12th graduation exercises of Withee Bible College, Darogajan, Dimapur was celebrated on April 17 at the college campus.
During the celebration, graduation speaker asst. regional secretary, Asia Theological Association (India), Rev. J. Uday Kumar urged the graduating students to hold on and preach the true gospel rather than the cultural or traditional gospel to suit its congregation. He spoke of the need for theologians to “go out” and reach the unreached with the gospel. In his speech, Rev. Uday also pointed out that Nagaland sends few missionaries despite being a Christian state with maximum Christians, theological colleges and theological graduates (every year). Recipients of the academic excellence awards during the function were: Yekatoli Chishi, Bachelor of Theology class; Mughabeli Chishi Tungoe, Master of Divinity class, and Kisheli H. Sumi, Master of Theology class.
The best discipline award was received by Vilika Sumi, Bachelor of Theology. Chapel attendance and devotion attendance awards were received by Holivi Awomi, Master of Missiology and Lika Aye, Master of Divinity respectively. The best preaching awards were received by Pau Sian Khang Mung, Bachelor of Theology class and H. Chimkila Yimchunger among the Master of Missiology and Master of Divinity Class.
Earlier in the program, founder and principal, Withee Bible College, Rev. Dr. Vikheshe Chishi delivered the welcome speech. The valedictory speech was given by M. Div, Mughabeli Chishi Tungoe.
Board chairman, Withee Bible College and E.S. NPBCA, Rev. Dr. H. Zhimomi gave the commissioning prayer. Lecturer, Withee Bible College Ajongla Ao rendered the Felicitation and Pastor, Tangkhul Baptist Church, Darogajan, Rev. Judson Rungsung pronounced the benediction.
Altogether 29 students graduated during the graduation exercise: 2 in Diploma in Theology, 17 in Bachelor of Theology, 7 in Master of Missiology, and 3 in Master of Divinity.