The Tangkhul Baptist Churches Association (TBCA) is preparing to host the ‘Tangkhul Baptist Gospel (TBG) Quasquicentennial & Quinquennial Fellowship’ in Ukhrul district headquarters from April 4 to 8. This global Baptist congregation will be the first of its kind and is expected to draw in tens of thousands of believers.
The gathering will commemorate 125 years of Christianity in Manipur.
During a press conference held on April 1 at the TBG125 Hall in Mission Compound, Alungtang, Reverend Zaklei Kaping, the Convenor of the Organising Committee, provided details about the upcoming event. The theme for the celebration is ‘In the fullness of Time’ and although it is primarily a Baptist occasion, believers from all Christian denominations within the district are encouraged to join and give praise to God for choosing the Tangkhuls as His followers for over 125 years.
Reverend Zaklei Kaping, who is also the pastor Phungyo Baptist Church (PBC) emphasised that the main purpose of hosting the event is to bring about spiritual awakening amongst all believers, regardless of their denomination. “We have been chosen by God to be His people, and it is time for us to show our gratitude by celebrating His grace and giving Him our praises,” he explained.
“Tangkhuls were chosen by God in the fullness of His time, and we will commemorate this occasion in the fullness of His time. In this age of growing wickedness, uniting as believers is essential in order to revive our spiritual resilience as a community and pave the way for a better life, both physically and spiritually,” he said.
“It was God’s plan for the Tangkhul community to be His chosen people. This all began with the arrival of American Baptist missionary, Reverend William Pettigrew, here in 1896,” he said adding that God’s promise of adopting the Tangkhul people as His own was fulfilled through the faithful service of Awo Raihao, who was the then headman of Hunphun village, who helped Reverend Pettigrew in his mission. “Thus, the first 12 people to be baptized in 1901 were all Tangkhuls, and this marked the beginning of Christianity in our land,” Reverend Kaping explained.
According to Themshang Horam, a member of the committee, the main focus of the celebration is to express gratitude to God for His mercy and to promote spiritual revival and a sense of unity among the people. “Spiritual revival is crucial for the growth of our society,” stated Horam.
Rev. Ayo stated that the upcoming event has dual purposes – to revive our spiritual selves and to promote physical cleanliness in the town. He informed that a cleanliness drive will be carried out across the entire town, and on behalf of the committee, he urged all members of the public to actively participate and maintain a clean environment. He also urged them not to litter and to abide by the proposed traffic regulations during the celebration.
Furthermore, Rev. Ayo stressed the importance of public cooperation during the event, in order to ensure a peaceful and successful celebration. The committee hopes that the public will support and contribute towards the event, as it is for the benefit of the entire community. The aim of the event is to bring about a positive change in both the spiritual and physical aspects of our lives.
TBCA president Rev. Aping Khamrang shared that the first revival in the Tangkhul region was experienced in 1923. “As we approach the upcoming event, we will reflect on our current spiritual state and discuss ways to revive our spirituality, which is crucial for growth in all other areas of life. Without a spiritual awakening, we will not be able to receive God’s grace and blessings,” he said. TBCA executive secretary Reverend Mathotmi Vasah, Reverend Soprang and other members of the committee were also present in the press conference.
The event will feature greetings from Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown General Secretary, Baptist World Alliance (BWA), Rev. Jim Bell, Associate Executive Director, ; Global Mission International Ministries (American Baptist Foreign Mission Society), Rev. Dr. Robin D. Stoops Associate General Secretary, Mission Resource Development American Baptist Churches USA (ABC-USA), Rev. Dr. Vesekhoyi Tetseo General Secretary, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), Rev. Dr. Akheto Sema General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), Rev. Tugaso Manyu General Secretary, Arunachal Baptist Convention (ABC), Rev. Janang R Sangma General Secretary, Garo Baptist Convention (GBC), Rev. Benard K Marak General Secretary, Assam Baptist Convention (ABC), and Rev. Kamson Rongphar General Secretary, Karbi-Anglong Baptist Convention (KABC).
Apart from this, Chief Minister, Manipur N. Biren Singh, Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze MP, Outer Manipur, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, and AC HA Khayaiwo Hunphunwo will also greet the event.
The upcoming event will also feature a diverse range of activities, such as prayer gatherings, religious services, cultural showcases, and social gatherings. In addition to these, there will also be a Traditional museum showcasing various crafts and talents that have been blessed by God, providing an opportunity for attendees to glorify Him through their talents and abilities.
Along with this, local products will be on display and available for sale, adding to the festivities and celebration of God’s blessings.
