Viku L Achumi, IPS, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karimganj District, Assam, addresses the gathering at the 65th SBAK Youth Conference. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | December 14
The 65th Youth Conference of the Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Küqhakulu (SBAK) Nito Mount concluded on December 14 at Zhekiye Village, Zunheboto, hosted by Zhekiye Baptist Church.
Viku L Achumi, IPS, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karimganj District, Assam, delivered a word of encouragement to the youths, sharing insights from his personal journey and professional experience.
Reflecting on his early life, Achumi said that he left his home and native place at a young age to pursue his studies, reminding the students that God is always watching over them even though one may not always be able to stay with their parents.
Emphasized that parents carry a great responsibility in nurturing their children, he stressed that “education is the greatest gift parents can pass on to their children.”
Encouraging students to keep God at the center of their lives, Achumi said that placing God first would lead to prosperity, urging students to develop a clear vision and set goals while they are still young.
Sharing his own struggles, he revealed that he attempted the UPSC examination four times and succeeded on his fifth attempt. “God never failed me and never abandoned me,” he said while urging students not to lose hope.
He asserted that there are no excuses for failure and that success has no alternative than hard work. Describing himself as an average to above-average student, he reminded the audience that “perseverance matters more than brilliance.”
Referring to employment statistics, he maintained that the Labour Force Survey shows Nagaland with one of the highest unemployment rates. He encouraged students to explore multiple career opportunities, including examinations such as the SSC.
Rev Paoneikhup Serto, Mission Secretary of the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India (CBCNEI) observed that modern society increasingly measures success by salary packages rather than character, values, or testimony. “We are living in a generation where success is everything,” he said, adding that shortcuts are often justified as long as the desired outcome is achieved.
He identified three categories of youth within the church today, beginning with those who waste time. He referred to this as the “FOMO generation”—the Fear Of Missing Out—which often leads young people to lose focus and direction.
Quoting the late evangelist Billy Graham, Rev Serto asserted that when asked what he would do differently if given another chance in life; Serto stated “I would pray more.”
Rev Serto highlighted key statistics and concerns of the CBCNEI. He informed that the council has a Baptist membership of approximately 17 lakh, comprising 1,035 associate bodies, six conventions, and five sub-conventions. He also stated that there are 15 recognized theological institutes under the CBCNEI.
Concluding his address, Rev Serto remarked, “We are dealing with Gen Z and Gen Why,” underscoring the urgent need for the church to engage thoughtfully and truthfully with a questioning generation.
Earlier in the programme, Vini A Yeptho, APY Surunuto Town Baptist Church chaired the programme with invocation pronounced by Ahoyi Awomi, Youth Evangelist NSBAK. Special song was presented by Vinokili Assumi, Music Lecture NTC and Satakha Town Baptist Church while the benediction was pronounced by Julika H Yeptho, APY Satami Baptist Church.
