Sentilong Longkumer | Mokokchung Times | November 10
Clark Theological College (CTC) celebrated its Golden Jubilee celebration (1972- 2022) under the theme, “Empowering to Transform,” with Prof. Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary, Ao Baptist ArogoMungdang (ABAM) as the speaker at the CTC Multi Court on Thursday.
During his address, Mar Pongener expressed immense joy and appreciation to the Clark Theological College for celebrating 50 years of existence and added that ABAM is planning to build a library on the college grounds to commemorate the ABAM celebrating 150 years of Christianity in Naga Hills and the CTC celebrating its golden Jubilee.
Speaking on the theme, the ABAM Executive Secretary stated that “Empowering to Transform” is an authoritative theme that authoritatively demands, commands, and inspires connections of every Christian individual to promote transformation in churches, society, and each individual’s life.
“One need to transform oneself in the word of God before one proclaims the message to others,” he said. He added that in order to preach the gospel, one must be humble and empowered by God. “We must be bold in preaching the word of God,” he said.
Pongener went on to say that the institution began with 9 students and only offered Diploma courses when it first opened in 1972, but that it has since grown to a full-fledged college offering Doctoral and other programs.
He further stated that CTC’s success now is due to the Lord’s blessing, and that the college’s outreach currently has tremendous strength.
He went on to note that CTC is a theological institute with 80 percent of its activity focused on academics, and that educators play a vital role in teaching and molding the students in order for the students to transmit the Lord’s teaching to the world.
Prof. Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, Principal, noted during his welcome address that it was a historic milestone for the college in celebrating 50 years of existence and went on to express gratitude to ABAM, the college’s parent body, for their continued support.
Earlier, Rev. Dr. James Taneti, Union Presbyterian Seminary USA; Rev. I. Wati Jamir, Senior Pastor Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo; Rev. Dr. Noklen Longkumer, Pastor Ungma Baptist Church and Rango Herie, President CTC Alumni Association delivered brief greeting messages.
The program also witnessed Prof. Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener unveil the Jubilee Monument in the college campus while the release of the Jubilee Souvenir book was officiated by Dr. Sunep Imchen, Chairman, Board of Governors CTC and a book titled “Sümedem – Journal of Communication and Cultural Studies” authored by Prof. L. Imsutoshi Jamir was released by Prof. Shimreingam Shimray, Principal, Eastern Theological College Jorhat.
During the program the congregation was enthralled by the euphonious melodies from CTC Students’ Union and CTC Choir.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of the members of the Governing Board of Management of CTC, special invitees, guest, well-wishers, benefactors, heads of the sister institutions, former lecturers and staffs, members of the alumni, professors and students.