Kohima: The Nepali Baptist Church Kohima (NBCK) launched its golden jubilee celebration on July 31. The event takes place at the church premises in Midland, Kohima. It runs through August 2 under the theme, "...and forget not all His benefits," taken from Psalm 103:2.
Rev Dr K Santabir Rai, Executive Secretary of the Association of Gorkha Baptist Churches Nagaland, dedicated the golden jubilee monolith to start the festivities. The morning also featured a jubilee procession and a lamp-lighting ceremony. Narayan Bahadur led the proceedings. Former Nagaland MP Khyomo Lotha delivered greetings to the assembly.
Gagan Thapa handled the invocation, while Nandu Kumar Thapa and Rekha Thapa led Bible readings. The Golden Jubilee Joint Committee performed the welcome song. John Thakuri introduced the jubilee souvenir, which Pastor Jack Thapa released. Dr Gopal Basnet Chetri managed the felicitation of guests. The Jubilee Choir and the Nepali Baptist Church, Sechü Zubza, provided special presentations. CB Gurung closed with the benediction.
Church growth remains the core focus. The congregation began with Late Jodhbir Hamal, the first convert in 1959. Members launched the first outreach on August 3, 1976. The church marks that date as its Foundation Day each year. With help from the Union Baptist Church, the group expanded despite early financial and social hurdles. The church reached 726 members by its 2001 Silver Jubilee. Today, the registry shows 1,656 baptized members.
Upcoming speakers include Rev Dr Mar Pongener, Rev Rajendra Malla, Rev Dr Rachulie Vihienuo, Visato Yhoshu, and Pastor Jack Thapa. A separate thanksgiving service is slated for September 13.
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