After 100 yrs, Manipur Christians reminisce power of Gospel

The arrival of Gospel hundred years ago endowed an era of hope and change in Southern Manipur. Last week, a stupendous centenary celebration was organised to mark the event.

The Gospel came to the region in 1910 through Watkin Roberts and his three associates from Mizoram. The coming of Gospel resulted in the transformation of one of the most barbaric tribal groups within a few decades.

The May 4 - 7 celebration was organised by the Evangelical Congregational Church of India (ECCI), formerly known as the North East India General Mission (NEIGM), founded by Watkin Roberts. The theme of the celebration was 'Darkness to Light' based on the text Isaiah 9:2.

The event began with a torch rally and the lighting of centenary flame by the moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Mizoram. The main speaker was Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, the International Director for the World Evangelical Alliance.

"It was an amazing event. In fact, I would say it was one of my most unique speaking engagements in my ministry career. In the midst of all the challenges in the world it is exciting to see God at work in amazing ways," Dr. Tunnicliffe told Christian Today.

Over 20 denominations from all 7 tribes had participated in the event. One of the highlights of the event was the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus by a ten thousand-voice choir. Significantly, a Centenary Monument was also erected to mark the hundredth year anniversary.

Says Rev. Lalrosiem Songate, general secretary of the ECCI, "We have been preparing for the celebration since March 25, 2006." He told Christian Today that the people of Southern Manipur were very thankful and wanted to celebrate in a grand way the coming of Gospel among the people.

"Before the Gospel arrived, we were very backward and uncultured. We were isolated and living in jungles. No culture had ever penetrated our land. We were untouched by the things happening around the world. We even barely knew how to clothe our nakedness. But once the Gospel of Christ was preached, things were not the same. It was the beginning of a glorious era. Our people witnessed remarkable progress in their lives," observed Rev. Songate.

He added: "Gospel has not only brought spiritual awakening, but has also brought physical changes in our lives. It brought education to our people. Our minds were enlightened. Our forefathers were very responsive to the Gospel. The sacrifice and love of Christ on the cross led them to embrace Christianity and cut off their animistic roots for the betterment of the society."

Pointing to the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Rev. Songate stressed that Church had a great role to play. "There has been ethnic war, tribal fights and lot of other atrocities that has divided our society. With our unity the Church could set a great example," he said.