Dimapur, September 18 (MExN): The NCRC Women Elder's Ministry, for the first time, held an all tribes NCRC women’s one day prayer and word retreat at Niathu Resort, Nousi Auditorium, Chumukedima on September 16.
A press release issued by Nini Sekhose, Co-Convenor, NCRC Women Elder's Ministry said that altogether 120 participants from 20 churches attended the retreat with Nini Sekhose, Anungla Aier, Temsurenla Moa and Dr. Nighatoli Kiho as the resource persons.
Nini Sekhose, pastor, Garden Mission CRC and Chairman, Little Star Hr Sec School, Dimapur spoke on the theme of the retreat, 'stepping into such a time as this.’ Taking the example of Jesus, She said that the headship of the man should be used to empower, just as Jesus used His headship to empower His Bride, he empowered her and made her glorious and radiant. “Leadership/Headship is given to empower, not to withhold,” she stated.
Anungla Aier, Ex President, Ao CRC Women's Association, and Lecturer, DIET, Mokokchung, spoke on the topic ‘in touch with the times.’ She said that with the advent of Christianity in Nagaland, old mindsets have to give place to the new. Laws and practices which were passed down verbally and which are detrimental to women, have to be reviewed.
Temsurenla Moa, Director, St. John's School and College, Dimapur, spoke on the duties and privileges of motherhood. She gave out several questions to the ladies and answered those questions herself very eloquently.
Dr. Nighatoli Kiho, Women Pastor, Sumi CRC, Kohima, spoke on 'women in church ministry", how it needs to be more inclusive. “Prejudices against women in traditional priesthood roles should be done away with as today we live in a time when every believer is a king and a priest before God in accordance with the original desire of God. There is no gender bar for this role. Denominational leaders should not hesitate in licencing and ordaining women in full time ministry. The existing gender bias on this issue should be removed. Bible verses should be used to open and not to close doors,” she affirmed.
The event was moderated by Lovily Vito Chishi, Dr. Pangersenla and Shiyetoli K. Awomi. Rev. Dr. Neikeduozo Paphino, President, NCRC opened the retreat with a morning devotion. Kaholi Piketo Achumi, Convenor, NCRC WEM gave the welcome address and also pronounced the vote of thanks at the closing service. Songs were presented from various churches.
Rev. Bulechu and Rev. Dr. Shiwoto attended the closing programme and said invocation and benediction respectively.
