SBC commemorates centenary of Sümi ordination at Lazami

Lazami, April 13 (MExN): The Sümi Baptist Convention (SBC) observed a historic centennial milestone on April 12, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Sümi Ordination (1926–2026) at Lazami Village with the unveiling of a monolith honouring Late Rev Yemshi Swunetho, the first Sümi tribesman to be ordained in 1926.

The monolith was officially unveiled by Rev Dr Khehovi Shohe, Director of SBC, in the presence of leaders from SBC-affiliated bodies, 71 Reverends, 72 licensed pastors from SABAK, and elders of Lazami Village, stated a press release received here. 

Invoking God's blessings upon the Sümi tribe, the descendants of Rev Yemshi, Lazami Village and all Sümi churches, Rev Dr Shohe declared the occasion a landmark in Sümi church history.

“This is a historic day in Sümi church history, a day that will never be forgotten. We praise God for reaching the 100th Anniversary of Sümi Ordination,” he said.

Drawing from Joshua 4:20–21, Rev Dr Shohe underscored the monolith's significance as a lasting spiritual reminder for future generations. “When your children ask their parents in the future, 'What do these stones mean?' these stones will signify God's enduring presence, just as they did for the Israelites,” he said.

He recalled that in the early days of Christianity among the Sümi tribe, earning the title of 'Reverend' held little societal value, adding that Late Rev Yemshi Swunetho's recognition stemmed from his genuine service to God, “a profound symbol of dedication to both God and humanity that future generations must carry forward.”

Rev Kughato K Chophi, Executive Secretary of Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SBAK) and President of the Sümi Baptist Convention (SBC), paid tribute to Late Rev Yemshi and his wife, Mineli Swunetho, hailing them as trailblazers who “planted the footprint of the Gospel among the Sumi tribe, a priceless treasure for the community.”

He commended the Yemshi family for meticulously documenting the history, enabling the observance of this centennial, and urged the Yemshi generation to carry the legacy forward. He also appreciated SBC Director and all executive secretaries for successfully orchestrating the event.

Highlighting a forthcoming global initiative, Rev Chophi noted that the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) is planning to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the Church in 2033, with believers across 134 countries praying for the historic event. He called on the congregation to join in prayer and witness it together.

Rev Chophi further noted the SBC's current strength, with affiliates comprising 29 churches under Sümi Aphuyemi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SABAK), 150 under Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu, Nito Mount (SBAK-NM), and 182 under Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (WSBAK), totalling 361 churches.

Drawing from Psalm 105:14–15, he affirmed that ordained ministers are God's chosen, divinely protected, and challenged attendees to reaffirm their commitment and live devotedly for the ministry of God among the Sumi and Naga people.

In his sermon, Rev Dr Phughoto Sema, Executive Secretary of WSBAK and Chairman of the SBC Ordination Council, honoured Rev Yemshi Swunetho for paving the spiritual path for the Sumi community, stating that the event stands to glorify God's ministry through his enduring legacy.

Calling this a critical crossroads for the Sumi people, Rev Sema urged believers to unite and strengthen the tribe socially and religiously. He recounted the origins of the SBC, formed to unify Sumi churches and advance as one body in Christ, and highlighted how the Sumi Baptist Theological Association's vision for a shared tribal identity led to the establishment of Sumi Theological College under the SBC banner by WSBAK, SBAK-Nito Mount and SABAK.

Drawing from Isaiah 43:19, he proclaimed a promise of renewal and transformation, stating that true revival remains the Sumi's hope to safeguard Christian life amid modern challenges.

Rev Sema traced the history of revival among the Sumi, noting that it first began in 1935 at Tsaphimi Village, followed by a Bible Conference (March 13–15, 1954) at Sukhalu Baptist Church, sparked by Rev RF Delanno of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, Rev Shiwoto Swunetho, and Rev Rikum. A massive revival subsequently ignited in 1976 during the “Awakening Week” (September 15–19) at Sumi Baptist Akükuhou Mokokchung, as the Holy Spirit moved among youths and attendees.

With WSBAK's standing motto to sustain revival among Sumi Christians, Rev Sema called for association-led revivals across Sumi land as 125 years of Sumi Christianity approaches in 2029.

Dr Hukato Shohe, Principal of Trinity Theological College, officially released a commemorative souvenir profiling the life and contributions of Rev Yemshi Swunetho during the centennial celebration.

Prayers were led by Rev Luvishe, Pastors Chairman of SBAK, in memory of Sümi Reverends who have passed away and those currently serving. Rev Kiheto Awomi, Evangelist of WSBAK, bestowed special blessings on the descendants of Late Rev Yemshi. The proceedings were chaired by Rev Akato L Achumi, Pastor Chairman of the SABAK Ordination Board, and recorded by Rev Phushito Chishi, Evangelist of WSBAK, followed by a Centenary feast.