Gospel centenary celebration underway
Source: The Sangai Express
Chiengkonpang (Ccpur), December 14 2012:
Commemorating the 100th year of Christianity, thousands of people from the Gangte community drawn from various parts of the State participated in the Gangte Gospel Centenary celebration that kicked-off Thursday evening at Chiengkonpang in Churachandpur.
Setting the historic celebration into motion, beating of centenary gong was the highlight of today's program.
The centenary gong was beaten hundred times led by senior most Pastor among the present generation, Pastor T Selluoi and Church elders of the community.
Presentation of Halleuijah Chorus by 500-strong Centenary Choir and songs from various centenary choir groups was also another attraction of the programme.
Prelude to the start of the congregation, releasing of 'vapal' (symbolic dove) led by Elder L S Gangte, Chairman, Gangte Christian Gospel Centenary Committee and Rev K Mawia, Secretary and release of hundred numbers of balloon, marking the historic hundredth year was another attraction of the day-long program.
The centenary celebration was attended by more than 5000 people.
Earlier, the centenary torch that was set from Saichang, about 150-km away from Churachandpur was given a rousing welcome by the public, and centenary torch procession was taken out around the town shouting 'glory to God in the highest' .
A 2-hour documentary film based on Gangte culture, tradition and belief, covering 2000 years old Gangte history was also arranged for public viewing.
Christianity came to Gangte region (Gangte Biel) in 1912.Saichang in Henglep Sub-division of Churachandpur district was the first destination in Gangte Biel to have received the good news of the gospel.
Evan Thangvang and Evan Damsuok were the pioneer missionaries, with 11 converts of Saichang village in 1912 as the first Gangte Christians.