Issue # 23 + Christmas Special + December 2012 + For Private Circulation only

Editorial...

There is something special about this time of the year; there is excitement in the air, the feeling of the warm sun shining on you and the cold wind blowing is beyond compare. It's that time of the year once again where bells jingle and there is merriment all around. The season of love and joy, of giving and receiving and how privileged are we that this season is the time when we received the greatest gift of all- our savior Jesus Christ. The birth of Christ is divine, but the work that lies ahead, finding peace on earth and good will towards others, is wholly our own. Our land is flooded with hundreds of festivals and we have become so accustomed to the trends that we sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas. The question here is: Are we celebrating it the right way?

Our guest writers speak about how we as God's gifts can in turn be a gift to those around us as well as how to receive the greatest gift given to us from God- Jesus Christ. Here at NCFB we have all the more reasons to rejoice and be grateful; it's nd the 22 year of the ministry and a fruitful and happy end to another spectacular year. The reports and photographs speak for themselves. In interviews with some of our dear friends leaving the city for better opportunities we will see how the church has played an important role during their stay here and the memories they take away. As it is rightly called the season of love, may we all be a source of love and blessing to those who are less fortunate than us. Let us learn to celebrate Christmas the right way and may we continue to enjoy His faithfulness in our lives. Spend time with your loved ones and celebrate a very merry Christmas and the arrival of another bright happy year. - Pito Kiba

Pastors Corner... Believe the impossible: the essence of Christmas

(Luke 1:26-38)

I know a seven year old boy who still believes in the visit of Santa to every home throughout the month of December. Every night before going to bed he prays to God that Santa would drop the stuff he prayed for when he passes by at midnight. The 'believe the impossible' I am talking about is far more than this little boy's faith in fantasy. The angel Gabriel appeared to a young Jewish woman named Mary, pledged to be married to a carpenter named Joseph (v. 27)and said, you will give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus (v. 31). Mary certainly was confused and troubled. How can I be the mother of the Messiah (v. 34)? How is it possible that I can be a part of God's eternal plan? she asked. Mary could have easily dismissed the promise of God that she was going to have a child because to give birth to a baby before the actual consummation of their marriage is something next to impossible. Mary also feared that her fiance would reject her and the people in the entire town of Nazareth would gossip about her. Besides, there were possibilities of being dragged outside the city and stoned for immorality. ....Instead of doubting what the angel conveyed, Mary responded in submission, willingness and obedience. I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered. May it be to me as you have said (v. 38). Mary believed the angel's words and it led to God's miracle. In the scripture, we find Jesus asking those who were about to receive a miracle from him if they believed. If you believe, you will receive (Matthew 21:22). It means to put our total trust and confidence in God's promises and rely on Him to bring change. The crux of the matter is - believe in total submission to God's authority that salvation is a gift from God. Be willing to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, and we will be saved. With this confession, in obedience, respond to extraordinary situations as Mary did. Mary's submission was part of God's plan to give us salvation. The angel Gabriel ends the conversation with this powerful message, For nothing is impossible with God (v. 37). Truly, God can do the impossible as He did to Mary. God delights in doing the impossible. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Think on this! The true essence of Christmas is to believe the impossible. - Rev. Zhabu Yimsung
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The

Costliest
of all Gifts
- Wungtei Buchem

When UTC Naga friends had a meeting for the forthcoming Advent Christmas Gift Exchange Program, there was an air of excitement all around. What intrigued me is the intensity of excitement to be receiving a gift. The Promise of Messiah to the Israelites by the prophets is but a Promise of the gift of Jesus Christ to the world. Christmas is nothing more and nothing less than a commemoration of that 'Gift' of God to humankind. Let me elaborate the themes in John 3: 15-17 to help us discern about Jesus Christ-The Gift in a very simple way. The Gift of the Everlasting Son and Prince of Peace: It is a gift immortal given to the mortals. Human beings live, love, give, and share during its life time, but it is here today and gone tomorrow. Only in this gift we have life everlasting. Living with this gift is not always like walking on the silver street in a starlit night. The world to which this gift is bestowed is chaotic but once we accept the gift of the Peace in Christ it becomes a refuge for us. For the contentment of the heart and the fullness of life lies in our hearts. The Gift of Eternal Life: The essence of this gift is the eternal life for those who willingly accept it. That the 'living' of the gift in us shall help us live both here and after. Human flesh shall turn to dust but the soul shall merge with this gift. Life eternal is something unfathomable but it is real. The gift that comes to us in an incarnated personhood reaffirms that life is unending and hopeful for those who believe in the reality and worth of the gift. An Inclusive Gift: Some think God sent His son as a gift to the Christians alone and believe that all others are under the condemnation. The Bible tells us that Christ is both for the Jews and the Gentiles. God's love embraces all and is never exclusive. God's gift is for both the rich and the poor, educated and the uneducated. John tells us that the coming of the gift into the world is not to criticize, condemn or to cut off but 'to all' whoever welcomes the coming of the gift. The Gift of Salvation: The gift has the intention to unpack the joyous life that the recipient could ever have in his lifetime. It is to save us from the life of ignorance. The gift is living, dynamic and has the power to change lives. Most of all it forgives our past, present and assures us of its guidance for the future. The gift expects nothing in return but a conscious devotion of our hearts. It can transform us from intra and inter-personal conflicts, restlessness of the mind and help us save from perishing. In fact the gift is full of promises to an un-promising human such as you and I! Human gifting is an expression of love and happiness: a temporal act limited to price, people, relation and occasion. However, the gift of God is genuine, immortal and mystical. It is a gift of life that no human doctor could possibly give, a gift of forgiveness that no earthly priest could ever give to any devotee, a gift of sacrifice that no human could possibly do to redeem others. What would Christmas mean if we are only excited to give or receive earthly gift, attend the worship on the 25th and enjoy the luxurious meal on our table for Christmas's sake? Can we kneel before the GIFT and humble ourselves in accepting it? Can we empty and make space in our hearts for the GIFT to take its place? For, the GIFT that is coming before us is the costliest of all gifts. Wishing everyone a meaningful Christmas!

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Living Our

Lives
As Gods

Gifts!
- Zedino Seyie

As the

holiday season

sets in, social networking sites and the internet fill up with Gifting Ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. As obvious as it may be, these ideas are of materialistic gifts, some DIY (Do It Yourself), while some to be bought and many others that can be availed from the season's offers; but, let's try to think of something a little out of the box here, let's forget about the season for a while. What if you could gift something to somebody, everybody, every moment and everyday of your life? What would the gifting idea be then? Something valuable and worthwhile, to be cherished, something the receiver can cling on to for life, and something that brings the receiver happiness; so then, what should you gift and what would you gift? How about Yourself? In the spiritual realm,

YOU are God's gift to His creations.

How then, does one become a gift? It is in living every day; in the words we speak, in our acts and deeds, in our ways of reaching out and in prayer that we live our lives as God's gifts to His people. We often fail to realise that when we are helpless ourselves, God anoints us to help someone else. Sometimes being the gift can be difficult, but how often do we remember that every difficult thing that God asks us to do, He's not just trying to make us miserable, He's trying to get us in a position where He can do much more in our lives that what we can possibly imagine! Everyone has a purpose to serve, an order to follow, and a command to obey from the highest authority being the gift. What makes you and I special is not because of what we possess in this world, it is because we serve a God whose kingdom is not of this world and He calls us His children. And because this very same God created each and every one of us, we are called to serve the purpose even more carefully because we are dealing with special people, children of God, heirs to the throne, here. The sooner we get to the realisation that we are God's gifts to His creations, and that in obedience and in embracing this responsibility we fulfil the purpose, and act accordingly, we will live in line with God's words and promises. As I was called to write this article, I was reminded of the words of John Greenleaf Whittier, which read A little word in kindness spoken, A motion or a tear, Has often healed a heart broken; And made a friend sincere. A word, a look has crushed to earth, Full many a budding flower; Which, had its smile but owned its birth Would bless life's darkest hour. Then deem it not an idle thing, A pleasant word to speak; The face you wear, the thought you bring, A heart may heal or break. Let us all be heart healers, God's beautiful gifts to His people. Let us serve our purpose sincerely and in humility; knowing that in being the gift to God's people, our love for Him grows and develops and our God is one who never fails to gift us back. Having said these, let this article be my gift to you, dear Readers! Merry Christmas and a very happy, fruitful, prosperous and blessed New Year to you!

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A Moment With Dr. Sentitemsu...

Morung: Congratulations on your successful completion of your PhD in Particle Physics. What is the secret behind this achievement? Sentitemsu: Thank you very much. Firstly, it's all God's grace that has helped me complete my studies on time. I have also worked hard and at the same time kept myself motivated to achieve my goal. Morung: What motivated you to come this far and what are some of the challenges you had faced in your journey? Sentitemsu: In my early days, I never dreamt of pursuing my Ph.D. It was only later down the years that I realized this was God's calling for me. I have learnt that giving one's best is Worship to God and it has always been my desire to honor God in whatever way I can through my profession. There had been many hurdles along the way that brought me to this place. I had to keep up with the pressures of hard work and discipline in so many areas of my life. In particular, to be consistently sincere in my duty was one thing that I had to constantly battle with each day. Today as I look back over the years, I however have a deep sense of satisfaction in my heart. There is nothing like the pleasure of accomplishing something as a result of one's own sweat. Morung: In spite of your busy schedule and hectic work load you were actively involved with the church activities. How did you manage to balance church and studies so effectively? Sentitemsu: I must confess that I had to meticulously plan out my schedule to be available for other activities apart from my studies. On the other hand, it dawned on me that irrespective of how busy you are, there will always be pockets of time for everything. It's just a matter of setting your priorities right. I had a burden towards the NCFB ministry and I would put it in my priority list and make sure that I am available for it anytime. Besides, I have considered it an undeserved privilege to be able to serve Him even if in a small way. Morung: What inspired you to choose the subject "Particle Physics"? What is your view on the coexistence of Science and Religion? Sentitemsu: Right from when I was young, I have always marveled at Nature and been fascinated by how beautifully things blended together with one another. This instilled in me a love for the subject and I ended up studying physics during my college years and later on took up my specialization on particle physics. This branch of physics in particular addresses the in-depth questions of how Nature works at a fundamental level. I have started to like it more as I begin to learn new and amazing things about the world around us. As someone rightly described Science as thinking God's thoughts after Him, I can see that man only discovers laws that God has so intelligently hid behind every natural phenomena. There are scores of people out there today who try to pull out God from the picture, but any honest seeker will never fail to see the hand of God in His creation. Morung: Share with us few of your favorite moments here in Bangalore. Sentitemsu: Times spent in All Night Prayers, NCF Camps, practicing songs with the Praise and Worship team are some of the favorite moments that I have enjoyed and will continue to cherish even as I leave Bangalore. Morung: You were probably the only student from Nagaland at the IISc. What would you advice the upcoming youngsters who dream of making it to this highly reputed institute? Sentitemsu: Keeping in mind that we live in a competitive world, we need to give our best and nothing less if we are to realize our dreams. God has impartially given all of us the potential to excel in what we do. We just need to let go a little bit of our laziness, our complacency and the attitude of quitting easily. Above all, in all of my experience, fearing God makes you a more responsible person. It makes you accountable of how well you use your time, how well you fulfill your responsibility as a student. If we set these matters right, I think there won't be any hurdle to get to places like IISc, IIT's, IIM's or perhaps even to some of the most renowned Institutes in the world. God bless us all!

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The NCF family wishes you the very best as you join your new work in Germany soon.

ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS !!!

Favorite Christmas Carol... Away in a manger it's simple, soulful and it gives us a picture of our savior's birth in one song - Vikhono Gloria in Excelsis Deo takes my imagination to the night Jesus Christ was born - Veta Khamo So this is Christmas because the song tells us the ideal things we should be doing at Christmas - Nukshi Joy to the world it's a lively song that reminds me of my childhood - Lanunukshi White Christmas always has been an all-time favourite - Oika chishi

All About Christmas ! !

Whats Up For Christmas? Going home to spend time with friends and family, eat lots of pork and go to church - Petekhrielie Spending my last Christmas in Bangalore with dear and loved ones. Hoping it to be a blessed and Christ-centred Christmas - Avi Veithriene Looking forward to have a rocking time with the church and the committee members - Posumeren My Christmas cheer this year is to bake cakes and cookies along with my nephews and nieces and give them away to an orphanage at their Special Christmas treat - Tity Lyngdoh

Most Memorable Christmas!!! Spent Christmas at the Eiffel tower singing - Jeh Agnihotri Went caroling to a village and it was so wonderful and cold, but the joy and good times we had will always be remembered - Tutu Spent Christmas day walking around the beach, visiting old churches with my mom when I was 11 - Danyele Huddled with friends in the terrace of our church resource centre in Delhi, by the bonfire, wrapped in shawls And blankets on a cold winter night under the starlit sky singing carols - Amos Tamlong Best Christmas Gift !!! A doll when I was in hostel - Sumitra A trip to Bangkok with mum and dad - Kezieno When I was 10, my parents gifted me my first Encyclopedia! I carried it with me everywhere I went - Sheyini My favourite Christmas gift I ever got was a red blanket with a picture of Canta Claus and a chritmas tree printed on it given by one of my friends 8 years ago And I still have it with me.- Alum Christmas to me is... The finest and the biggest birthday party on earth - John Aso Christmas is a time of joy and thanksgiving to God - Yim A time to give thanks to God and to share happiness with your loved ones - Alem Family get-together and recommitting to Jesus - Sangle Christmas is all about giving - Lanu

All About Christmas ! !

Our Mission Statement
The Naga Christian Fellowship, Bangalore strives to witness, nurture and train men and women to be disciples of Christ through prayer, fellowship, teaching and preaching of the Word of God.

To lead people to salvation and growth in Christ likeness through worship, outreach, evangelism, bible studies etc. To provide rest, healing and restoration to those who need it through counseling, helps and other available aids. To promote unity among all Christians by partnering and networking with other like minded churches.

Our Core Values

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NCF MYSORE ONE DAY RETREAT

nd

On the 22 September NCF Bangalore organized a one day retreat 'REVIVE' for NCF Mysore, attended by over 50 students and elders. A thirty member team from Bangalore representing the Executive Committee and different departments travelled to Mysore.The NCFB team was given a hearty welcome by the NCF Mysore led by Pastor Toshi Jamir. After a brief time of introduction and getting to know each other better the day began with a session on 'What is praise and worship?' By Pastor Caleb and Watinaro. Pastor Caleb emphasized on how worshiping in spirit requires a God centered mind while Watinaro spoke on the reflective and practical application of worship in our daily lives. Pastor Rev. Zhabu Yimsung and his wife Tosang took a very important and practical session 'Choosing Mr. and Ms. Right.' They enlightened the young people on knowing the difference between infatuation and true love, and the qualities they should look in their perspective partners and also seek wisdom from God in the whole process. Khruinio Mao also spoke on Choosing the Right Career And how we should look beyond conventional jobs. After a time of fun and recreation, Rev. Zhabu Yimsung shared the word of God and there was a mighty anointing of the Holy Spirit. It was indeed a blessing for all who were a part of the Retreat. God bless Pastor Toshi Jamir and the NCF Mysore family.

Reports...
Reports...

Heres what some of the members had to say...

Thank you NCF Bangalore for visiting and reaching out to us. REVIVE has been a very blessed time. You've always been a blessing and I pray that NCF Bangalore will continue to be a source of encouragement. - I.Manenba Pongen REVIVE in one word - WHOLESOME. We were privileged to have the NCF Bangalore team with us. The spiritual message was illustrated to practical living. There were different sessions which enlightened us. The Praise and Worship team inspired us mightily. God Bless NCFBangalore!!! - Wethroe, Pitang, Bini, Sweety & Blessing POWERHOUSE SUNDAY

Powerhouse Sunday was held on the 23rd of September where Ms. Ankita shared how attending Powerhouse Fellowship has helped improve her relationship with God. The church was blessed with a beautiful solo Who Am I? from Ms. Moibiaklian. The Powerhouse leaders also presented a musical drama Four Days Late and a song Where Could I Go?. Mr. Wungtei shared on the theme Growing Together and encouraged all believers to come together and help each other grow with the society and with God.

Reports...
nd

NCF FOUNDATION DAY

Reports...

On October 7, 2012 NCFB celebrated its 22 year of ministry at the Richmond Town Methodist Church which th coincidentally was also celebrating its 137 year. Pastor Rev. Zhabu Yimsung gave thanks to the Lord and read Psalms 100 to highlight the faithfulness of God upon the NCF ministry. There was a slide show showcasing the purpose and core values of the NCF ministry along with memorable pictures of past years. A special prayer was said for the pioneers and the present leaders of NCFB. Pastor Caleb shared on the topic Building One Another and exhorted the congregation on the need to encourage one another, to grow together spiritually and to use our gifts for His glory.

0606

__________The Morung__________

ALL NIGHT PRAYER

Three All Night Prayers were held between the months of August to December at SAIACS Chapel Hall. Many prayer warriors turned up sacrificing a night's sleep to renew their strength and also intercede for those in need of prayers. There were powerful testimonies from friends who had experienced different kinds of miracles or healing in their lives through prayers. It indeed was a life changing experience for all who attended and everybody felt the mighty anointing of the Holy Spirit. Mrs. Seyie and Pito Kiba contributed towards the expenses of one ANP each.

Reports...

Reports...
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
th

Reports...

On the 14 of October 2012 NCF, Bangalore had its annual Thanksgiving Sunday. A special song was presented by Echonthung and Achet. Pastor Rev. Zhabu Yimsung shared the word of God. The members of the church brought their best offerings in the form of home-cooked food, local vegetables all the way from Nagaland, cakes & cookies and many other things. People gave whole heartedly and poured out more than what they usually give. After the service, there was an auction where people generously bid for the thanksgiving offerings and thus raising funds for the Church.

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP The Coffee Fellowship 2012 for the working people of the NCF Bangalore, was organised in the party hall of Jain Heights, Hennur Road on Saturday, the 27th of October. The programme which was attended by 28 members began with a prayer by Pastor Caleb and a time of introduction and getting to know each other better. Aso Shanglai and Kenile Kath shared their testimonies on the importance of loving God and glorifying Him through whatever legitimate profession a person chooses to pursue. Akhoyi Kezo presented a special song.The members were then divided into groups for an involved group discussion to bring up suggestions on how to effectively engage and motivate young students and working people in the NCF activities. This was followed by a wonderful praise and worship time. Pastor Rev. Zhabu Yimsung delivered an exhortation on how everyone can effectively play a part in spreading the word of God. The session concluded with an exciting time of recreation and a sumptuous Chinese dinner. It was indeed a blessed and fun-filled experience for all the NCF working people.

......................... Linking Nagas in Bangalore .........................

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SENTIMOA
RENDENBEMO

NICOLE

HRAVEIO

AVINUO

CHRISTINA
SUZZANE

Childrens Corner ...

NANA

KRISTY

GILBERT

JONATHAN

Memories ... Memories ...

The Morung: Five yearsa lot of memories, what are your best memories here in NCF Bangalore? Vikali: Yes! I just realized its five years nowso many memories, I don't know which one to write. However, one thing I'll mention and will always miss will be the big number of friends gathering at our home (house no-9) for dinner after any occasion and staying up late till 3-4 A.M. The Morung: What has the city taught you? Vikali: I'd never been out of my house till I graduated. So basically, everything good and bad in me is the outcome of my stay in Bangalore. The Morung: What are your future plans? Diana: Honestly, I have not thought about what I am going to do after I leave Bangalore, but I am positive that God will take care of it. The Morung: Given a chance, will you rewind the five years of your stay here in Bangalore and relive it? Why? Diana: If given a chance, I would definitely like to relive those five years in a better way because out of the five years of my stay in Bangalore, it is just this year that I've got involved with NCF which has helped me grow spiritually. The Morung: The friendship you girls share is amazing and enviable. What are the secrets behind it? Kenile: Secretsummm different characters that blend very well in a unique way. Knowing and accepting each others' strengths and weaknesses have made this friendship so beautiful. We did crazy and stupid things but we knew our limits. Most importantly, we respect each other and pray for each other. These are our secrets. The Morung: What role do friends play in supporting you through bad times? Can you elaborate from your personal experience? Kenile: I would say each of them, in their own ways, has made a huge impact in my life. I had a lot of bad times physically, mentally and spiritually. Physically, they have taken care of me like a mother, mentally like a sister and spiritually like a true friend. The support that I got during those bad times made me realize that I was not alone. We shared tears, laughter and pain; they prayed for me, prayed with me and they've always made me feel special. I am blessed to have them as friends. One advice for you guys, 'Let God be the center of your friendship and feel the difference'. The Morung: Tell us your experience with the different activities of NCF Adeno: Through the activities of NCF, I have experienced the joy of knowing the Lord better and deeper. Besides that, fun, fun and fun was all I had by getting involved in the Powerhouse and worship team. I will never regret keeping myself busy for the Lord. Cheers! The Morung: What advice will you give to the young people as you leave? Adeno: Get to know people, get involved in the church actively, be cheerful always and most importantly, 'Live in Christ alone'. Trust me, life will be better. Having said all these, I am going to miss each and everyone so muchthat includes people whose names I don't know but know them by face. Stay blessed!

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Upcoming Events...
2013
JANUARY 1 New Year 19 Executive Meeting FEBRUARY 1 All Night Prayer 2 Executive Meeting 7 -10 Youth Camp 17 Campers Sunday MARCH

> The camp is open to both students & the young working people. > Registration fee : Rs. 1,000/> A camp T. Shirt, note pad + pen will be given. > Non - NCF members can also come.
FOR REGISTRATION : CALL 9886503992 7829011132 8861028212

2 Executive Meeting 10 Outgoing Members Sunday 16 NCF Workers Thanksgiving Dinner 24 Palm Sunday 29 Good Friday 29 All Night Prayer 31 Easter Sunday / Baptism APRIL 6 Executive Meeting 13 General Body Meeting _______________________________

WISHING YOU ALL A CHRIST - CENTRED CHRISTMAS ! - The Pastors & Team

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