Manipur, India - A crowd gathered in the darkening streets of a town in Manipur, cheering the procession of believers carry­ing torches that illuminated the twilight. The warmly glowing tongues of fire symbolized the light of hope that came to this part of the northeast when mis­sionaries first arrived bearing the Gospel in 1910.

In January, Nazarenes joined the inter­denominational Christian community to celebrate 100 years of faith in Jesus Christ.

As the torches proceeded through the streets, flames of a different form licked at the North East India District Center in another part of town.

While everyone was occupied at the celebration, seven men wearing masks forced their way into the building, threw petrol on the furniture and files, and set fire to the center. The building burned to the ground, destroying documents, re­ceipts, a block making machine and some JESUS Film equipment -- an $8,500 loss.

The lost documents and equipment somewhat slowed district ministry, particu­larly Nazarene Youth International (NYI), Nazarene Missions International (NMI), and Sunday School ministries, said Dis­trict Superintendent Rev. Kim. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) has con­tinued without interruption.

Fortunately, most of the JESUS Film equipment was being used in the field, thereby avoiding its loss.

The attack united believers in the com­munity, Kim added.

“The church community has strongly condemned the act of the members who did this. Some of those who had silently supported came out boldly against them to condemn their various agendas and acts even before this fire incident.”

Originally, the district intended to seek reparations from the community lead­ers who would in turn hold the attackers responsible. However, district leadership decided against it, as the formal complaint process would require locking up the church until the case was closed.

Even so, community leaders have as­sured Rev. Kim they will deal with the at­tackers and ensure the men do no further harm.

The district immediately began build­ing a temporary structure for continued ministry. The project has united the church.

“People have developed a renewed burden for the Lord and His church,” Kim said. “All who truly love God and the church have come forward with donations and contributions in cash and labor. Those churches a further distance have sent their donations. So it is really encouraging to see the work progressing faster than expected.”