Singaporean helps north-east students to sing for harmony

Choir groups from four Protestant theological institutions in north-eastern India staged their first performance to spread the message of harmony and unity in Nagaland state’s Dimapur last Sunday evening.

The combined choir for “Proclaiming Christ in Advent,” has its origin in the efforts of Mrs Simon Chan, an international soloist and preacher from Singapore, who arrived in the region to share Church music, 22 years ago.

“Today her prophetic vision has come true,” said Reverend Wati Aier, principal of Dimapur-based Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS), aid in his introduction to the concert. According to him, holding the musical programme with a combined choir of various theological institutes of north-eastern India was a vision Chan had during her first visit to the region.

Mrs Chan is “a paradigm of unity” in post modern context of conflict, said Reverend Aier, convener of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and a recipient of prestigious Baptist World Alliance Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award 2010.

The Baptist leader described Mrs Chan as “a vibrant and passionate woman” who has moulded many young people from Nagaland. He felt that she has succeeded in her mission to initiate theological students to become agents of harmony and unity, and to affirm each other’s gifts and talents.

 

The combined choir comprises, besides OTS theologians, students from Trinity Theological College, Thahekhu, Dimapur, Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung, and Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, Assam. They enthralled Advent celebrators at Dimapur Ao Baptist Church. Chan conducted the concert.

“Deep, Deep Love,” “Jesus is a Rock,” “Not by Might,” were some of the messages the student brought forth through choral music.

Reverend Akheto Sumi, principal of Eastern Theological College and Reverend Takatemjen, principal, Clark Theological College, read the scriptural passages along with Reverend Aier, and Alongla Aier, OTS associate professor.

Chan’s husband Simon gave the Advent reflection. The concert also featured musicians from Singapore and Malaysia.

Source: ucanews.com (Dec. 16, 2013)