Pastors’ fellowship invites all to Rev. Franklin Graham’s reception in Kohima

KOHIMA — As Nagaland gears up for the historic reception of Rev. Franklin Graham’s visit by November end, the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) has appealed to all citizens of the state and beyond, irrespective of religion, to come and be part of the grand reception at Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima.

Rev. Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, is scheduled visiting the state on November 30, fifty three years after his father Billy Graham visited Nagaland in 1972.

Members of the KBPF, led by president Rev. Dr. Ruokuolie Sachü, spokespersons Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha and Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, advisor Rev Vezopa Rhakho, treasurer Khekavi Yeptho, and secretary Dr. SN Among Jamir, addressed a press conference on Monday, updating on Rev. Graham's upcoming visit to Kohima.

The KBPF stated that the visiting team's visas are still being processed and are expected to be finalised soon. A 13-member delegation is expected to attend the reception programme.

Rev. Phesao disclosed that they are working together with the state government in regard to sharing facilities and logistics towards the reception programme. He acknowledged the central government as well as the state government for necessary arrangements and for recommending visas for the visiting team.

Related: Franklin Graham likely to visit Nagaland, 50 years after his father’s crusade

The KBPF extended invite to all dwellers of Kohima and beyond, irrespective of caste, religion and church affiliations, to come and be a part of the programme. The reception programme is organised by KBPF in partnership with All Nagaland Joint Christian Forums and Nagaland Baptist Church Council.

He also appealed to all the sections to maintain peace and harmony during this time and sought for mutual understandings, intercession among the people in order to have a peaceful reception. He further urged people not to disseminate wrong information or misleading news, which may create confusion or otherwise in the society.

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Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao recalled attending Billy Graham's 1972 crusade in Kohima with his mother at the age of four and a half. Though he didn't fully understand the preaching then, it inspired him to serve the Lord. He said Billy Graham's crusade had a profound impact on many, including himself, and he's now a living testimony of its influence.

Towards the reception programme, they are receiving voluntary gifts and donations from churches and from the members as well. He clarified that all the resources are from willing churches and not by force.

The KBPF president Sachü noted that in 1972, Billy Graham, the father of Franklin, came to Nagaland during a time when the state was undergoing social and spiritual turmoil. Franklin’s visit, he believed, would bring huge impact on the people of the state.

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“We believe that the so-called the ‘Legacy visit’ of Franklin Graham will bring a lot of solutions, peace, unity, even among the people”, he said.

The president also said that they are expecting unity, political and spiritual reformation from the visit and prayed for unity and understanding among the people.

Rev. Dr. Ruokuolie Sachü, the KBPF president, expressed hopes for unity, political and spiritual reformation to emerge from Franklin Graham's visit. He prayed for unity and understanding among the people, fostering a sense of togetherness in the community.

The KBPF is looking forward to at least 50,000 plus people gathering at IG Stadium and welcome Granklin’s legacy visit to Kohima.

As to how they first got in touch with Franklin to come to Nagaland, the president said they met with one of Graham’s associates in Shillong, who came to Nagaland in 1972, and expressed their desire to have him in the state. They came to the point where they can get in touch with the Samaritan Purse.

Rev. Vezopa Rhakho extended invitation to all the citizens of Nagaland and believers across India to come and attend the reception programme.

The KBPF had submitted a proposal for Franklin Graham's visit to Nagaland in May this year. Franklin Graham reportedly expressed enthusiasm about the visit and adjusted his schedule to attend, cancelling other plans for that time.