Mopungchuket Baptist Church celebrated its quasquicentennial, marking 125 years of faith, service, and community.
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DIMAPUR — Mopungchuket Baptist Church, Mokokchung, celebrated its quasquicentennial on December 27 and the 28th, marking a remarkable 125 years of faith, service, and community.
The theme ‘Khrista Ajanga Yimjung,’ which translates to ‘Peace through Christ,’ reflected the church's commitment to spreading the message of peace and love, an update stated.
On December 27, the quasquicentennial celebration commenced with unveiling of a monolith by Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Emeritus Professor of Constructive Theology & Philosophy at Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), and Convenor of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
Speakers of the two-day celebration are Rev. Temsü Jamir; Dr. Sashinungla Pongen; and Rev. Dr A Tali Ao, Academic Dean of CTC Alichen.
The first night's worship service included jubilee openings, jubilee greetings, challenges and presentation of songs by different choirs.
Dr. Sashinungla Pongen, Associate Professor at OTS, in her sermon titled ‘Khrista den küm 125’ (125 years with Christ), reminded the jubilarians to remember God's covenant.
Dr. Pongen added that Christ was inviting people into a renewed covenant relationship with God and posed a question as to whether, after 125 years, people would consistently walk with God. The speaker centred her sermon on Jeremiah.
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The day-two celebration was marked by challenges, jubilee greetings, felicitation and message from the theme speaker Rev. Temsü Jamir, executive secretary of ABAM, Impur, who spoke on ‘Khrista ajanga yimjung’ (Peace through Christ).
Rev. Jamir stated that jubilee is not planned by humans, it happens on God's designated time, according to His purpose, designated by Him; and therefore jubilee is a gift of God.
He also reminded that jubilee is not a worldly activity but a time of self reflection with God. “Jubilee is a time of forgiveness and giving, it is a time to liberate, to free someone of their debts,” he added.
He urged the jubilarians to serve God and be more active in God's mission, focusing on work with widows, children, and persons with disabilities, as well as sensitising people on mental health issues.
The vision after a jubilee should be to be armed by God's strength and to proclaim the message of liberty, Rev. Jamir concluded.
During the second session, some individuals were honoured for their selfless and exemplary service, and for inspiring others through their life's work.
Three categories of awards were presented. The first category recognised individuals for their unique services to humanity, living a life of dedication.
The awardees are Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, and T Ajungla Jamir, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.
The second category was for pastors who have served 25 years each in Mopungchuket Baptist Arogo. The awardees are Rev. Supong Aier (1951-1976), Rev. Subo Jamir (1976-2000), and Rev. Jongpong (2000-2025).
The third category of felicitation was presented in honour of the pastors who have served since 1900. The list includes Charles Zellie (1908-1910), Lolentsüngba (1911-1912 and 1915-1924), Lendipong (1913-1914), Kümsangkokba (1925-1930), Temrepchiba (1931-37), Noktsüngba (1948-1950), Rev. Subong Aier (1938-47 and 1951-1976), Rev. Subo Jamir (1976-2000), and Sobulepden (1982-1984).
Pastors from Kubolong, Süngratsü,, Aosüngküm, Impur , Aoyimküm, khar ,Longjang, Chami, Longpa and Longjang compound also delivered jubilee greetings on behalf of the churches they represented.
The speaker for the last service was Rev. Dr. A Tali Ao, Academic Dean at CTC Aolijen, on the theme, ‘Nenok kü kulitem,’ (You are my witnesses.)
“The quasquicentennial celebration is a testament to the church's enduring legacy and its commitment to spreading the message of peace through Christ,” the update added.