By Sonpi Vaiphei
Missionary Day Celebration 2011
at EBC Church, Nasirpur, New Delhi on May 07, 2011
"A POST- GOSPEL CENTENARY
MISSION MANDATE"
SESSION I
(1030 hrs): Worship & Discussion on
“Urban Mission- A Mass Involvement”
Leader: Rev. Liankholal
Panel Member: 1. Pu R H Hminglien Hmar, 2. Rev. PK Lienmang & 3. Evan. Thanga Singson
Inauguration
Praises
Mass Prayer
Advent & Impact of The Gospel in Southern Manipur- a visual presentation
Talks on Urban Mission by Pu R H Hminglien Hmar,
Apostolic Indian Missions
Interaction/ discussion
Wrap-up
Conclusion
Refreshment
SESSION II
(1230hrs): Worship & Discussion on
“Christ-like Life in Metropolitan City”
Leader: Rev. James Minlun
Panel Member:
1. Rev. Ram Khaning, 2. Rev. T. Thangzalien & 3. Rev. V Nenglian
Praises
Talks on Christ-like Life in Metropolitan City
by Rev. Ram Khaning,
Dwarka Community Church
Interaction/ Discussion
Wrap-up
Mass Prayer
Closing Prayer by Rev. Lamkhanlun
Lunch Time
Session 01/ Worship & Discussion on Urban Mission – A Mass Involvement
Pastor Liankholal leads the first Session.
Worship
The leader welcomes the gathering. Thereafter, Worship Leaders – Pa Thangzalun Khuptong, Pastor James Minlun, Upa Chinshum (who joined later on) together with Rev Pumkam, Sisters Lydia and Naomi leads the gathering in a time of praise and worship. ‘Nang na omna nuam hi’ composed by T Pumkhothang, followed by ‘Hun kipak um leh Hukdamna Ni hin’ composed by (L)Pastor Liankhopau Vaiphei, ‘Vo Gospel Kholjin’ composed by (L)Rev Douzapau Haokip, ‘Nuntom pakpalh bang’ composed by S Jamdoulian are sung in continuation.
God’s presence felt as the audience sing with a humble heart before the Almighty and poured out their hearts through these inspirational songs. No words and no songs too much for expressing our gratitude to God for the Gospel. ‘Ka lawm ngei ie Lalpa’!
Mass Prayer
Pastor Liankholal led the gathering in mass prayer. All participants bowed down before God at a time, thanked Him for the Gospel and prayed to Him for His presence and inspiration during our program today.
‘Ka lawm ngei ie Lalpa’ Spurred on by the Spirit of gratitude, worship leaders lead us again with a song ‘Ka lawm ngei ie Lalpa’ composed by Lalzarlien.
Introduction of the Panel of Speakers
The leader introduces the Resource persons for the First Session viz Rev PK Lianmang, Evangelist Thanga Singson and Pu RH Hminglien Hmar and guided them to their respective seats onto the stage.
Visual presentation
After the time of praise and prayer, there is the visual presentation on ‘THE JOURNEY OF THE CROSS’/The advent and impact of the Gospel in Southern Manipur. This is a short visual record of the advent of the Gospel in Manipur South District through Pu Watkin Roberts and others.
(Paste)
Talks on Urban Missions - by Pu RH Hminglien Hmar, Panel Member
Brief profile of Pu RH Hminglien, panel member –
Born at Sakawrdai village in Mizoram
Completed BA program from Manipur University
Obtained B.Ed degree from NEHU
Joined Central Secretariat Service as Assistant in June 1989 with the intention of self-support missionary
Promoted to the post of Under Secretary in 2004
Founded the Apostolic Indian Mission in 1996
The Mission’s headquarters was shifted to Aizawl in early 2011
He is the present Secretary, Field Ministries of the AMI
Married to Sarah, and God has blessed them with four daughters and two sons
Residence- Qtr No 626 Sector-3, RK Puram. Ph- 9868558955
Abstract from the talks:
“The pioneers of the Gospel in our land were not necessarily sent by Churches/Organisations, they have come over to our land out of their personal commitment to the Great Commission, supported by other such committed individuals”
“I wish Missions be mandatory, more than a mandate”
“A Church without missions is indeed not a Church (as it is supposed to be); however, if it is called so, then it would be a gathering of infant believers”
Urban Mission- A Mass Movement
- What is all about Urban Mission?
- Urban Mission at present (in Delhi), who are involved in what capacity?
- What are the areas left for us now?= challenges
- Possible mass involvement?= suggestions
One of the pioneering efforts of missionary work in Delhi, is the pioneering work at Shiv Vihar, Uttam Nagar. It was started with great difficulty. None of us use Hindi at that time. We distributed Bible tracts in Hindi and asked them what the writing means. The Spirit works. Now, that small initiative has become a sizeable congregation. Not only they are growing in numbers, they also grow in their concern for others about the Gospel. The Shiv Vihar Church has now become actively involved in Missions and supported missionaries in other parts of the country.
Jesus hath not asked the Disciples, how much you have? He asked, what do you have?. So, Philip’s meager two fishes and five loaves were adequate for the crowd of five thousand. Jesus asks us too, not how much, but what? If we are willing to give our ‘what’, He is there to multiply it as He finds it required. With Jesus our what-ever is enough.
Let us continue these programs for more awareness, wider participation and better strategies.
Followed by Evan. Thanga Singson, a panel member
(Power-point presentation on Personal Evangelism)
Abstract from the Presentations-
“If you pray for someone for one year in continuity, he will surely be born again. Without God nothing is impossible, in His ministry. We’ve got to sensitise ourselves about the importance of prayer again. We’ve got to learn again what it means to prevail in prayer”.
“Missions is not primarily for saving of souls, more so, it is for us to become more like Him”.
“Out of the outflow of worship, missions should come into being. Out of the love of God should missions be founded only”.
Pastor Nenglian brings up a brief review. After appreciating the panel members for delivering the enlightening and challenging talks Pastor Lian raises the issue of Witnessing of the Gospel in Metro-City, whether it can be more emphasized particularly on the ways and means.
Thereafter, the Leader invites for inputs on witnessing.
Pastor Angam shares on mass involvement on missions. Transforming the target community on all fronts - youth to youth, student to student etc. We need more focus on specificity regarding the topic Mass Involvement.
Pastor PK Lianmang and Pu Hminga contributed few words regarding the practicability of Witnessing. Pu Hminga added: money is not the primary condition for missionary work/witnessing, though it is a very important instrument. Like, I manually took part in the building of Shiv Vihar mission field establishment (cement works). If you contribute money, yet is ashamed to witness physically, then you are ashamed of your Saviour, Jesus. It may not be counted in Heaven. It is good to give Bible tract, yet without explaining to them about it, it is in vain. It is good to contribute money, but without your involvement there’s always something you need to meet – your involvement.
Pa Thangzalun puts up an important question. Apart from usual/normal contributions by individuals through our respective Churches, a question relevant here is ‘How to get practically involve in witnessing work’?
Pastor James Minlun stresses the relevance and the importance of laymen involvement in witnessing to the offices/work places.
Pastor Liankholal quotes Queen of England who had said: Indian missionaries are ambulance missionaries. What reflection can we draw from this statement?
The leader Pastor Liankholal concludes the first session with prayer.
LIGHT REFRESHMENT
The youth wing of EBCC, Delhi, BYF members, takes care of the refreshment. Apple juice and a cake was served. What a wonderful stewardship undertaken by BYF for the participants today! May God bless BYF to be a blessing in the days to come too!
INSPIRATIONAL SONGS OF PRAISE, WORSHIP AND
INSPIRATIONS CONTINUES…. EVEN DURING…TEA BREAK
The speaking intervals are filled with songs of praises led by the Praise leaders. What a joy to sing together inspirational songs ‘Let the weak say “I am strong’. We give God the Glory due to Him! He is worthy, Him alone! For the Lord has done wondrous works.
We take reflections from the Gospel songs, hyms, songs of praises. Lord the Light of Your Love is shining. In the midst of the darkness…. Shine Jesus shines! Shine on me…… Oh Lord! We thanked you for your Son. What more could we ask for? We adore You! Worship You! You alone is worthy of Praise, Honour and Glory!
SECOND SESSION/ “CHRIST-LIKE LIFE IN A METROPOLITAN CITY”
Pastor James Minlun, Leader for the Second Session, opens the Session with Prayer.
Special renderings from Bethel AG
The Bethel Assemblies of God, Delhi, presented a special number. The BAG was established in January 2010 with few members of the zomis from Myanmar residing at Hastsal, Uttam Nagar, New Delhi. Led by Pastor Thangpi and assisted by Pastor Kamlian, BAG has about 150 members. BAG has become one of the most recently started congregation yet growing Church amongst the existing ones in Delhi. They are known for their practical faith in God in their endeavor for Christ and for their own life concerns.
The leader introduces the panel members for the Second Session viz Rev Ram Khaning, Rev T Thangjalien and Rev V Nenglian.
Brief profile of Rev. Ram Khaning, panel member
Home town in Ukhrul, Manipur.
Completed MBA program from Manipur University.
Came to Mumbai in 2000 for job and worked with Indiainfoline.com as a Branch Manager
Transfered to Maersk Sealand, a Denmark Shipping Company, as an auditor.
Joined Bible School in Antioch Training Centre, Mumbai, set up by Bombay Baptist Churches
Became Associate Pastor at BBC from 2004 to 2006.
Moved to Delhi and started Dwarka Community Church (DCC) in 2007
Married to Achui and God has blessed them with two daughters- Peipei and Zanzan.
Residence- H/no. 296, DDA flats, Dwarka Sector-9, Pocket-2. Ph- 9313442417
Over to Rev Ram Khaning
Rev Khaning pastors the Dwarka Community Church. He expresses his gratitude for being invited here for the talk. He expresses his inadequacy for taking on the topic, which is in deed, a character common found in all the humble servants of the Lord. He feels at home being with us, with those of us from the Southern parts of Manipur. All the participants are really excited to hear from this man of God. His topic includes the following areas-
Christ-like Life in Metro-City
- What is all about discipleship?
- Common problems faced by Christians in metro-city?
- Northeast and the mainland India (North) mentality/life style?= cross cultural barriers
- Ways/means to bear a witnessing life?= practical suggestions
Titus 2:2-
Abstract from the talks-
While I was working in Mumbai, I had difficulty in my work place. I struggled a lot. I had some problems with my boss. I started praying for him on a daily basis. Somehow, by the grace of God, I overcome the difficulty. A Christ-like character?
I was once trying to avoid attending a party organized by my office at Taj Hotel, Mumbai. The consequences were difficult to bear. I was looked differently then onwards in my workplace. I somehow avoid liquor places, yet not without the prices. But, it is not a question of the price. It is my faith in God, and who my God is and my commitment to bear his attitude that counts. A Christ-like character?
“Don’t look them as mayangs, but understand God’s purpose for keeping them together with you and pray for them”. A Christ-like character?
Danial of the Bible, wanted to be different from others(heathens).
Our situation here in Delhi needs to be reckoned with. How about our relationships? How and what is our understanding about homosexuality? The secular court has legalized it, but, does it have the Bible’s permission? No, not at all! We need to based on the Bible.
“The best time to discipline is during they were young. As they grow up, carefully release them eventually. So the child will come to realize about their being disciplined while they were young”.
We need to think about our courtships. In the context of our society, we need to modify our systems worthy of characterizing our identity as a child of God. In my case, I did’nt visit my wife-to-be even once, after the decision for marriage was finalized, not until we were united in marriage. Is there anything suggestive of Christ-likeness from here?
How about loving our neighbors? God loves the mayangs too. God had no partiality; He loves mayangs as much as He loved us. We have a mandate to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Let us examine ourselves about our relationship with our respective Residential Welfare Associations? We need to build relationships with those around us. People are important. If we love God, we need to love people.
“Just that we give 10% of our income as tithes doesn’t mean the 90% belong to us exclusively. We are accountable to whatever we earned.
When we get involved in the Church, actively involved in it, it will make us avoid other pressures. The more and the longer we are actively involved, then the more we will become Christ-like.
Followed by Pastor T Thangjalien, a panel member
Philippians 2:7
Christ came to the world like man, as like a servant………
We’ve got to take the water from Jesus, the Spring, in order that we can become a true Christ-like person and be a witness to the Gospel. That should be our foundation here, in our metropolitan city too.Without that Spring we can’t never become Christ-like. Without Christ-like life we can never become a witness for the Gospel.
Questions/comments from the participants-
Pa Kaithang raises the issues on ‘the Common problems faced by Christians in metro-city’?
Pastor Liankholal raises the issue on ‘Why Christ-like life in metro-city, not in places like Churachandpur for our topic today?
Pastor V Nenglian: Responding in brief to the above quiry Pastor Lian said that our topic might also be relevant to towns and villages, however, our main concern today should focus on Metro-City setup since we are living in such environment. He is also delighted to hear from the talks that says- “The Spirit of God that is in us is always bigger and stronger than the pressures from outside”.
Pastor James: Is there anyone here who faces problems because he is a Christian? We might rather have faced problems because we are not Christ-liked than because we are a christian.
Sister Loicy, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (Bangkok), shared few words
Mahatma Gandhi had said to a British missionary, Mr Jone: others cannot accept Christianity because Christians do not resemble the Christ they professed to follow. Would this statement be relevant to us also today? She also added: What ought to be our reaction as a Christian, when a criminal eg : - Osama died? How about those of us who revel/celebrate Osama’s death?
Pastor Khaning responded: Seeing at us, today, Gandhi might have asked the same question to us as well that same question he had put up for Mr Jones. So we’ve got to be Christ-like. And, regarding the death of criminals like Osama, Pastor Khanning replied thus – everyone is equal in God’s sight. If Osama would have repent and accept Christ he would receive the promise of God. So, we as Christians ought not to celebrate on such events. We need to see things the way God looks.
Pu Biaklun Shoute shared: A practice on loving neighbors as ourselves a Christ-like life.
ANOTHER SONG TOGETHER AGAIN
All stood up and sing “Toupa hon itna lian hi” led by Praise leaders. Hong phat ning topa, na min thupi hongphat ning,…. keitang Jesu hongsih tel lamdang lua…… a chinglo kei bang nongtel lungdam lua ing” followed by A TIME OF MASS PRAYER
A prayer from Rev Lamkhanlun before formally concluding the Session
Vote of thanks: Pastor Liankholal
Pastor Lal introduces Pastor Angam and Pastor GK Samte and requested them to come over to the stage.
Thank you to all the pastors, all leaders, participants
Thank you to EBCC, Delhi for all arrangements – refreshment, place, sound system etc
Pastor Lal acknowledges the presence of missionaries Hengam and PauzaKham asking them to kindly stand up. He also asked all pastors to stand up to acknowledge their valuable presence.
Pu Hminga invited the Pastors Prayer Fellowship for conducting the next Meeting at his residence.
An important announcement from Rev V Nenglian for lunch after the service at the Church premises.
THE SESSION CONCLUDED WITH AN INSPIRATIONAL RENDERING OF THEIR SELECT SONG ‘LALPA I RAWNGBAWLA MIN KOH HI’ BY THE PRAISE TEAM LEADERS.
IT SOOTHES THE EARS AND HEARTS OF THE PARTICIPANTS AS THEY ENJOY THEIR LUNCH PACKS WITHIN THE CHURCH PREMISES. WHAT A SONG! WHAT A MUSIC! WHAT A CHALLENGE!
MAY GOD BLESS ALL….. BYE BYE TILL WE MEET AGAIN! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
