The event was graced by PHED Minister Losii Dikho and Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Kipgen graced the Golden Jubilee celebration of Thadou Baptist Association India at Motbung Model Village in Kangpokpi District.
TFM Kangpokpi Representative
The Thadou Baptist Association India, established in 1971, celebrated its Golden Jubilee under the theme, “Jesus Christ the sole Foundation”, since December 9 at Motbung Model village.
Rev. Prof. Akheto Sema, General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches North East India (CBCNEI) unveiled the monolith erected to commemorate 50 years TBA-I before it was dedicated by Rev. Letkholal Kipgen, Executive Secretary, TBA-I in the morning session.
Releasing of the balloon, sounding trumpets, and beating of the traditional gong “Dahpi” fifty times marked the morning session.
TBA documentary video was played after the introduction and welcome address by Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, President TBA-I before the exhortation message from Rev. Dr. S.L. Benjamin Chan, Director, BIM, South East Asia, and India.
Later, PHED, Printing and Stationery Minister, Losii Dikho released the Golden Jubilee Souvenir containing greeting messages from Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Ministers and MLAs, and various leaders of TBA before it was dedicated by Rev. Hekai Simte, Secretary CED.
In his greeting message, Minister Losii Dikho conveyed the warm greeting of the Government and expressed gratitude to all the Churches of the state for their huge contribution and roles during the pandemic in the state.
“We always look forward to the Churches when we have problems”, he said and added that the Churches also always stood for us.
He said that the Christians are so privileged to represent our Lord Jesus Christ in this huge country, India while exhorting the people to continue to be brother and sister and one people in the name of God.
MLA Nemcha Kipgen said that with a firm commitment the Church and Association have been following the footstep of Jesus Christ till today.
Challenges and obstacles are part of life but I truly believe that it is the association and Churches that have the utmost potential to transform the society.
Rev. Prof. Akheto Sema, General Secretary, CBCNEI said that there are 112 associations under CBCNEI and 8376 Churches with more than 15 lakhs members while it has six convention, five associated members and its has international and national partnerships.
Jubilee dance participated by all the dignitaries and guests marked the occasion
Earlier, during the torch march program, Pastor Kaikhothang Singsit, Secretary, Jubilee Committee highlighted the brief history of TBA while Rev. Thanga Singson, Vice President TBAI hoisted the flag and Rev. K. Hangshing, Chairman, Ordination committee TBAI dedicated the Jubilee hall.
Rev. L. Kipgen, executive secretary TBAI conducted the condolence service before he dedicated ‘Niseh Lhagao Ann’ booklet.
Rev. Prof. Akheto Sema, General Secretary, CBCNEI, Rev. Dr. Yiepetso Wezah, Auxiliary Secretary, Bible Society of India, Dimapur, Rev. K. Losii Mao, General Secretary, Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, President TBAI, Rev. Letkholal Kipgen, Executive Secretary TBAI and Nengnou Simte, Secretary, Women Department, TBAI will be the main speakers of the Golden Jubilee celebration which will culminated on December 13.
Releasing of TBA history, the introduction of missionaries and evangelists, brief history TBA women department, offering for Olmundailim (senior citizen home), brief history TBAFY and flag de-hoisting will be the main highlight of the program.
Jubilee Choirs, Hallelujah Choirs, Golden Choir Keithelmanbi, Motbung Area Choir, Twilang area choir, Jiribam Area Choir, Twipajang Area Choir, Keithelmanbi Area Choir, K. Geljang Area Choir, Praise and Worship Team Motbung Baptist Church, the Jubilants, Motbung, Molhoi Choir Boys, The Heaven Bell’s Keithelmanbi, etc. enthralled the audience on the occasion.