener and Board of Deacons Chairman Dr Gopal Basnet Chetri, while Executive Director of the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC), Rev. Dr Rachülie Vihienuo, delivered the jubilee message.
Preaching from Joshua 24 in line with the jubilee theme verse, Rev. Dr Vihienuo paid tribute to the founding members of the church for laying a strong spiritual foundation and urged the congregation to revisit its history, remember the sacrifices of former leaders and reflect on God's faithfulness throughout its journey.
Describing NBC Kohima as a "matured church", he said the Golden Jubilee marked a time for spiritual growth and deeper commitment rather than complacency.
Calling upon believers to "serve the Lord with all faithfulness", he urged members to remember God's blessings, accept His grace and remain rooted in Christ. He also exhorted the congregation to turn away from every form of idolatry and serve God wholeheartedly, saying continued faithfulness would bring God's blessings in the years ahead.
The morning service included scripture reading from Psalm 103:1-2, greetings from founding member Loknath Sharma and Thungdeno Mezhür Sekhose, a reminiscence by the Souvenir Committee, special presentations by the Jubilee Choir and Zeme Baptist Church, Kohima, and a prayer reaffirming the church's Silver Jubilee 2001 theme and motto, "To Reach the Unreached". The service was followed by a jubilee feast.
The afternoon valedictory service was led by Organising Committee Secretary Moon Thapa and featured a message by Union Baptist Church, Kohima, Pastor Visato Yhoshü.
The service began with an invocation by Chupaman Rai, followed by scripture readings from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 in Nepali by evangelist Nil Tamang of Amsingh Jorabat, Assam, and in English by Rachel Thapa.
Greetings were delivered by Angami Public Organisation (APO) President Thejao Vihienuo and former NBC Kohima pastor Rev. Muktinath Sharma, while the Jubilee Choir and Union Baptist Church, Kohima, presented special songs.
In his valedictory message, Pastor Yhoshü encouraged the congregation to remain rooted in God's Word, walk in unity and continue bearing witness to Christ through faithful service and Christian living.
The programme concluded with the singing of the Jubilee Hymn, words of gratitude delivered by Organising Committee Co-convener Narayan Bahadur, benediction by Mrs Elizabeth Giri and a fellowship dinner.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations, held from July 31 to August 2, brought together pastors, church leaders, members and guests from across Nagaland and neighbouring states to offer thanksgiving for the church's 50-year journey and renew its commitment to its mission in the years ahead.
