The EBC Jubilee Choir performs a special number during the jubilee service at Buntain Chapel Hall in the college premises located in Bank colony, Dimapur on March 17. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 17
The three-day long Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Eastern Bible College (EBC) concluded here with a jubilee service at the Buntain Chapel Hall, college premises in Bank Colony, Dimapur on March 17.
The college founded in the year 1974 was established by Rev TN Lotha and his wife, Nchumpeni Ngullie and had been envisioned to train “born-again Christian workers to preach the Gospel of God’s Kingdom in all the world.”
In its initial stage, Dr Lotha began EBC in a rented house, belonging to one, D Haralu in Burma Camp. The current land on which the college was set up was acquired in the year 1978 following which the college ministry was shifted soon after.
EBC received government recognition from the State Department of Higher Education, Nagaland in the year 1993 and had also been accredited from the Asia Theological Association in 1995 as well.
Leading the service, Rev Dr TN Lotha Junior, Principal of EBC shared to the congregation of the need to keep ‘praying for college ministry,’ so that they continue to progress further in their journey. As it was a time of celebrating 50 years of existence, he also shared the importance of the ‘jubilee blessing’ and top continue to pray for one another. Moreover, he stressed for continued support for its ministry as, “We are living in a perilous time, persecution is growing and hardship is growing.”
Delivering the main message of the programme, Dr Anil V Satralkar recalled his time with EBC which has come a long way from 50 years ago. He said that “life is a relay race of partnership and consistency,” and that the college’s responsibility has been responsibly passed from the founders to the current leadership. “You are continuing the ministry of the apostles,” he said.
Delving into his sermon, he spoke of the three Ps that needs to be kept in mind by each of the congregation. Partnership, pacing and pressing on. Also he mentioned of the four Rs which were, “Read Christ’s teaching more than any other teaching. Reflect on Christ’s saying ‘you are the light of the world’ and so demonstrate, love, kindness and integrity which are the reflections of Jesus in our ministry.”
“Restore Christ like ministry. We need to go beyond the teachings of the gospel through reaching out to the people through physical outreach programmes,” he said.
Lastly, “Retell the story of Jesus Christ. At times, people tell their own personal stories and achievements instead of Christ’s gospel,” he noted.
During the programme, Rev Lotha Junior announced the launch of BA and MA Programmes in inter disciplinary studies of EBC. This would held equip the theological students with the much needed skills and information needed when going out for their ministry work, post-studies.
Responsive reading was delivered by Pastor Khonzan Humtsoe, Associate Pastor of Pongidong Baptist Church while offering prayer was given by Pastor Kughavi of Koiboto Baptist Church. A special number was also performed by the EBC Jubilee Choir.
Earlier in the day, the unveiling of the jubilee monolith was held in the presence of EBC Principal which had been dedicated by OCK family from Wokha town. Also a new jubilee building was dedicated by Rev Dr E Nrio Ezung as well.
.jpg)
