The two-day, Western Sümi Baptist Churches Association (WSBAK) platinum jubilee celebration concluded at WSBAK Mission Centre Aküvüto, Thahekhü on Sunday.
The speaker of the final session was Dimapur Sümi Baptist Church senior pastor, Rev. S. Vitoshe Swu.
Rev. Swu lamented that the Western Sümi though blessed with rich resources have failed to wisely utilise and also failed to give back to God His share. “Not acknowledging God is ignorant” he added. Reflecting on the theme “Ebenezer” he said that God has brought the Western Sümi this far not because of their merit but because of His unconditional love. He therefore encouraged the congregation to forgive the past misgivings and embark on a new journey.
MP Lok Sabha, Tokheho Yepthomi greeted the gathering and asserted that God has a plan for everyone therefore one should fulfill the purpose of one’s life. He encouraged the people to live godly lives.
Earlier, the morning session commenced with Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema, ES, WSBAK dedicating the jubilee monolith while Azheto Zhimomi, MLA released the jubilee commemorative magazine and exhorted the gathering. Zhimomi challenged the church leaders to work for unity.
Rev. Dr. Hevukhu Achumi, Sr. Pastor, Thilixü Baptist Church shared on the topic “Ebenezer: Stone of help”.
On day one, the inauguration of WSBAK Mission Centre gate and the jubilee gospel concert cum cultural programme was concluded.
A press release by WSBAK media cell informed that the Er. Picto Shohe, MLA, inaugurated the Mission Centre gate and also exhorted the gathering. Citing the story of Abraham in the Bible as a man of faith, Picto encouraged the people to have faith that can shake God.
Delivering jubilee greetings, advisor, department of power, Tovihoto Ayemi acknowledged the pioneers who toiled and brought WSBAK thus far.
The inaugural programme witnessed 26 performances which include western music and Sümi folk items.
The two-day event was attended by more than 6000 people. Apart from 179 churches under WSBAK, representatives from CBCNEI, NBCC, Chakhroma Baptist Church Council Choir, Zeme Baptist Church Council, NCRC Sümi, and Baptist churches associations from Arunachal Pradesh also attended the jubilee celebration.