The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association would be launching an extensive evangelistic mission across the sub-continent.
Talking to the mediapersons, Rev Dr Zaihmingthanga, the state co-ordinator said, "The mission code-named 'My Hope India' will be television-based. The ministry will deliver messages through about 100 television channels in 13 national languages during the coming Christmas. The programme is expected to cover approximately over 30 million Christian population across the country."
The Billy Graham programme will be telecast immediately after the Christmas message from President A P J Abdul Kalam on the night of December 23, followed up by attention-grabbing devotional programmes on December 24 and 25, he pointed out.
The idea, Zaihmingthanga said, was conceived in a Bangkok conference in 2004 where the Billy Graham ministry had invited Christian church leaders from India.
"The ministry has concern over the slow growth rate of the Christian population in India, which is only 2.3 per cent of the whole 1028 million," he said, adding, "The ministry is keen to tell the people to believe and trust Jesus Christ."
While explaining about the role of the Christians in India in the 'My Hope India' mission, Zaihmingthanga said, "Christians in the country will be expected to invite their non-Christian neighbours and friends for a Christmas dinner or a Christmas party where they will also spare time to watch the special TV programme."
He also added that 2005 was the 100th anniversary of the first revival in Mizoram.