Benreu Baptist Church celebrates 125 years

December 19, 2022 52 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Benreu | December 18

The Benreu Baptist Church (BBC) celebrated 125 years of ‘God’s faithfulness’ (Quasquicentenary) under the theme ‘From Blessings to Glory’ from December 17 to 18 at Benreu village under Peren District.

“Jubilee is unity, stand together and more forward together,” said Rev Dr Wati Longchar, Executive Director (Elect), Foundation for Theological Education in Asia & Pacific, USA, while addressing the congregation on the second day of the celebration today.

A section of the congregation praying for peaceful coexistence and unity. (Morung Photo)

Stating that Jubilee also means repentance, he said that without repentance there is no jubilee, without forgiveness there is no jubilee and without willingness to change the past mistake there is no jubilee.

“Let us celebrate Jubilee with a heart of repentance, forgiveness and loving others,” Rev. Dr. Longchar said.

He said that Jesus changed the heart of selfishness to a heart of giving, and described it as a miracle. He added the world suffers because “We do not have a heart of giving but a heart of selfishness.” Let us decide that I will have a heart of giving and sharing, Longchar stated.

He further challenged the people to help those who don’t have enough, “then the society will be more peaceful.”

Respect and protect the land that feed us, he said and stressed on the need to limit “our wants, desire to have more but respect the land and its nature.” Through this, we will have a peaceful and healthier life, Rev. Dr. Longchar maintained.

Benreului salutes courage of early Christians
Benreului Baptist Union (BBU) President, Rev Kuzierang Thou stated that the theme ‘From Blessings to Glory’ has been chosen to acknowledge the bountiful blessings and celebrate 125 years of the glorious presence and guidance of God in Benreu village.

Quasquicentennial choir presenting a special number. (Morung Photo)

In the souvenir, Rev Thou stated that through God’s love and glorious design, the people of Benreu were called to be his children when in 1897, Heizieluing became the first covert and the seed of Christianity was planted in the village through him.

“Today, when we look back, we salute the courage of the early Christians, who stubbornly held onto their new found faith with such vigour that they could overcome the persecutions, knowing and trusting God for their crown of glory. We thank God for the lives of these early Christians who had persevered under tremendous pressure and had established a firm foundation,” Rev Thou stated.

“God is a faithful God and Benreu Baptist Church believers have every reason to celebrate the event. The Benreu Baptist Church, as People of God, you have played a pioneering role in the spreading of the gospel among your tribe and beyond,” Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, penned in the souvenir of the quasquicentennial celebration of BBC.

He also stated that the BBC must be the torch bearer of the ‘Good News’ to the people who are still in ‘darkness.’

Mass prayer for peaceful coexistence, unity
Earlier, Rev Kulungsing Meru, Advisor, Benreului Baptist Union (BBU) dedicated the quasquicentennial monolith and later dedicated a new church building. The dedication service was led by BBU Secretary Ihusing Liegise.

Rev Izieteilung Terieng, Executive Secretary, Zeme Baptist Church Council (ZBCC) released the quasquicentennial celebration souvenir of BBC.

BBU Treasurer Haisuing Haikam led Bible reading and prayer while Neingulaü K Zeliang spoke on behalf of Tileime.
Quasquicentennial Choir enthralled the congregation with special numbers.

The celebration also witnessed a mass prayer, wherein the congregation prayed for God’s care and protection, peaceful coexistence and unity to march ahead.

Irangcangbe, former BBU evangelist pronounced the benediction.

The closing worship service was led by Dr Ipetlung Lungalang, Asst. Professor (Christian Theology), Gossner Theological College, Ranchi.

Rev Dr Wati Longchar spoke at the service. Bible reading and prayer was pronounced by Kesiroheile Irangbe, Missionary to Nepal and words of gratitude from Rev Kuzierang Thou. Namyi Nsarangbe, former pastor, ZBC Dimapur pronounced benediction.

Earlier, during the Quasquicentennial opening service on December 17, Rev Dr Visor H Zeliang, Advisor BBU and President, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations in India released Bible after introduction was made by Bridge Connectivity Solutions.

Pandal dedication was done by Rev Kulungsing Meru. The service was led by ZBCC Mission Secretary, Ramdeu Nsarangbe while BBC Pastor Heikuhangbe Nsarangbe delivered welcome note.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/benreu-baptist-church-celebrates-125-years