Churachandpur, February 05 2010: The Gospel Centenary (100 years of Christianity in southern Manipur) celebration of Independent Church of India (ICI) was held at Sielmat Ground, Churachandpur today with Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister Power, Horti, Sc & Tech as the Chief Guest.

People in their thousands turned out to attend the Gospel Centenary celebration.

The celebration began with an Invocation by Rev.H.B Hluothang, Secretary Education ICI.

Dr.H.L Liensang, Chairman GCCC, delivered the keynote address.

The Chief Guest of the celebration Phungzathang Tonsing, released three white doves and 100 balloons as mark of peace.

This was followed by ringing of the Gospel Bell by various church executive leaders and presentation of Hmar traditional shawl known as Thangso pon or victorious shawl to retired Church pastors as a mark of respect and honour to mark the Gospel Centenary celebration in Lord's Ministry service by Gospel Centenary Celebration Committee(GCCC).

Hmar Youth Association (HYA) GHQ also presented Thangso pon to Mr.David Roberts, nephew of Watkin R.Roberts, a pioneer of Gospel in Southern Manipur followed by 1000 children presenting Gospel songs.

Rev.Dr.J.L Songate presented traditional Hmar shawl to the Chief Guest and his wife which was followed by release of Gospel centenary Souvenir by the Chief Guest.

Gospel Drama entitled "Journey through the Decades" by ICI Central Women Department which they depict how Gospel came into being at Senvon village at that time and how it spread with the establishment of school for the first time at Senvon village to the present day in brief.

Manipur CM O.Ibobi Singh who as supposed to be the Chief Guest of the Gospel Centenary Celebration but could not attend as he is out of station on some official tour.

Ex-Minister Pu Chaltonlien Amo read out a message from the chief minister to the gathering.

The Chief Guest in his speech said that it is a blessing for him to be a part of such an auspicious occasion.

He said that it a blessing that "we have reached 100 years of Christanity in Churachandpur district and else where." "How every one feels about the Gospel centenary celebration to day", he asked.

Further that Watkin R.Roberts and his family deserve all the praise and honour for brining the "Gospel among us that leading us from Darkness into Light not only in Gospel but also in education".

"Without God there will be no peace on earth saying that peace is only with God but not with a man", said Pungzathang Tonsing.

He stressed the need for unity amongst the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi brethren, appealing to all to mark the Gospel Centenary Celebration with forgiveness of past mistakes.

Rev Rosung Sinate Fin.Secy ICI gave which was followed by introduction and greetings from Dr.David Norbury, Gen Secy Evangelical Movement of Wales.

UK and Dr.Dong Hwan Yoo, Chairmna, Overseas company, Shinam Church Seoul, South Korea.

Thus the noon Gospel centenary celebration came to an end with attaining Gospel Manna.

It may be recalled here that Independent Church of India Founder Watkin R.Roberts accompanied by Mr.Lungpau and Mr.Thangkai left Aizawl on January 31, 1910 and reached Senvon Village on February 5, 1910.Watkin R.Roberts proclaimed the Gospel at Senvon and continued to spread the Gospel to its neighbouring states within a short period of time.

The Independent Church of India (ICI), founded by Watkin R.Roberts, is one of the leading churches in Churachandpur and had been existing as an indigenous Church.

It is deeply rooted to the principles of self-support, self-administration and self-propagation.

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