Role of churches and its associations stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, December 10 2021:
PHE minister Losii Dik-ho and Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Kipgen attended the Golden Jubilee celebration of Thadou Baptist Association, India on Friday.
Established in 1971, Thadou Baptist Association India is celebrating its Golden Jubilee under the theme, "Jesus Christ the Sole Foundation", since December 9 at Motbung Model village, Kangpokpi district.
Rev Prof Akheto Sema, general secretary Council of Baptist Churches North East India (CBCNEI), unveiled the monolith erected to commemorate TBA-I's 50th year of existence, before it was dedicated by Rev Letkholal Kipgen, executive Secretary TBA-I in the morning session.
Releasing of balloons, sounding trumpets and beating of the traditional gong "Dahpi" 50 times marked the morning session.
A TBA documentary video was screened after the introduction and welcome address by Rev Dr V Sitlhou, president TBA-I before an exhortation message from Rev Dr SL Benjamin Chan, director BIM, South East Asia and India.
Minister Losii Dikho released the Golden Jubilee souvenir, which was dedicated by Rev Hekai Simte, secretary CED.
In his greeting message, Losii Dikho conveyed warm greetings from the government and expressed gratitude to all the Churches of the state for their huge contribution and role during the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
"We always look forward to the Churches when we have problems," he said and added that the Churches also always stood for us.
He said that the Christians are so privileged to represent our Lord Jesus Christ in this huge country, India, while exhorting the people to continue to be brothers and sisters and one people in the name of God.
MLA Nemcha Kipgen said that with a firm commitment the Church and the Association have been following the footstep of Jesus Christ till today.
"Challenges and obstacles are part of life but I truly believe that it is the Associations and Churches that have the utmost potential to transform the society", she added.
Rev Prof Akheto Sema, general secretary CBCNEI, informed that there are 112 Associations under CBCNEI and 8376 Churches with more than 15 lakh members.
It has six conventions, five associated members and has international and national partnerships, he added.
Jubilee dance participated by all the dignitaries and guests was one of the highlights of the celebration.
Earlier, during the torch march programme, Pastor Kaikhothang Singsit, secretary Jubilee Committee, highlighted a brief history of TBA while Rev Thanga Singson, vice president TBAI hoisted the flag and Rev K Hangshing, chairman Ordination Committee TBAI, dedicated the Jubilee hall.
Rev L Kipgen, executive secretary TBAI, led a condolence service before he dedicated 'Niseh Lhagao Ann' booklet.
Rev Prof Akheto Sema, general secretary CBCNEI, Rev Dr Yiepet-so Wezah, auxiliary secretary Bible Society of India, Dimapur, Rev K Losii Mao, general secretary Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, president TBAI, Rev Let-kholal Kipgen, executive secretary TBAI and Nengnou Simte, secretary Women Department TBAI will be the main speakers of the Golden Jubilee celebration which will culminate on December 13.Releasing of TBA history, introduction of missionaries and evangelists, brief history TBA women department, offering for Olmundailim (senior citizen home), brief history of TBAFY and flag de-hoisting will be the main highlights of the event.
Jubilee Choir, Hallelujah Choir, Golden Choir Keithelmanbi, Motbung Area Choir, Twilang Area Choir, Jiribam Area Choir, Twipajang Area Choir, Keithelmanbi Area Choir, K Geljang Area Choir, Praise and Worship Team Motbung Baptist Church, the Jubi-lants, Motbung, Molhoi Choir Boys, The Heaven Bell's Keithelmanbi, etc., enthralled the congregation.
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