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Graduates and faculty of Academy for Theology and Mission along with the guest speaker during the graduation day ceremony on April 10.[/caption]
Dimapur, April 28 (EMN): Academy for Theology and Mission (ATM) conducted its 2nd graduation ceremony and commissioning service on April 10 at Thilixu Block II Fellowship Church, Dimapur, on the theme “Witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
Speaking on the occasion, NBCC general secretary and guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, challenged the graduates saying, “Life is going to be tough and hectic but it is our mentoring spiritual relationship that will take us beyond to areas that we never imagined or thought about.” He also said that the graduation event or convocation is not the end but it is a commencement to new beginning in ministry.
He emphasised that in ministry, people are more interested in their lives, how they conduct ourselves as God’s chosen one, how they communicate the love of God in grace and in life, how they incarnate the Gospel in life and how they interpret the Bible through personal life so that it overflows into the lives of other peoples.
He urged the graduates that theological education should enable them to carry the crucified Lord, not only when they feel good, when things are going right but they must carry the crucified Lord in their life daily. The speaker also reminded the graduates that they are going to be taking a pilgrimage from the day that they march out- a pilgrimage into the ministry.
He further urged the graduates to be honest in the ministry and conclude his speech by offering a commissioning prayer for the graduates.
During the academic year 2018-19, 15 students have graduated from ATM in different academic programmes. Five students received Master of Divinity and eight received Bachelor of Theology degrees and two students received Diploma in Theology.
The welcome address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, founder of ATM. Alika Kinimi, lecturer chaired the programme, while the invocation prayer was offered by Tovikhu Tukha, pastor of Thilixu Village Baptist Church.
Lecturer Herato V Zhimo and Khailupei Raomai read the Scriptures from Old Testament and New Testament respectively.
A valedictory speech on behalf of the graduates was delivered by Khekali Yeptho (M.Div.) and Hukheli Zhimo (B.Th.) degrees. Awards were conferred by Shitovi Sema, college’s vice principal, and Kansinlung Kamei, academic dean. The awards were given away to the students by Nikhevi, chairman of Thilixu village council.
The vote of thanks was delivered by lecturer Esther Yeptho and the benediction was pronounced by lecturer Vito K Chishi.
