Gangte Gospel Centenary 2012 :: 100th year of Christianity

Chiengkonpang (Churachandpur), December 14:

Commemorating the 100th year of Christianity, thousands of people from the Gangte community participated at the Gangte Gospel Centenary celebration that kick-off yesterday evening at Chiengkonpang in Churachandpur. The four-day celebration, marked by enthusiasm has attracted thousands of believers from all over the state.

Setting the historic celebration into motion, beating of centenary gong was the highlight of today's program. The centenary gong was belted hundredth times led by senior most 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 program.

Prelude to the start of the congregation, releasing of 'vapal' 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 met by arousing 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.

s Admittedly, the coming of Christianity amongst the Gangte community has made a transforming effect in all walks of life. The Christianity – the religion that they embraced 100 years ago has transformed the community from 'animism' to a Christian tribe today, with 100% Christians. The significant part of the centenary celebration will be marked by mass reading of Gangte Holy Bible, attempting Limca Book of World Records to be held on December 16. The event is to be participated by more than 5000 believers, with Maniram Sharma, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, Churachandpur and LM Haokip, IPS, Supt of Police, Churachandpur attending as observers.

Mention may be made of four persons who have written the whole of Gangte Holy Bible with their hands as part of the Gangte Gospel Centenary.

They are:
Mrs Mawithangkim of New Lambulane, Imphal,
Paubik of K Laitui, Sadar Hills,
Mrs Tinglalchoi of Chiengkonpang, Churachandpur and
Miss Chongneizo of Langvon in Churachandpur district.

For further details, contact:
Elder (Prof) L S Gangte, Chairman
Rev K Mawia, Secretary