Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Poumai Baptist Church in Chümoukedima marked Cultural Sunday this past weekend. The event centered on the theme, Save Culture, Save Heritage. The congregation looked to Deuteronomy 32:7 to ground their mission of protecting their identity against the modern tide of globalization.
Rev. Dr. P. James delivered the keynote address to the congregation. He rejected the idea that the Gospel stands against tradition. He argued that God created unique cultures for every people group. "A people without culture is a lost people," the pastor stated. He noted that while believers should keep the positive parts of their heritage, they must denounce negative customs. He pointed to Matthew 5:17 and 1 Corinthians 9:20 as proof that faith can exist within local traditions.
The service featured a wide variety of performances. Sunday School children sang folk songs, while the Youth and Women’s departments presented traditional music and dance. A special showcase highlighted storytelling, sharing ancestral wisdom and the community's history of faith. Members wore traditional clothing to mark the occasion.
The event wrapped up with a meal featuring sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. The church continues its work to keep the Poumai language and values alive while staying rooted in their religious beliefs.
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