Longsa (Mokokchung), January 15 (MExN): Commemorating a hundred years of God’s faithfulness, the Longsa Baptist Church formally kicked off its centenary celebrations after being sanctified by the Executive Secretary of Ao Baptist Church Council (ABAM), Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger in the presence of thousands of Longsa citizens and guests.
The three day centenary celebration at Longsa village, which is one of the biggest villages in Mokokchung district, is being held on the theme, ‘Whetting the kingdom of light’.
According to a press release, Longsa Baptist Church which was established in the year 1916 started off with two believers from Longsa village – Repjenyuba and Sakusangba – who received the gospel and instituted the Baptist Christian faith in the village. Today, after a hundred years, there are no followers of the ancient religion and all the Longsa citizens are followers of the Christian faith, the release stated.
The ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger, who was the main speaker on the first night of the centennial celebration, said that celebrating jubilee is not a time for fame, but a time for receiving blessings from God and added that that jubilee is a time for brining transformation in one personal, family or social life.
In this regard, he urged that one’s lifestyle show a true Christian life, uphold and encourage each other and serve as an inspiration to others.
The ABAM Executive Secretary also unveiled the Centenary Monolith at the Longsa Baptist Church and offered a special prayer for God’s blessings.
Meanwhile, short speeches were delivered by pastor of Lirmen Baptist Church, Rev A Mar; pastor Changki Baptist Church Rev Imna Tzudir and the Chairman of Chungliyimti Village Council.
The Longsa Baptist Church Youth Department opened the centenary celebration in a grand manner through an elaborate play and music that traced the early history of the Longsa Baptist Church from the past till the present.
The Associate Pastor of LBC, C Imna Jamir led the congregation in paying rich tribute to the pioneers of the church and also departed souls of the village who have contributed towards the growth of the church and who could not attend the centenary celebration.
Besides, the ABAM Executive Secretary, the main speakers for the centenary celebration programmes are Tsuknung (Founder, Servanthood Bible College, Dimapur); Rev Dr Alemrenba (Pastor, Delhi Ao Baptist Church); Rev Dr Peter Jamir (Missionary); L Mapula Longkumer; K Supongchiten (Pastor, Longsa Baptist Church); Temjensangla (NCS SDO (C)); Dr Awala Temshi (Admn, Straightway Christian Mission Centre). The grand centenary celebrations will conclude on Sunday, January 17.
