Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) celebrated its 25th anniversary with various activities including, alumni get-together, anniversary gala celebration and thanksgiving worship which were held at the seminary’s campus at Bade village, Dimapur, Friday.
Speaking on the theme of the yearlong celebration, “Sowing, Nurturing, Flourishing,” during the thanksgiving worship, NBCC general secretary-Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho said when seeds were sown, a harvest was expected, likewise, when the seeds for OTS was sown 25 years ago, the result that was expected out of the seminary was exactly what OTS was today.
He added that what lay ahead of OTS beyond 25 years was confined within the nurturing of the seminary.
He said those people who wanted to nurture other people should first develop a vertical personal relationship with the God resulting in a daily life changing experience which should later be used in a horizontal relationship which was to nurture the seed that God had entrusted them with.
Rev Keyho said, “Only those people who go through the personal relationship experience will become a nurturer.”
One must not forget their theology, but a person’s ability to critically analyze and to do abstract thinking must not supersede their personal relational experience with God, Rev Keyho said.
He added that without God there was no spiritual healing or experience which should make a person understand that God was greater and that human beings should be humble.
Rev Keyho further said, in the ministry of nurturing people wanted to experience the integrity of teachers who believe in what they teach, and pastors who practice what they teach. People look up to persons who act on their convictions and live their live of faith, compassion and care. “We are called to incarnate the gospel and not simply teach or learn with our head, as an intellectual community we must also equally exhibit a greater aspect and competence of a redeemed community,” he added.
He said, all these things can be done only through the word of God.
Earlier during the day, a foundation stone for Baptist Research Centre was laid.
The thanksgiving worship was led by English and Communication professor-Alongla Aier, OTS board of governors chair-Rev Vilodi Sakhrie offered the prayer of thanksgiving while OTS principal and Constructive Theology & Philosophy professor-Rev Dr Wati Aier, gave a brief highlight on the future plans and objectives of the seminary. The programme was adorned with songs by Bade Baptist Church youth, Alumni Choir and Seminary Choir.