International Students taking Theological Education Home
As early as 1842, American Baptist missionaries traversed the mountains of northeast India, a region that now constitutes Nagaland, unaware their influence would contribute to the region becoming the most Baptist state in the world with God-called men and women from diverse denominations traveling over 8,000 miles to receive ministry education and preparation at George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
Ngozoto Vero (Chepoketa Village), recently received the Master of Theological Studies degree. “At Truett, I found more than a seminary. I found a community that welcomed, challenged, and walked with me,” said Vero. “Truett helped me rediscover the power and beauty of Scripture. Engaging diverse voices and theological traditions deepened my convictions while expanding my empathy. I have grown in courage to preach truth and compassion to love deeply.”
Even while pastoring a Naga church for seven years, Kwutsolo Kapfo (Pfutseromi Village), a first-year MA in Christian Ministry student, needed more. “I found myself craving quality mentorship,” Kapfo observed. “I am a lover of sports and believe the faith and sports classes at Truett will help me engage the younger generation through sports. Truett awakened this dream to take up a hobby as an avenue for ministry,” said Kapfo.
Ayivieo Koza (Khezhakeno Village), a second-year student in the MA in Contextual Witness and Innovation degree program, first learned about Truett Seminary from a fellow church member. “I did not apply to other seminaries because I believed if it was God’s will, He would open the door, and He did,” said Koza. “After seven years of praying and trusting God, He faithfully answered and brought me to Truett.” A passion for preaching attracted Nicali Yeputhomi to Truett. “I served as a young adult pastor for nearly six years and observed how the
lack of proper preaching education affected pastors in our churches,” Yeputhomi stated. Yeputhomi learned that her former preaching professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Dr. Scott Gibson, had joined Truett as director of the PhD in Preaching program. “When I learned Dr. Gibson was directing the program at Truett, I applied only there because I trusted him and wanted to continue learning under his guidance,” said Yeputhomi.
Kapfo has not yet discerned whether the Lord will lead him back to Nagaland. Yeputhomi and Koza expect to return, and Vero has done so. “One of the most urgent challenges confronting Christians and churches in Nagaland today,” said Vero, “is the rise of a syncretistic belief system that has fostered a form of cultural Christianity.” Vero hopes to contribute to the formation of a new generation of Christ-centered leaders.
“My vision is to see young men and women equipped not only for faithful service within the Church, but also empowered to engage the world with the transformative power of the gospel. I long to see my community renewed and the body of Christ strengthened in every sphere of life,” concluded Vero.
Yeputhomi plans to offer preaching resources and training to pastors and leaders in Nagaland and beyond. “I feel especially drawn to serving marginalized communities, those who lack access to quality education and training. I hope to share what I have learned with them and help equip them for ministry,” said Yeputhomi.
“I sense God leading me back to Nagaland,” said Koza. “I have always carried a deep love for students,” Koza noted, “and I am praying and hoping to serve in a Bible college setting.”
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), which has relationships with the Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India, the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, and Baptist World Alliance, accounts for an estimated 1,724 churches and 716,495 members.
“One thing I have learned through this journey is that when God begins something, He does not leave it unfinished,” said Koza. “There were many times I was afraid or unsure of what would come next, but God always showed up