Unison September 2003 Issue

 

Any game worth playing is a game worth pursuing a win in. What nobility is there in playing like a slacker? What virtue is purposefully mediocrity? None! I live my life to be a winner-every area of my life! If it is worth doing, it is worth winning!

               Not too long, we had witnessed a session of high voltage competition, charge with a must win spirit. Certainly it was a moment of great joy to see participants sweating out to garner each point along the line of competition - the competition was certainly stiff, and each win was worth celebration: The Youth Fiesta 2003. Indicated the importance of collective teamwork, it also essentially underline the essence involve in being a winner-The festival featured various activities which include physical endurance, mental preparedness, reflexive-exercise, time management, precision, co-operate teamwork, supervision skill etc. The Youth Fiesta 2003 was unique in the sense that, with the celebration coming to an end, it set opens a new chapter filled with new challenges and real issues-correspondingly, it immediately recognizes the importance of a strategy. At the meantime, the effectiveness of 'co-operate team work', experienced during the Youth Fiesta can be a positive step for a starter, while other measures are discussed.

       The basic importance of Christian living, as generally accepted is 'Relationship', the sheer source of joy and the thrust to keep the ball rolling. Nevertheless, 'True Relationship' is a personal experience between God and the individual. I am curious to know the reason why God wants to relate with man. Why? The Psalmist too was astounded at God's eagerness to relate with man- yet what is imperceptible and beyond man's comprehension, God has design, for human understanding, Christian fellowship to characterize His nature in a diminutive form, through which human being can experience His Love and blessing. The reason why God want to relate with man, I guess is that, He simply wants to show His Love to His possessed creation because the Bible says that, 'God is Love'. It is interesting to note that God operates within the 'law of nature':  to love someone, one requires the participation of a second person. And for God to maintain that relationship, He demonstrated His love to mankind through the sacrifice of His begotten Son, Jesus. One thing for sure, God means serious business when it comes to 'Relationship'. Therefore, the wrath of God is sure when an attempt is made to impede the release of His love to His children, "for I the Lord your God am a jealous God". (Ex 20:5).

     It is note worthy to mention that the Immanuel fellowship has grown progressively through the years, blessed and re-bless by God; okay that's the receiving aspect, what about the returning end? Maybe it's not bad at all or rather lets say we have attained a landmark distinction, but why only Immanuel (Church)? Is this what God entrusted us with? Are we not heir, to inherit the earth?  O! Would that our horizon be the ends of the oceans, the sky be our limit, the Love of God be our banner and our motto ' humility' in the sight of God, and our mission 'reaching the Good News to the Human race'……… "Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven". In the Race of life a true winner is one who helps other win the game. We can all be winners! Lets also invite others to the race and help them win. A 'true relation' with God is a win-win situation-how beautiful and fortunate are those who relate with the Lord God. 

 

 

       Life?                                    Pungosüle Kera

If you were asked, how would you define life? Sweet or Bitter? Blissful or Hell? Jam-packed or Empty? Hope or Vague?

I congregate the opinions of different people about life. To some the desire to find 'real' life would be in the next metropolis or vocation, some thought it might be in the next friendship or in the love-affair; others unabashedly believed they would expand their life experience in the next drug fix or booze party. Unfortunately, they couldn't find real life in all those… Sadly, to many, life has not been a "bed of roses" (thus, Bon Jovi sings), rather it is a "bed of thorns" where life pricks & pricks.

This happened to this deprived girl - Nose pressed on the window and admiring all the people that meant to be. She yearned to become someone great, to savor the reality of life, to own the whole lot, but life has been cruel to her. Yes! Life was bitter and unpromising as she measured her life with people. She was surrounded with the peer pressure, dysfunctional family structure, and confusion. Would she then, long to heed a whisper saying, 'You are awesome, I love you, you are special?' Yes! Oh! Yes!

But, only, had she been rich, popular, sophisticated, beautiful, well-learned… But it was all a dream. Yes a dream! She remained nonentity and absolutely nothing belonged to her. What is life to her then? How would we define such life? And does her life end there? Perhaps not!! Something happened later… 

 

        Novel readers would grasp me without a hitch and probably as you travel along with me you would find in the later part of her life she became prosperous, popular and even the whole world worshipped her. Huh!! Isn't that nonsense? And how could that be possible? She strived hard. She sought jobs - baby-sat, mopped floors, assist in household chores, and even served in cheap hotels. That's how her life was from "rags-to-riches". Perhaps this is only a gripping drama, or rather an imagination, which encompasses the writers and readers mind.  

 

               Have you ever wish your discontented life would become a life like hers (within a snap of fingers)? Have you ever long to have life at its fullest where you would acquire everything…and the world befalls you? 

 

          But, only, had life been a Novel. "Life" in novels/movies is hyperbole where there is no sense of reality but only a means of counterfeit that deceived readers/viewers. In the past, I tricked myself by too much engulfed in novels and that terribly hypnotized me. I thought life was fantastic and superb in novels. Probably I must've thought that could be 'real' life but it was not.

 

           Foolishly, today, many think that real life could be found only in relationships, in excessive pleasures or by being rich, prominent, educated. Greatest life is not necessarily the life that is busiest or the most famed or the most gifted. Therefore, isn't it apt to contemplate how can we contain real life, then? If it is not by wealth, power, knowledge or in relationships & pleasures, then, how can we have life at its fullest? Is it by being poor, lowly, gauche, godly? Not necessarily!

 

         This could be the answer  - Are we well-to-do in Christ Jesus? Uhhmm! Does Christ exist in our hearts? Of course, occasionally. Is He the King of our lives? Nah! Nah! I have another big boss. Is Christ the core of our entire being? No way! Not at all! Perhaps, then, something could be missing.

 

          Real life can neither be attained by knowledge, wealth, power, fame, beauty, relationships, nor by heights, depths, breath but only by being rich in Jesus Christ. Have you found that life? If not, seek the reality now…in CHRIST.

 

 

         Holiness Relived :                        Alem Terhüja

 

Let us pause for a moment and ponder upon the holiness of God. Of all the characteristic of God mention in the Bible, it is His holiness that is repeated thrice. "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come." Rev 4:8. This fact itself denotes the super importance of God's Holiness. To visualize it, lets imagine a spotless white cloth or a vast sheet of pure white snow. I guessed that's how God's holiness or purity is, although it is much more than man's understanding. God is so holy that He just cannot tolerate sin.

 

The believers in the New Testament are referred to as saints, not because they were already pure but because they are people who are set apart and called to purity. To be holy is not an option but a command or rather an order. In first Peter 1:16, God says, "Be holy, for I am holy." May be you are saying it is difficult to achieve the state of holiness God desires. But surely God has given us the potential to reach that status otherwise God would not have told us to do something, which we cannot do. And remember, God's rules are 'simple' but not 'easy'.

 

So how do we keep ourselves holy? Simple! Just love and obey God. Allow the Holy Spirit to keep cleansing you every moment and minute of your life. You must be willing not to conform yourselves to the standard of this world but by being transformed by the renewing of your mind that you will be able to prove what is good and acceptable to the will of God. The Bible also tells us to do and think of whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, anything that is excellent or praiseworthy.

 

I end with a favourite prayer of mine, " Lord make me as holy as a saved sinner can be".

 

                Testimony:                          Atuonuo Pienyü

 

- THE MAN IN MY LIFE: I have a real praise in my heart for what the Heavenly Father had done in my life, I am overwhelm with joy for the man who rescued me and set me free from my sins. When I was young I was totally ignorant about things around me-Spiritual matters were a far fetch idea for me to comprehend. I was then practically oblivious of what sin was and who a sinner was? I only saw virtue in me, and I was gloating then. God's grace brought me face to face with reality and for the first time I loathed my lifestyle and me. My deliverance was met at the cross through the tearful prayer of my mother, who would earnestly intercede to the savior for my father, brothers, my sister and me. My mother acted as my spiritual teacher and had ushered God's love to me and my other family members then, and is still the greatest source of God's blessing to the family. I still recalled those days when she would in tears get to her knees and pray for our sake- my daddy, brothers, my sister and me. Her first priority was and is to raise her children to grow in the fear of the Lord.

 

          I once fell very ill, and I was lying in my bed. I felt I heard a voice talking to me in my heart asking me this question of my destiny? I was revealed that with the old live I was living I was certainly not going to heaven. That night I prayed with my face buried in my pillow asking God to come and intervene and decide in my life, I asked for His forgiveness and received Him into my heart. It was a memorable experience in my life, and then I felt my life change radically and ever since I've been showered with a great relief in my heart, filled with the peace and joy of God's forgiveness. On 9th June 1996. I took water baptism along with my father, two brothers and my sister. For my mother that was the greatest day because God had answered her prayer.

 

         When I look back and see myself today, I see an    unbridgeable gap, and the difference; God has done in my life. In my moments of loneliness and helplessness, He gives me company and courage to continue life and above all His love surround me to face each new day- the dark hours and the happy ones.

 

          I am assured from His word that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I'm so glad to be on the Lord's side.         

 

All Christians are called to serve with their God given talents. And so, as Christians, do we really have serving hearts or are there intentions to make a good impression on others so as to earn prestige? Jesus taught that self centered service is wrong but service that centers on the glory of God and welfare of the church is a mighty force. That service is most worth which humbly becomes the slave of all that soul of great worth in God's sight who is least aware of his spiritual stature and who is least in his own sight.

        Being humble involves having the right perspective about ourselves too. The Bible humility does not mean undue self-deprecation because that would mean the denial of being a loved creation of God and also of being bought by Christ's precious blood. Let us remind ourselves that God expects us to lay aside selfishness, consider other's interests as more important than ours, to endure hardship, to treat everyone with respect and common courtesy, to have a hunger to bring glory to his name and serve in complete humility. This requires of our humble availability because He helps us do it and not we ourselves. The Bible has reference which emphasizes on the importance of humility - He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way(Psalm 25:9). Humble yourselves before God and He will lift you up (James 4:10). Whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of God (Matt. 18:4). A gentle and quite spirit is of great worth in God's sight (I Peter 3:4).

        And yet we find that Jesus Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment of what humility really means. Jesus Christ the King and the Prince of Peace, the only begotten Son of God himself set the perfect example of being a humble servant. He stooped so low as to wash His disciples feet and wipe them with His towel (John 13:5). And in John 13:14, He commands, "if I then, your Lord and teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet". Jesus Christ came to serve and not to be served and His entire life, He served with complete humility doing His Fathers will.

        With "Serving with Humility" as our theme Jesus Christ is our perfect role model. True service is never without a cause but may God help us, fill and empower us with the zeal to go forth as a mighty force with the ambition " to serve" for the glory of His name "with humility".

        "They that know God will be humble, they that know themselves cannot be proud".

 

       Youth Fiesta Report 2003 Special Supplement

        The Immanuel Youth Executive were relieved of its hectic and nerve-breaking event scheduled on 5-7 September. But still many wishes that Youth Fiesta continues and indeed, it is heart-breaking for the program to have come to an end. Unfortunately, Fewel Force group led by Kezhosato & Nourhenuo couldn't give much of their 'force' probably because of poor power & heat? But somehow the group strived till the end anticipated to achieve something i.e., "the most humble group". Foster Feat group along with the leaders Zakiebeituo & Asale has really been so encouraging and they have led the group very well. They earned the "Best Discipline". But hold on! Forte Fort group claimed to be the 'strongest' and I guess they are, since they have proved it with their achievement, entitled "Overall Champion". Thanks to the leaders Theyievizo & Kemesano. CONGRATULATIONS to all the group leaders & members.

        On the first day, the groups geared up, put on their armour and marched to the stadium for Table Tennis. The groups had a grueling time to cheer up even the defeated ones. Few guys have soared real high in 'Fix Jump'. Then the girls began their Arm Wrestling, their chicken muscle were strong enough and that confronted the guys. All fed themselves well and that led them to the Volley Court. All groups were spirited, the match was tough but friendly. Sports day would have been more fun and exhilarating had there been enough time for the 'long anticipated' Tug-o-War but I guess the Sports Captain (Swedevikho Koso) have another unique plan.  

        In spite of the tiring sports day, exhaustion was not even felt on the second day. Instead people were impatient to wait for the clock to strike 11:00 a.m. And thus, the program began with Bible Trivia. Bibles were flipped from Genesis to Revelation. In fact, the Immanuelites are even proud to have outstanding preachers and speakers. More than that, the amazing talents of beautiful voices enthralled the audience. The choir presentation was a hard-hitting contest and perhaps the Judges had a tough time in first rating. The hall was thronged with sounds of laughter as the actors & actresses performed variety of skits on "parables" and colourful costumes. These events were what made up the program of Youth Fiesta.   

        The Youth Fiesta was celebrated with a main purpose - To utilize the many hidden talents of the young people, to share the joy of Christian living with others, to encourage new members for the extension of the Kingdom of God  and to glorify His name.

        Youth Fiesta was a promising & blessed time to all and it's all because of the cooperation from each individual. Our heartfelt gratitude is due to all the Volunteers, Judges, Cooks, Shoppers, Prayer Warriors, Sponsors, Financial Supporters, Organizers, Well-wishers from Tangkhul Baptist Youth, Lerie Baptist Youth,  etc. We are indebted beyond words but it is our prayer that God bless you all abundantly!  -- Youth Director

 

 

1. Pungusiile(Y/D): .like to sleep, listening to music"

Forte (f): Vigorously devoted.

Emotional volatility (e/v): Fast to anger.

Youth fiesta(Y/Fex): "very unique and challenging".

2.  Zhamhalie(Pb/L): "..tailoring, cobbling, cooking, painting, sketching etc".

(Y/Fex):"encourage by the presence of friends, N deh!"

3. Swede Sale (Tre): "..like helping others".( Very magnanimous).

Y/Fex: "Inspired by the enthusiasm, especially of the new comers. Riiko, ache! N riiko,ache!"

4. Seyieneizo(Ch): "like football, listening to music".

Emotional confidence (e/c): "Low self-esteem".

Y/Fex: " Simply ecstatic! Truly inspired by the active participation of the first timers".

5. Visapi(R/KTBKK): "..like listening to music, football".

Y/Fe: "Challenge by the participation of the newcomers".

6. Theyievizo(Ld) : "..like to make the best used of the moment".

Y/Fex: "Felt blessed thoroughly!"

7. Evito: "..like to watch TV, listening to music".

Y/Fex: "Surprised by the excitement that was in stored".

8. Nourheno(Ld) : "..like cooking, gardening".

Y/Fex: "Extra blessing through a very special friend".

9. Jesevitso: "..like classical music, sleeping".

E/v: Fast to anger.

Y/Fex: "For the first time, felt the hospitality from a different Church".

10. Thinokhrie-o: "..like cooking, gardening".

Y/Fex: "In spite of my many weaknesses, felt special by being judge the most discipline participant".

11. Nopi: "..had a great time!" Apologize for not   being                   able to bring his hobby.

12. Asi(S/L) : " I believe everybody had a blessed time". Admonished the seniors to climb a newer height.

13. Neisebei: "The Immanuel youths are great people". Take interest in writing poetry and also like dreaming.

14. Kezhosato(Ld) : "For the first time in my life I  felt I've achieved something, and the opportunity was special and memorable".

15. Kethovizo : "Came all the way from Bihar.." and shares the same hobby as Saddam  ie Exploding biological  and chemical bombs at any place..

16. Toso :"I may look reserved outside but I am very open and friendly inside".

 

1.        Group Champion       : Forte Fort

2.        Best Discipline          : Foster Feat

3.        Best Uniform            : Foster Feat

4.        Most Humble            : Fewel Force

Best Individuals (Male)         : Thinokhrieo

                   (Female)         : Thejaseno Krose

 

With the advancement of Technology and ever increasing number of members attending church, it has become necessary for a church to have a good sound system. So what is a sound system? A sound system is an appliance which amplifies the audio sounds of a minister or performers so that a large gathering of people can hear the preaching or singing. Consequently, a church needs a sound system as a vehicle to effectively communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to an audience.

        Within its technical abilities, it is intended to capture a live presentation and pleasantly amplify it with high fidelity without restricting a performer's concentration or expression.      

         A sound system has legitimate purpose only when it effectively serves both the performer and the audience. It is not there to be served, but to be a servant. Whenever a sound system or its operation impairs the performance of a minister, or hinders the listening of a congregation, it has lost its reason for existing. Feedback, unbalanced mixes, volume levels too high or low, or monitors which cannot be heard by the performers are some of the common problems with a system which can literally ruin the atmosphere of a service or the composure of a minister or singers.

        Because of prohibitive costs, it is rare to find a church which has the highest quality microphones and audio equipment or state -of - the art sound system; and most churches are notorious for building designs which produce poor acoustics. Complicated by volunteer personnel which usually have little or no training with audio technology, it is easy to realize why churches often complain about their sound. People who are accustomed to the professionally mixed sounds of records, tapes and video expect the same results in their church. But this high quality can only be achieved with: (1) Properly installed, high quality microphones and audio equipment, (2) a favorable acoustic environment, and (3) knowledgeable and experienced technical operation of the sound system.                                                   Tips on dealing with feedback problems                

         Feedback is technically known as audio oscillation. In simple terms, it is nothing more than sound coming out of the speakers, going back into the microphones and reamplified in rapid oscillating cycles, creating a shrill whine or squeal. There is no complete cure for feedback. If the volume of any mic is boosted loud enough, it will eventually cause feedback. However, these are ways that it can be reduced and controlled:

1.Turn the volume down.

2. Decrease gain on equalizer  or tone controls.

3. Reduce monitor system volume or its EQ gain.

4. Move microphones farther away from sound path of speakers.

5. Use higher quality, low impedance microphones and equipment.

6. Select tighter patterned, cardioid microphones when possible.

7. Decrease gain on reverb controls.

8. Improve room acoustics to absorb more reflected sounds.

9. If possible, have an audio engineer to perform an acoustic analysis between your system and auditorium.                                                            

Using Microphone in the Church                       

Simply stated, a microphone changes sound waves into an electronic signal which is transmitted to an amplifier and then to speakers.                    

Do's and Don't                                                     

1. When used for vocal amplification, a microphone should be mounted or held within a tolerance of between 3 and 8 inches of the person. 2. When holding a microphone during singing or preaching, it's best to hold your mic approximately 3 to 4 inches under your chin. Holding a mic too close can also be a problem. This can create "distortion," which makes your voice sound fuzzy and indistinguishable. 3. During moments that a microphone is not being used, it should never be held randomly in any direction. If the mic is still "live" and not used, it should always be held in an upright position, lowered from your mouth if so desired until you need to use it again. 4. There is another problem which is caused by holding two or microphones too close together. This is called "phase shifting," and creates unpleasant, unnatural sounds. It is advisable to never allow two live mics to come closer than two feet from each other. 5. Don't blow into a mike to see if it's on. This sound is annoying and you might blow harmful moisture (spit!) into it. It's a better idea to say something or tap it lightly with your finger. 6. Do not speak directly into a mic. You'll usually create a popping sound, especially if you make a "P" or "T" sound. It's best to improve technique by speaking across the mic rather than into it.   7. Don't abuse your microphone. Don't drop it, subject it to shock, or hold it dangling by the cable, etc. It is a delicate instrument and may be expensive to repair or replace. Store it in a clean, dry place when not in use.        Contributed by: Neisekho

 

 

Hi! Vizano

How are you? Hope you're fine. We miss you very much and hope to see you soon!!!!

With lots of love & regards

Vilavole, Vikesono, Neidekhole, Vivono & Vizotono

 

Fewel Force

Cheer up!!! The battle belongs to the lord. It was never 'ours'.    P.Kera

 

Youth Fiesta Members

I am proud of you all. Your contribution was superb & very heart-touching. God Bless you all!!

Love u,     Pungosüle

                                               

Roko

Thanks for all your support…it's such a blessing to have you around.              

Yours, Partner  

                                             

The Immanuel Kobras and Tahos!

Ü-lu thuse thu se te!  …. : Ed.Team!                                                                      

 

   Nomeü's Page

* I dig honesty

* I like women to be women and men to be men without too much mixing up their roles and identities.

* I easily get along with friends who are loving, cheerful and funny characters - all jumbled up together.

        A little list of this are: My Secret book holders - Ayobo, Kevileü, Neiseno. My cutie pie - Kethovizo. My skeleton partners - Anya, Anu. My Guide book - Khrievono. The person who accompany me is laughter & who is always around building up my moods - Visapi. My most admired persons & the most loving people in the whole world - Kevi, Ayobo, Vikhapi, Zhamhalie. The persons whom I loved to be with - GETNET. My loving night dropping partner - Metozo. The person who always make me laugh by saying the word 'Century' - Swedevikho Sale. The person who is really cool - Toso. And my two very beautiful, loving sisters - Kevi and Ayobo.

        They all add colour in my life and I 'm really having a great time with them. I thank God for giving me such cool friends, (I love u all) May God bless you all abundantly.

 

A Sunday school teacher began her lesson with a question. Boys and girls, what do you know about God?" A hand Shot up in he air. "He is an artist!" said the kindergarden boy. "Really?! How do you do you know?" the teacher asked. "You know-'our Father who does art in heaven….."        Contributed by Rokono

 

       Praise God

"        For the fruitful time during Youth Fiesta.

"        For those who have joined the youths for the first time

"        For the answered prayers

       Pray

"        For our well wishers, sponsors

"        For the follow-up program

"        For all the youth members

"        For the Cell groups

 

July:   Seminar on 'Holy Living'.

August: KYBF Pulpit exchange with Chang Baptist Youths Kohima.

Praise and Worship seminar ( KTBKK& PBKK)

September: Youth Fiesta (5th-7th)