The Independent Church of India (ICI), founded by pioneer missionary Watkin R Roberts, began a four-day Gospel Centenary Celebration to mark its 100th anniversary.

More than 20,000 people including delegates and church leaders from India as well as foreign countries will attend the Feb. 4 - 7 event.

A press release of the Committee stated that the year 2010 is the 100th year of the coming of the Gospel to South Manipur for the Hmar tribe and other allied churches in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar.

Chief Minister O Ibobi and Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing will be the chief guest and the guest of honour respectively.

The arrival of Watkin Roberts and the three missionaries from the state of Mizoram namely, Savawma, Thangchhingpuia and Vanzika on May 7, 1910, had ushered the age of Gospel among the tribal groups in South Manipur.

Within a few years the North East India General Mission was founded and it vigorously began taking up the task of propagating the Good News among Manipur's fierce tribal groups.

Today the region of Southern Manipur has one of the highest concentrations of Christians in the whole of India. Many churches and denominations have sprung up over the years.

A major Gospel Centenary Celebration is planned to be held at Public Ground, Lamka, Churachandpur on May 5, 2010.

By: John Malhotra
Source: Christian Today India
Date: February 5, 2010