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The pastor of Ao Baptist Church of Diphupar N Lipok Jamir (R) and Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, executive secretary of ABAM (L) releasing the golden jubilee’s souvenir. (EM Images)[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan.6 (EMN): The Ao Baptist Church of Diphupar (ABCD) began celebrating its golden year of existence at the church in Diphupar on Jan 6. The jubilee was based on the theme ‘Nenok Teka Tazung Moatsu’ based on the Bible passage Exodus 3:21: “When ye go, ye shall not go empty.”
According to records, it was on Feb. 2 1968 that the church was inaugurated by Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo Church’s pastor Bendangwati Mongchen. The first settlers from the Ao community were all said to be believers in Diphupar.
The first members of the church in unity formed a worship place within five years of their settlement. Since then worship began said pastor N Lipok Jamir in his message in the souvenir that was also released to mark the programme.
From organising Christmas and New Year programmes together for five years, the decision to build a church was conceived.
It is said that the first members were just 17. As the years progressed so did the number of members. During its silver jubilee, altogether 256 families were on record. Today, the ABCD has more than 725 families. It is believed that the offerings collected annually during the initial years amounted to just INR five to INR six.
According to the records of the youth ministry of the church, the number of young people in the ministry is more than 693 (335 students and 219 who hold jobs)
Many church leaders are said to have come through the church. Till the time before its silver jubilee celebrations in the village, no theologian was said to have emerged from Diphupar. But after the 25th year, the number grew and still growing with many serving in different churches and colleges within and outside the state, Jamir said.
A former pastor of ABCD, Rev. P Anung, while remembering his tenure at the church welcomed everyone and acknowledged the different tribal churches that attended including a Pentecostal church and two catholic churches. There was also a medical team ready for emergencies that may occur during the jubilee.
The second day will have retired Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir and former principal of OTS Dr Wati Aier who will be speaking at the ongoing golden jubilee celebrations on Jan. 7 at the Ao Baptist Church at Diphupar.
The ABCD’s youth ministry also has a biannual magazine called The Leader.
