United Christian Prayer Ministry (UCPM) on Saturday organized a Gospel Music Concert under the theme \u2018Restore Nagaland for Christ\u2019 to raise funds for the ministry to conduct prayer and preaching crusade in the two districts of Dimapur and Kohima during the current year.\nFounded in 2002 by Satovi Swu, the United Christian Prayer Ministry is an interdenominational movement, with an aim to encourage Christians to become \u2018mighty prayer warrior\u2019 and to take part in the spiritual warfare. The ministry visits various churches for preaching and visiting homes conduct prayer concert and encourage forming home based prayer cell.
\nWith no funding agency, the ministries in the movement are carried out with the contributions of the people and as such, the musical concert held on September 20 was carried out with the combined support from Churches, Bible Colleges and Christian youths.
\n\u201cThis ministry is not an imitation of other movements, but the Spirit led us into forming it since 1993, and fortunately it was finally formed in 2002\u201d said Satovi, chairperson, UCPM.
\nOn being asked the UCPM chairperson said the ministry has at present raised their fund to about Rs. 50\u2019000\/ and expressed hope that some amount more would be added through the sale of tickets. He however, expressed his disappointment that even in a Christian ministry some unscrupulous persons have tampered with the ticketing system and for which the complimentary dinner along with the tickets had to be cancelled.
\nRaising a road of laughter from the audience, Khekaho Assumi, chairperson, DMC who graced the gospel concert as the chief guest added humour in the entertainment programme by terming himself as the \u2018wrong person\u2019 to grace the gospel programme, since he is yet to be baptized though nearing his 40\u2019s.
\nSwaying the moods of the audience with his powerful oration, the chairperson called upon the audience comprising mostly of students from Bible and Secular colleges and church youths to be serious in life and said \u201ca little labour, when the rest are sleeping makes a difference.\u201d
\nCiting the example of how Napoleon along with a few people sitting in a coffee shop desiring for a revolution succeeded in bringing about the historic French Revolution, Khekaho Assumi encouraged the Christian Ministry in its mission and assured all support in its capacity from the civic body. He also donated Rs 25\u2019000\/- towards the fund raise.
\nMeanwhile, the programme was held in much grandeur and style with choirs from Eastern Bible College, New Life Bible College and Mission India Bible College belting out gospel songs and special numbers. Choreography was performed by Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church and special number by \u2018Mission Possible\u2019 Showuba, wherein five male youth received a standing ovation. Special highlight of the programme however included numbers by Ilitoli Aye and Emilo Patton, Naga Idol 2006 finalist.
\n(Staff reporter)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"