Eastern Bible College (EBC) kicked of its three-day (March 15 to 17) Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Buntain Chapel in the college premise in Bank Colony on Friday. In the morning session, the message was delivered by pastor of Ekhoyoyan Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. E. Nrio Ezung who spoke on ‘Echoing grace,’
Dwelling on the humble origins of Eastern Bible College, Rev. Ezung recalled the days when he and the founder, late Rev. Dr. TN Lotha spent time in fervent prayers seeking God’s guidance and provision in starting the college. He said late Rev. Dr. TN Lotha’s efforts were not in vain and he left behind a rich legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Rev. Ezung also acknowledged pioneers instrumental in establishing the college, mentioning that the college was able to observe 50 years of existence not by human efforts alone but by the grace of God. Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by principal of Assembly of God Higher Secondary School, David Ngullie. Alumni of the college, Rev. Dr. Hotokhu Zhimomi, secretary, mission and evangelism, SBAK; and pastor Chutilo Apon, mission coordinator, Indian Evangelical Mission Nagaland, also exhorted the congregation.
Other highlights of the programme included, invocation by secretary of Dimapur Lotha Prayer Warriors, Khonsao Ovung; responsive reading by pastor of Nagamese Baptist Church Kushiabill, Kamal Rai; choral presentations by Jubilee Choir and Dimapur Lotha Prayer Warriors; and offertory prayer by youth pastor of Kawato Baptist Church, Alokito H. Yeptho.
Before the commencement of the programme, jubilee opening prayer was pronounced by N Ngullie, president EBC, and blowing of shofar by Rev. Dr. Robert Singh of Jesus Loves Gospel Ministry. The morning session was led by pastor, Central Christian Revival Church Roing, Rev Imo Doye.
In the evening session, the speaker Rev. Dr. T. R Angami, presbyter of AG Angami section, spoke from Leviticus chapter 25 on the significance of jubilee celebrations commanded by God and with eternal significance.
Welcome address for the evening session was delivered by academic dean, EBC, Khyojano. Exhortations were also delivered by pastor of P. Vihoto Village Baptist Church, Dr P. Atoshe Yeptho, and senior pastor of Himachal Christia Sangati Church, Hee Goan, West Sikkim, John Lepcha. Jubilee greetings was also delivered by principal of Discipleship Bible College, Rev Dr. Wati.
Other highlights of the programme included invocation by founder president of Gospel for Children of Ishmael, Rev. Daniel Shayan; responsive reading by pastor of Angami Christian Revival Church Seiyhama, Kohima, Atuolie Sopfuno; choral presentations by Jubilee Choir and Discipleship Bible College; offertory prayer by librarian of EBC Ejing Sangma; acknowledgement; and benediction by pastor of Christian Revival Church Lenka, Yomrik. The evening session was led by executive secretary of Nagamese Baptist Churches Association, Rev Lumstuo Ezung. The praise and worship for both the sessions was led by pastor Thang dieh Lian.