SENAPATI, Dec 11: Lakhamai Baptist church celebrated the 75th year of Christianity on December 10 under the theme “Rahmai vei khupa zhuvea” (God’s amazing grace) with Rev. Dr. Gideon General Secretary, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Association (FNBA), as the keynote speaker.
In his address, Rev. Dr. Gideon said that the grace of God is wonderful and cannot be compensated as it is perfect and complete. He stated that we don’t deserve His grace, but it is offered through unconditional love. He reminded the gathering that the grace of God is greater than all sins and iniquities. The Reverend emphasized that the grace of God cannot be earned or received as a reward but is a free gift from Him. He also highlighted that the grace of God is equal for everyone and offers hope to the hopeless.
The Reverend further reminded the congregation that no one can be saved by their good deeds alone. He cautioned Christians not to misuse the grace of God by continuing to sin, as such actions have consequences. He challenged the local church members to embrace spiritual maturity as they celebrated 75 years of Christianity.
Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, Executive Secretary of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council, in his greetings, remarked that maturity in Christ does not depend on infrastructure development but on a deep relationship with God and others. He reiterated that salvation is a free gift from God and not achieved through good deeds. He expressed his wish and prayer for the church to receive God’s love and grace and to move forward in faith.
The program was led by Function Chairman Rev. S. Dapunii, Mission Secretary of PNBA, and recorded by Function Secretary D.S. Duzii. The opening prayer was said by Rev. N.L. Thaio, Director of LBCC and former pastor of LBC. A welcome note was delivered by Ng David Sha, the local pastor. Special songs were presented by the Jubilee Choir and Lakhamai Baptist Church members.
The introduction and presentation of gifts were led by Th. Paveio, Convenor of the Gift Committee. A commemorative souvenir was released by Rev. K. James Angam, Director of PNBA Circle No.1. The offertory prayer was said by Rev. H. David, President of PNBA and former pastor of LBC. The vote of thanks was delivered by L. Sipri Sha, Chairman of the Planning Committee. The congregation sang the theme song, “God’s Amazing Grace,” to close the program, followed by a closing prayer by Rev. Elias Poukai, Director of PBCC.
Earlier, the celebrations began with a flag hoisting and monolith unveiling by Rev. Dr. P. James, Executive Secretary of PNBA. The only surviving church pioneer, Kh. Ngaono Sha, hoisted the jubilee flag and led the congregation inside the church. After the worship service, the jubilee flag was de-hoisted by Kh. Ngaono.
The event was attended by hundreds of Baptist members from various churches under PNBA, including pastors, reverends, PNBA staff, workers from three circles, deacons, and leaders from the Baptist Women Fellowship (BWF) and Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF).
