The worship service began with a reading of Scripture portion from Zephaniah 3:16-17 and invoking the presence of the Almighty. The worship team led the congregation in an uplifting praise and worship session and Upa Kamsuanthang dedicated the offerings.
Pastor Suankhanhau reminded the congregation that contribution for PPF-D could be given online or in cash. He welcomed Rev S. Vungminthang, his wife and Dr. Samuel Mung Tonsing who came for the NDPN seminar, as well the first timers to the church. Reading out Psalms 115 1-8, Pastor spoke briefly on the sovereignty of God and the need to call on Him for protection and healing on account of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, and led the congregation in mass prayer.
Rev. S. Vungminthang delivered a sermon on the theme ‘What do you have?’ taken out from 2 Kings 4:2. The question was asked by Elisha to a widow hounded by her late husband’s creditor. When she said that she had a small jar of olive oil, Elisha helped her by multiplying the oil. Speaker then dwelt on the importance of knowing what we do have. He said that God use unconventional method to do His work and the lesser, insignificant things of the world for His glory.
Explaining the Nevius method based on 1 Corinthians 7:20, Speaker said that there is no need to change our social status or profession after being born again. We can follow God where we are and as we are. He also said that the sharp distinction made between the secular (worldly/satan) and the sacred (spirit/God) is a stumbling block in missions and informed the congregation that NDPN is about merging the secular and the sacred as everything is sacred in God’s eye and He is the God of all creation. According to the biblical world view, every work that one does or is identified with (for example, Paul –tent maker; Daniel & team – civil servants; Joseph – slave; Cornelius – centurion etc.) is God’s work. A Christ centred christianity is not confining ourselves to the church but letting our light shine in the secular work place/market place. He explained that the real biblical method of evangelism is to shine where we are and let people see that we are different and owned by Christ. He made a point for introspection that perhaps the place where we are working might be the place where God wants us to witness Him. Lastly, he said that it would be a matter of joy if everyone know what they have and take steps to use it for the glory of God.
Induction of 21 new members followed. The congregation then sang the last hymn and the worship service concluded with prayer and benediction by Upa T. Kaithang.
