Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal
New Delhi, May 08 2010:
A twoday event to mark the 100 years of Christianity in south Manipur was observed in the capital yesterday at the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church ( EBCC) and at IIT Dogra hall today by a conglomeration of various denominations hailing from the south district of Churachandpur Manipur.
The collective celebrations was held by the Delhi based Zomi Christian Fellowship, New Testament Baptist Church, Hmar Christian Fellowship, Kuki Worship Service, Gangte Chritian Fellowship, Vaiphei Christian Fellowship, Presbyterian Church of India and the Evangelical Baptist Convention Church.
In a symbolic "transformation from Darkness to Light" where the welsh missionary bought light to the hills of South Manipur in 1910, hundreds of southern Manipuri Christians residing in Delhi hold candle lights and observed prayers at India Gate in the evening of May 7, an occasion also observed as missionary day and a State holiday.
A souvenir publication "goscent 1910 2010" was also released on the occasion.
With a church member record of over 1400 in the EBCC, Rev Nenglian Vualnam said, "This is the impact of the gospel" while adding that the centenary events back home has helped in a maintaining cordial brotherhood in the fragile atmosphere of the district.
Adding from Bangalore, Rev Tunson Tunglut said, "To keep intact the reached is equally important as reaching the unreached." On the continued ethnic tension and present situation of Churachandpur district the reverend remarked " After 100 years our spiritual level is lower than expected".
The centenary observation beginning from the first Sunday in May will be concluded on the 30th under a collective Zomi Christian Fellowship by the south Manipuris in Bangalore.
Prayers observed with Church leaders giving messages and teachings, gospel chorus added to the spirit of the celebration with a concluding community feast.