IPHC North India's Women's Centennial Celebration Report
- IPHC North India
GIRIDIH, JHARKHAND, INDIA — IPHC North India celebrated its Centennial in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the event was held online. However, God's faithfulness allowed us to gather in person for a Pastors and Leaders Centennial Celebration in 2022 at Ranchi, India, where 500 of our conference pastors and leaders came together to give thanks for God's goodness. Recognizing this celebration was focused on pastors and leaders, we organized another gathering in October 2023, at Bethelgram, Giridih, Jharkhand, which welcomed over 2,000 believers from all six of our conferences. For three days, we rejoiced in God's presence, praising Him for His grace and faithfulness.
But God was not done with our celebrations. He led us to organize yet another historic gathering in October 2024, from the 9th to the 11th. This occasion marked a milestone in the history of IPHC North India, as it was the first celebration of its kind to be organized and led by our newly established Women Empowered Committee. For the first time, we acknowledged that our women leaders, who have contributed so much to the success of our events over the years, should take centre stage. It was time to empower them to walk fully in their callings and giftings.
This wasn’t just a celebration of IPHC’s 100 glorious years in India—it was also an opportunity to honour our women pioneers, both missionary and national, who laid the foundation for the revival in India. To highlight their contributions, we created posters and banners showcasing the life stories of women missionaries who came to India—some who served on the frontlines and others who faithfully supported their husbands in ministry. Additionally, we presented the stories of national women leaders who gave their lives to strengthen the IPHC ministry in India.
In a groundbreaking move, the Executive Committee and Women Empowered Committee decided that this celebration, being organized and led entirely by women, should feature women leading the worship and preaching as well. We invited Pastor Manpreet Kiran and the women of the Barak Gospel Band to lead us in worship. These anointed women brought an incredible power to the service, ushering us into God's presence. Two guest speakers, Pastor Joicy Koshy and Pastor Anu John, shared prophetic messages that deeply moved everyone.
This celebration was a historic event, marking the largest convention ever held in the history of IPHC India, with over 3,000 attendees. It was clear that God is raising up a powerful army of IPHC women leaders and disciples in to take His Word to the ends of the earth. Hundreds of people committed themselves to serve God and were filled with His power as they sought His face.
In the afternoons, inter-conference games for women were held, featuring a variety of competitions, including Bible Quiz, Cricket, Football, Tug of War, and Musical Chairs. Children also participated in a drawing and colouring competition. Winners were awarded prizes, and points were accumulated for each conference. The conference with the most points was crowned ‘Champion of Champions’ and awarded a special trophy. The ‘Capital City Conference (Ranchi)’ emerged as the overall winner, scoring the highest points.
As we prepared for this gathering, we realized the vast resources needed to accommodate and feed 3,000 people. The expenses were significant, but we trusted that God would provide. We encouraged our churches to pray and seek God's provision, and He answered our prayers in a miraculous way. The organizing committee visited different IPHC churches, encouraging them to pray and participate. Their efforts paid off as we received over 16 lakh rupees ($20,000) in donations alone. Every believer, regardless of the amount they could give, contributed to the success of this celebration. Some gave as little as $1, but every donation, big or small, played a part in making this event a reality. We are truly amazed at how God provided for all our needs.
The three-day celebration was not just a time of spiritual renewal, but also a time of unity and joy. As we worshiped, danced, played, and shared meals together, our hearts were united in love and purpose. IPHC is on a fresh, God-given path, and we believe that the years ahead will bring even greater blessings and harvests in India.
Impact of the Celebration:
- Empowerment of Women Leaders:
This was the first event of this scale completely organized by women. No male pastors or leaders were allowed on stage during the celebration. At least 45 different women were given the opportunity to lead in various capacities—praying, giving announcements, encouraging, leading worship, testifying, and preaching. Our women showed that they are not only gifted but also called by God to serve in leadership.
- Inspiring the Younger Generation:
Seeing women take the lead in such a prominent way inspired many young girls and women. Numerous young women testified that they had always felt called to ministry but had never seen women allowed such leadership roles before. This shift in perspective will have a lasting impact, and we expect to see more women rising as worship leaders, preachers, and leaders in IPHC India in the years to come.
- Shifting Perspectives Among Male Leaders:
This celebration challenged male leaders and pastors to reconsider their approach to encouraging women in ministry. While some may have initially felt insecure, the outpouring of God’s presence and the overwhelming response from the congregation made it clear that God is moving in powerful ways, and no one can hinder the work He is doing. The event emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting the calling and gifts of women.
- A Return to Our Roots:
IPHC India was founded by strong women missionaries who demonstrated immense faith and courage in establishing the ministry, especially in one of the most backward regions of India. This celebration marked a return to our roots, where women leaders took bold steps to build God's Kingdom. It is time for us to release women into their calling once more, empowering them to continue the work that began with them.
In conclusion, the Centennial Women's Celebration was a powerful and historic moment for IPHC India. It highlighted the gifts and leadership of women, inspired the younger generation, and encouraged the broader church to recognize and affirm the calling of women in ministry. We are excited about what the future holds as we continue to empower women to take their place as leaders in God's Kingdom.
Regards,
Rosaline John
