Rev Kughato Chophi, ES, SBAK Nito Mount unveiling the Centennial Jubilee Monolith.
Zunheboto, April 8 (MExN): The people of Awotsakili under Zunheboto district celebrated Christianity Centenary under the theme ‘Proclaiming God’s mighty work’ on April 6 and 7.
Nikhui Achumi, Pastor, Diphupar Sümi Baptist Church, Rev Kughato Chophi, ES, SBAK Nito Mount and Dr Tokivi Katty, Associate Professor, Manipur Theological College were the speakers at the celebration. The speakers in unison encouraged the congregation to be a testament to God’s mighty works upon their lives by living and displaying the traits of spiritually matured person, stated a press release received here.
A monolith to commemorate the Centennial Jubilee was unveiled and dedicated by Rev Kughato K Chophi, ES, SBAK Nito Mount and Khezheto Achumi, Pastor, Sümi Baptist Church Diphupar B released the Centenary Commemorative Magazine. Rev Dr Daniel Chishi, ES, SBAK Aizuto also attended the celebration on Sunday morning.
Inashe Achumi, Akükatou extended welcome address while Tokugha P Achumi, Additional Director, Industries and Commerce, Shikaho P Yeptho, General Manager, Nagaland State Transport, and Dr Vikato Kinimi, Retired Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare conveyed the message of exuberance. Convenor, Centennial Jubilee Planning Board, Kughaho Achumi expressed gratitude to those who contributed towards the conduct of the Jubilee.
‘Convergence of Faith and Heritage’
One of the highlights of the Celebration was the display of century old ornaments and artefacts from Awotsakili and the exhibition of old photos pertaining to Awotsakili village collected from abroad under the sub-theme ‘Convergence of Faith and Heritage’.
The exhibition organisers were of the view that ‘100 years of Christianity can be manifested only through one’s faith which is an intangible aspect of a Christian Believer. In order to manifest the value of a faith that is 100 years old, one can compare it to the tangible cultural heritage, the release stated.
“For a tribal believer, there is two aspect of one’s identity – cultural identity and religious identity and manifesting a balance in these two gives the tribal people such as Sümi their complete identity,’” it added. The organisers also made the mention that “Yimnasüshi of Ungma village came to Awotsakili village in 1919 and proselytised Yezukhe Achumi who was baptised along with 9 other converts from Awotsakili in 1924 by Evangelist Suluho Keyho of Chozuba village. The people of Awotsakili in 1973 decided to institute the year of first baptism, i.e. ‘1924’ as the year of establishment of the Awotsakilimi Baptist Church. Subsequently, the Awotsakilimi Baptist Church has been commemorating their Jubilee years based on this decision.”
