Manipur School Celebrates 50 years
This year, the Manipur School, located in Northeast India, celebrated its Golden Jubilee – 50 years of God’s provision, guidance, and leadership.
A small group of local Seventh-day Adventist believers, who dreamed of an Adventist education for their children and others in their community, started the school in 1972. Many people did not believe the school would last for 50 years; some thought it hadn’t, but God has sustained the school, and He is growing it.
More than 500 people came to the Manipur School in early December to celebrate the jubilee and the inauguration of the first completed section of the new classroom building. They expressed so much gratitude to the kind donors who have given toward building it.
Students, parents, and others from the community came for the celebration.
Jonathan shared an encouraging message before unveiling the 50 year anniversary stone.
Part of the photography and video team for the day
The school’s pioneers joined in congregational singing.
Jonathan and Hannah Hill, along with Lance Finlayson, went to represent Jesus for Asia. Dennis and Judy Skandunas, who introduced us to this project, also joined, as well as church leaders and pastors from Manipur and the Northeast India Union.
Pasang Tamang, the school’s director, shared:*
“We invited all of the original 22 pioneers and 27 headmasters still living to the Jubilee. A few could not make it due to poor health, but we honored each of those who came for their sacrifice to the school.
“The pioneers and headmasters were so happy and encouraged to see the school’s progress. Some who lived far away had not heard about the school in many years and assumed it had closed down. They were surprised when they received the invitation letter and learned that the school was still running. It was so beautiful to see all of them joining in our joy, thanking the Lord for making this school reach 50 years, and praying for success in the future.
“My parents, who are Buddhists, came to join the celebration. It was a great joy for me because after I became Christian, I had a tough time communicating with them. Uncle Dennis, Aunty Judy, and I had been praying about how to bring my parents to visit the school, and God, in His time, opened the way for them to come and join the celebration.
“I had difficulty convincing them to because they felt it was a Christian program, and they didn’t want to join that, but eventually, they agreed to come. It was amazing how the Lord led my parents here.” Pasang said.
Those of us in the JFA home office have been so blessed as we have seen how God is using this school as a light to those around it. We wish we could have been at the Jubilee personally; regardless, we cannot wait to see how God will bless the school, the staff, teachers, students, families, and community members in the future.
Pasang with his father and mother
Building Update
These students were happy to be at the celebration.
The first six classrooms are now complete, and generous donors have sent funds to build the next two classrooms, which will be larger classrooms than the other six. There is still much work to be done before the whole building is complete. We request your prayers for God to continue to supply the required funding, provide good deals on equipment, and protect the construction crew as they work.
If God is leading you to help build this school building through a financial gift, please click the button below.
This quote has been edited for length and clarity.
Dennis and Judy Skandunas standing in front of the newly completed classrooms