Kohima, July 27 (MExN): The Sumi Baptist Church Kohima (SBCK) on Sunday celebrated the Pre-Centenary Jubilee of its Christian Education Department, a milestone event dedicated to honouring the spiritual formation of children and youths through decades of Christian teaching.
The jubilee programme began with a morning service graced by Rev. Dr. Kiyeto Sema, Senior Pastor of Sumi Aphuyeni Baptist Church Kohima, who served as the speaker. In his address, Rev. Dr. Sema emphasised the importance of nurturing children through Christian education, citing Isaiah 55:11 to underscore that the teachings imparted in Sunday schools have a lasting and transformative impact on individuals and society.
He urged the congregation to prioritise children's ministry and encouraged youth, elders, and parents to come forward and serve as Sunday school teachers. “Children are the future leaders of society and will shape its spiritual and social fabric,” he said. He concluded his message by expressing hope and prayers that the jubilee would “continue to bring blessings, renewal, and spiritual growth to the congregation.”
Chairman of the Centenary Planning Board, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, said the jubilee of the Christian Education Department had not been celebrated in the past, and as such, the church had included the Pre-Centenary celebration in its centenary calendar “to honour the past legacy and acknowledge the pioneers and present Sunday school teachers.”
He highlighted the pioneering service of Luveto Shohe, who served as the first Sunday school supervisor from 1981 to 1989, and expressed appreciation for his contributions along with those of other pioneers who served under SBCK. He further informed that the Christian Education Department was formally established in 2012 under SBCK with Dr. L. Botoholi Yeptho serving as the Associate Pastor.
Speaking about the current leadership, he said, “During the current year Associate Pastor Piokali Sema's tenure from 2001 to date, the church has worked towards the Pre-Centenary Celebration of the Christian Education Department under SBCK.”
Greeting messages were delivered by Lukheto Yeptho, Chairman of the Board of Deacons and a former Sunday school supervisor.
Certificates were distributed to Sunday school pioneers and current teachers as part of the celebration. The programme was chaired by Associate Pastor Piokali Sema of the Christian Education Department. Highlights included a special melody presentation by former Sunday school teachers and a performance by the Family Music Band.
In the evening session, Dr. L. Botoholi Yeptho, Associate Pastor (General), SBCK, delivered a powerful message, rounding off the day’s events with a spiritual reflection.
The jubilee was organised under the aegis of the SBCK Centenary Jubilee Planning Board and the Christian Education Department.
