Feb 8, 2010 /Christian Today/ The Gospel has led us from darkness to light, said Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, as he heaped praise on pioneer missionaries for bringing Good News to the northeast state.

In his message to thousands on the occasion of Gospel Centenary Celebration of Independent Church of India, Singh said "Gospel led us to light and has brought us education.”

Although he was unable to make it to the event at Churachandpur, he sent his message through Ex-Minister Pu Chaltonlien Amo who read out the same to the gathering of over 20,000 Christians.

Singh recalled the sacrifice of Watkin Roberts and his family for "bringing the Gospel" and said it brought peace and unity among people.

The Independent Church of India itself is founded by Watkin Roberts who along with three missionaries from the state of Mizoram ushered the age of Gospel among tribal groups in South Manipur in 1910.

To mark this event, the ICI held a four-day celebration from Feb. 4-7 in which Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing was the chief guest.

ICI is one of the leading churches in Southern Manipur and still exists as an indigenous Church.

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