The two-day Centenary Jubilee Celebration of the Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima (SBCK), concluded on Sunday, November 9, marking a century of faith, mission, and spiritual growth. The celebration featured Rev. Kughato K. Chophi, Executive Secretary of SBAK Nito Mount and President of the Sumi Baptist Convention, and Pastor Khekavi K. Yeptho of SBCK as the main speakers, with participation from church leaders, delegates, and well-wishers from across Nagaland and beyond.
Delivering the morning sermon on the theme “Faithful through the Ages – Faith Legacy,” Rev. Kughato K. Chophi drew reference from 2 Timothy 1:5, urging believers to lead lives deeply rooted in faith and humility. Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s reminder to Timothy about his inherited faith, he called on the congregation to live out their Christian values daily. Rev. Chophi emphasized that the centenary celebration was not only a historic milestone but also a reminder to reflect on one’s spiritual journey and personal relationship with Christ. He encouraged members to be thankful to God for allowing them to witness the centenary and to remain steadfast and purposeful as followers of Christ.
Extending greetings on behalf of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, General Secretary of NBCC, congratulated SBCK on reaching this significant milestone. He acknowledged the Sumi community’s contributions to the NBCC ministry, noting that seven Sumi tribes are presently active in the Nagaland Mission movement. Dr. Pongener described the 100-year journey as “a testimony to God’s unchanging faithfulness” and cautioned the congregation against false teachings and doctrines that stray from Biblical truth. He reminded that “celebrations come and go, but the true strength of a church lies in its faithfulness to the Word of God.” He urged believers to remain spiritually alert, continue the legacy of faith and mission established by their pioneers, and value the purity of the heart over material or structural achievements.
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Rev. Devanand Kadariya, General Secretary of the Nepal Baptist Church Council, conveyed jubilee greetings on behalf of 341 churches and 146 congregations, expressing gratitude for SBCK’s 40 years of mission partnership in Nepal. He highlighted the church’s impact on Nepal’s ministry through the establishment of churches, a mission center, and a Sunday School curriculum that now benefits over 2,000 children. Calling it one of SBCK’s “greatest investments in Nepal’s spiritual growth,” he also shared the Nepal Baptist Church Council’s Vision 2050 to reach 1.5 million believers and establish 2,500 Baptist churches by 2025.
The final message was delivered by Pastor Khekavi K. Yeptho on the theme “Faithful through the Ages – Mission.” He reminded the congregation that every believer is uniquely gifted by God and called to serve in His ministry. Drawing from Psalm 126, he encouraged the faithful to continue sowing with dedication, assuring that those who sow in tears will reap with joy. He urged the church to move forward after the jubilee with renewed commitment to God’s calling.
The morning session was chaired by Dr. L. Botoholi Yeptho, Associate Pastor (G), while the evening session was led by Associate Pastor (F) Kahoni Shikhu. Special musical performances were presented by the Centenary Jubilee Youth Choir and the SBCK Centenary Jubilee Choir. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Lukheto Yeptho, Chairman of the SBCK Board of Deacons, followed by the announcement of the Centenary Jubilee resolution, marking the close of a historic and spiritually enriching celebration.
