Kikheto harps on Christian ‘qualification’

 DIMAPUR, APR 23: Addressing the 13th graduation ceremony of New Life Bible College, Dimapur on Saturday, additional secretary to the government of Nagaland finance department, Kikheto Y. Sema laid emphasis on the qualifications of a Christian saying the common principles which many think qualifies them to be a Christian, were also followed by non-Christians and therefore urged true believers to accomplish more. “You cannot claim yourself to be Christian because you don’t drink liquor, smoke, chew tobacco or take other intoxicants … this is not the only qualification to be a Christian,” Kikheto said.  He pointed out that people practicing other religion also abstain themselves from such intoxicants and so it was not enough to call oneself a Christian by keeping away from those activities.  Kikheto told the graduating students that they needed to have a testimony so that people could learn from them.  “When you go as a missionary, you should enable other people to see Christ through you”, Kikheto encouraged the students and urged them to be living examples to others.  According to the chief guest, theology students besides spreading the message of salvation, should also spread the message of dignity of labour, enlighten people on the socio-economics, peace and love etc. He also appealed the believers not to focus on denomination as they all served one God.  “When there is a conflict among the Churches, we fail to understand whether we have many Jesus/God,” he said. Directing his speech towards the parents and relatives gathered to witness the graduation of their wards, Kikheto asked them to hold their children in strong prayers.  He said a prayer was like depositing money in a fixed account, the seeds of which would bear fruits in the future. Auxiliary secretary BSI, Dimapur, Rev Dr. Z.K. Rochil who delivered the convocation address extracted a verse from the book of John 21 and encouraged the graduating students to bring back lost souls into the vineyard of the Lord.  He said one needed to risk life if they were to serve the Lord while also stressing on the importance of an impeccable moral life. As the students prepare to serve the Lord in various capacities such as missionaries, pastors, women leaders and even pursue further studies, Rev. Dr. Rochill asked them to be prepared to take care of the sheep (believers).  DABA senior Pastor, Rev N. Tzudir commissioned the prayer for the graduating class. NLBC principal, Pusuinla and academic dean Zach Murry conferred the degrees to a total of 71 students – 29 from M. Div II year and 42 from B. Th IV year. The awards were given away by the chief guest, NLBC board advisor and Editor, Nagaland Post Geoffrey Yaden, and Deepika, wife of Hukato Naga and other invitees present. Geoffrey Yaden delivered the vote of thanks and NLBC director, Rev Dr. Xashepu Wotsa said the benediction.