Chakhesang Baptist Church Council's 75th anniversary celebration culminates with call for renewal of faith.
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DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council's (CBCC) 75th anniversary celebration culminated on December 12, calling for members to renew their commitments to God and to one another.
The culmination programme, held at CBCC Mission Centre, T Chikri Pfutsero on the theme ‘Renew, rejoice and reconnect,’ witnessed thousands of participants including representatives from 106 total churches under the council and beyond, an update stated.
Executive secretary of CBCC Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, in his address, noted that the gathering was made possible because of God's faithfulness and the sacrifices made by the pioneers. He added the gathering is to renew and reconnect ones relationship with God and with one other.
Former general secretary of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho and former CBCC executive secretary Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo were the main speakers for the occasion.
In his message, Rev. Keyho said the occasion is a history for the generations to come and appealed the gathering to reflect on God's blessings. As receivers of the gospel from outsiders, he said, the people must shoulder the responsibility of spreading the love of God and his faithfulness for the community to others.
The community must grow and progress in spreading the love of God and share the blessings with others, he said.
On a similar note, Rev. Vezopa underlined the need for reconnecting with God and with one another. He urged the gathering to renew the covenant with God and rejoice in the Lord.
In his greetings, president of NBCC Rev. Achu Chang maintained that celebrating 75 years is not just a sign of maturity but is a sign of becoming wiser and playing the role of advisor.
Highlighting on the NBCC's role towards the Naga people, he said the council's responsibility is to speak the moral conscience, Kingdom values and unite the Nagas.
Rev. Dr. Choi Hanzu, retired senior pastor, Purnsoop Presbyterian Church, South Korea, in his message, urged the people to carefully examine the present condition and fulfil God's given mission.
Convenor of planning committee Rev. Dr. Küzhopoyo Tunyi, while giving thanks to God for leading the CBCC through 75 years, remarked the occasion is to honour the labours of the pioneers and to renew commitment for the years ahead.
Earlier, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, president of CBCC, unveiled the 75th anniversary monolith while Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo dedicated the tabernacle.
Former executive secretary of CBCC Rev. Khrotso Mero released the 75th anniversary souvenir.
Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo, executive director of Angami Baptist Church Council, delivered greetings.
Rev. Tsolie Chase, senior pastor of Khonoma Baptist Church, pronounced the prayer of blessing. Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Akhukulu choir, Poumai Naga Baptist Association, anniversary choir and Baptist Theological College choir presented special songs.
According to the update, the idea of CBCC started back in 1948 when some of the community leaders namely, Sülüho, Vesalhü Keyho, Veinü Demo, Pulemu Phesao, Etshirü (Sare) Tsühah and Edisoi Rose initiated separation of Chakhesang Baptist Church Association from Kohima Field Centre, which was supported by Rev. Megosieso Savino. Along with his wife Janikhoü Savino, they then began ministry with young churches under CBCC in 1949.
However, it was in 1950 (Feb. 15) that the CBCC was officially inaugurated as a full-fledged association by Rev. FE Merill, the then general secretary of American Foreign Board Mission Society.