Greetings to you all from OTC Yangli! We are delighted to bring to you our Brand New website which will serve as a very useful platform for us to keep you all updated about our Ministries, Future Plans and Prayer needs.
Despite the current challenges amidst the Global Pandemic, we are grateful to God for being gracious upon all members of the OTC Community and well wishers across the State and beyond. Let us continue to pray for one another and for the rest of the World as we struggle to overcome and get over with the Pandemic.
Read on for more information about Oriental Theological College, Yangli.
Historical Sketch of the Origin and Development of OTC
The history of theological education in Sangtam land traces back to 1980 when the United Sangtam Baptist Lithroti Ashimükhung (USBLA) opened a vernacular Bible school called Oriental Bible School (OBS), with a burden to train up young men and women for the Lord’s ministry. It is located at USBLA mission centre Yangli. Late Mr. L.Yanger Sangtam was appointed as the first head master and began the school with 56 (fifty six) students.
Though the products of this school prospered and served the churches well, the leaders soon felt that the Bible school training at vernacular level alone would not be enough to meet the challenges of the fast changing world in the years to come. With this burden in mind and a vision to fulfill the great commission of Christ, the OBS was upgraded to college level and named the same as Oriental Theological College (OTC) in 1996. This was done in commemoration of the USBLA golden Jubilee with a clarion call of “Go and Preach.” It was materialized under the chairmanship of Late Shri. C.K. Sangtam IAS (RTD), and was inaugurated on 12th July 1996 by Shri. S.K.Sangtam Hon’ble Minister Nagaland.
The college was started with 14 students with Mr. T. Tsangkhuchu as its acting Principal – cum – Academic Dean. The present college inherited the land and the building of the OBS.
Relationship with the Churches
Oriental Theological College maintains cordial relationship with the churches. The churches support the vision of the college to train young people from all walks of life. The relationship is one of spiritual nature. Every semester student’s team lead by a faculty would visit different churches to which the students belong, to minister there and to create a good rapport between the institution and the church.
Extra-curricular activities
The institution focuses on providing holistic education and as such co-curricular activities are integral part of their campus life which is a way of offering a balanced theological education. For physical fitness and mental alertness, an annual and an everyday games & sports is organized. The sports committee also organizes football and volley ball matches with neighboring churches to create fellowship and build better relationship as ministry. A day or two is set aside in a semester to conduct literary events like quiz, essay, spelling bee, painting, debate etc to inculcate and increase students’ cognitive ability and gain literary knowledge. Musical night, music workshop is conducted in a while. Likewise all the committees organise special program and competitive events to enhance their knowledge in that particular area. A practical trip and a practical work is initiated to make the theoretical knowledge practical. Thus, all these activities build students’ capacity in learning, leading and ministering.
Work scholarship program for the students
we give stipend scholarship for the poor and needy students. The committee is set to see the necessary works related to providing financial assistance. We prayfully select the students who are from economically poor family background. A student to be recipient of this help is expected of sincere in studies, strong moral lifestyle and who is willing to work for few hours in a week in the office, library and in the guest house.
The committee conveys the need of the students to the well-wishers and churches and seek help from them. This help is extending a great help to many students.
Alumni Association
We have Oriental Theological College Alumni Association. OTC Alumni meets once in every three years for fellowship strengthening mutual bond with one another as graduates and also with part and present faculty of the college. It is also a platform to share one’s own experiences and encourages one another in ministry. The Office bearers of the Association meet once in a year.
The college keeps intact relationship with the Alumni and College provides services by sending existing students for field education work to the alumni churches as and when they need our service. We also invite the alumni for seminars and workshop conducted by the College for up-gradation of ministry skills. Every Thursday is set aside to pray for Alumni.