United College of Theology and Missions 27th Convocation Ceremony concudted

Morung Express News 
Chümoukedima | April 20 

The 27th Convocation ceremony of United College of Theology and Missions was held at Sovima Baptist Church, Chümoukedima on April 20 with Rev I Wati Pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) attending as the speaker of the event. 

The graduating class of 2024 had a total of 47 theology students who received various degree and diploma certificates such as Master of Theology in Mission, Master of Arts in Mission, Master of Divinity, Bachelor of Theology and Diploma in Mission Studies.

Rev I Wati in his address to the congregation stated that today was a special occasion meant to celebrate the accomplishments of the students. “We are all proud and excited for the sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters for what they have achieved,” he said. 

The programme was attended by the parents, family members and friends of the graduates as well. 

Quoting scripture from the Bible, he shared from the Book of John 12:26 in which it states, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”   

Keeping this in mind, he reminded the students to always put God first in their work and missions as they set forth unto to the world. “As we begin to serve Christ we must follow Him.”

At the same time, he viewed it necessary to evaluate where we are going in our journey at this crucial juncture.

Based on the scriptures he posed three questions. Firstly, whom are we serving” he asked. Unless, one knows this fundamental question, he said that their mission will not prosper nor will their ministry be a blessing for the people. 

We may have come from different backgrounds, but we all have a calling from God. The calling on each of our mind is to serve Jesus Christ, he said. 

“Some of you may be serving in the church ministry in different capacities, in schools, prisons, hospitals, missionaries or working with the homeless. Your ministry may be different because God created each of us differently, and has given us different responsibilities based on our talents and gifts,” he mentioned. 

The second question he put forth is, “Whom are we following?” When Christ walked on earth, he told the people to follow him from all walks of life, he shared. To this end, he said “As we begin to serve Christ we must follow Him and His teachings.”

The third and final question he said was, “Whom are we seeking honour from?” At times, people tend to seek honour from others and the society. However, he said if you obey, serve and follow Christ, he will honour you.  

As you begin your ministry you will come across different cultures. You are being sent out to serve Christ so serve him alone. If His presence is with you and your ministry you will be honoured by God Himself, he said.

President of UCTM, Rev Dr Phuveyi Dozo in his welcome address reported that UCTM began in 1992 on the foundation of the Great Commission biblically, passion for the unreached peoples objectively, subjectively driven by the Holy Spirit revival, and historically by the challenge of Ten Thousand Nagaland Covenant.

“With recognition from the Department of Higher Education Nagaland, the College has been accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA),” he said. Furthermore, the College has affiliation with the Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, for MA and MTh degree studies. The curriculums are designed to prepare men and women for church ministry and effective cross-cultural missions, he stated. 

During the ceremony, several of the students were also bestowed with individual awards. These include, Manpong Konyak who received the D Haralu award, Esther Tamang for Principal’s Award, Stydent of the year award to Lampang Wangsu, Best preacher of the year 2024, Visatuo Terhase Angmai (bachelors) and Esther Tamang (masters); and Iron Will Award to Sheiching Konyak. 

Earlier, Doris from UCTM Ministry Partner, Singapore shared the greetings while Rev Dr Rabi Pame, Director, Blessing Ministry shared Scripture reading and prayer Choral.