Merenkumla
October 21
DIMAPUR (MExN): Eight years of determination, hard work and prayers have finally paid off today. The Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) held its new Church building dedication program amidst thousands of believers swarming the Church to witness one of the greatest events of Christian endeavor in Nagaland. The newly constructed church expected to be the largest in India and one of the two largest in Southeast Asia was formally inaugurated and dedicated at 1 pm today. Around 300 delegates and representatives from different places and communities, dignitaries and about ten thousand believers graced the occasion. The dedication prayer was offered by Rev. O. Alem, Executive Secretary ABAM, Impur.
Rev. Tzudir, Pastor Daba welcomed the congregation and expressed gratitude to the building committee, individuals, groups, families and churches for their contribution. He said that the church was a living testimony which had manifested God’s love in a stronger and more faithful way. While speaking on the occasion, Rev. Zhabu Terhuja, General Secretary NBCC expressed that through the church, the aesthetic beauty of all the Churches had been magnified. He also said that now the Nagas can proudly give evidence to their testimony through the Church. “May this be the place where God’s people gather to confess, find forgiveness, find consultation and forsake their sins”, encouraged the Reverend. The service message was delivered by Rev. O. Alem. Special items were presented by Dimapur and Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo choirs and Dimapur Ao Baptist Youth. The program was chaired by I. Wati, Associate Pastor, DABA. Earlier, the invocation prayer was offered by Rev. Luin Pastor, MTBA while Rev. R.P Murry, Pastor LBCD offered the benediction prayer.
It may be mentioned an estimated Rs 5.19 Crores was spend for the completion of the Church and is estimated to have a seating capacity of around 5,500 or more, with all rooms occupied. A building committee of nine members was constituted to oversee the work. Due to the workload, they were later increased to 15. The original design of the church was created by Principal Architect, K. Kent Rengma. The church has four floors and a bell tower giving it a height of around 8 storeys. It also has a library, a strong-room, two counseling and prayer rooms, two conference rooms and offices besides a reception hall outside, drinking water facilities and 8 washrooms. The Church’s motto is “Occupy till I come”.
