It was in the year 1972. I was studying Veterinary & A.H. at Khanapara, Guwahati. In February 1972, I came to Kohima, Nagaland to attend the Billy Graham Crusade conducted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
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(Teenager’s Day 2026 to be observed on March 8)
It was in the year 1972. I was studying Veterinary & A.H. at Khanapara, Guwahati. In February 1972, I came to Kohima, Nagaland to attend the Billy Graham Crusade conducted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. During that crusade, I made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord.
After returning to my college, on the second Sunday of March 1972, the vision of “Teenagers Evangelism of Nagaland” (TEN) came to me. I was very excited and eager to begin immediately, even though I knew nothing about God’s ministry. I wrote a letter to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association expressing my desire to start a ministry among the young people of Nagaland.
To my surprise, my letter was published in the September 1975 issue of Decision Magazine. The editor added a note below my letter requesting all readers to pray for the young people of Nagaland as they began the TEN Ministry. Seeing this made me even more concerned and burdened. I asked myself, “The letter was written by me. If I do not start this ministry, what will happen to me?”
I called a meeting among the Naga Students’ Fellowship in Guwahati to begin the TEN Ministry, but no one came forward to help. I felt discouraged and sad, thinking that I could not do it alone, and I almost gave up.
One night, an elderly woman appeared to me in a dream and said, “Hey Kip! If you are not going to start the TEN Ministry, we women will start it.” I immediately replied, “No, no! I will start it. Please do not give it to others. Even if I am alone, I will start the TEN Ministry.” Then I woke up.
The next day, I went to my friend, Dr. Kevi Chakesang, and told him that I had decided to start the TEN Ministry, even if I had to do it alone. He replied, “Why should you be alone? I will help you.” I gladly accepted and appointed him as Treasurer.
I also shared the vision with our sister, Valley Rose of the Tangkhul tribe. She encouraged me, saying, “I will also help you. Do not be afraid.” I appointed her as Secretary, and I took the responsibility of President. Thus, the three of us agreed to begin the TEN Ministry.
The first TEN Magazine was released on 8th February 1976 at the Naga Christian Fellowship, Guwahati. The dedication prayer was offered by Late Rev. L. Bizo. The motto of the ministry is:
“Serve with Love” (Galatians 5:13)
The first Teenager’s Day was observed in a small village at Botsa Baptist Church on the second Sunday of March 1977. The second Teenager’s Day was observed on 14th March 1982 (the second Sunday of March) at Terogunyu New Village. At that time, it was a jungle area with only one house. Interestingly, that day coincided with the Jewish festival of Purim, commemorating how God saved the Jews from destruction (Esther 9:19–22).
After completing 10 years, the ministry expanded beyond Nagaland to other nations. The name was changed from “Teenagers Evangelism of Nagaland” to “Teenagers Evangelism of the Nations.”
We will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of TEN Ministry on 7th March 2026.
Time: 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Venue: Gwizan Resource Centre, Khonoma (between Western Dzukou and Dzuleke)
All are warmly invited to join us as we thank God for 50 years of His faithfulness.
Dr. Kip Rio
Founder & President
TEN Ministry