File photo of Rev Franklin Graham. The KBPF informed that he will not be visiting Nagaland as scheduled due to “unforeseen visa-related circumstances.”
Kohima, November 28 (MExN): The Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) on Saturday informed that Rev. Franklin Graham will not be attending the programme scheduled for November 30 due to “unforeseen visa-related circumstances.”
In a statement, KBPF said the event will continue as planned under a revised title: “Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival.” It stated that the purpose of the gathering remains unchanged and is being organized “to bring together believers from all tribes, denominations, and backgrounds - young and old, rich and poor into a united time of praise, prayer, and worship to the living God.”
KBPF added that it will be “a unique and historic moment for Nagaland to stand together as one body in Christ.”
According to the organisers, the programme will include praise and worship, intercessory prayer, and a mass choir of more than 700 members representing various tribal churches. The Word of God will be delivered by Rev. Robert Cunville, Associate Evangelist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, who was closely associated with the historic Billy Graham Crusade in Nagaland in 1972.
Extensive transport arrangements have been made to facilitate movement to and from the venue, it stated. Free transportation will be provided from designated pickup points across Kohima starting from 12:00 PM onward.
KBPF further said a detailed traffic advisory with vehicle routes, shuttle services, and parking instructions will be issued on Sunday morning for public convenience.
The fellowship invited all believers and well-wishers to join the event at IG Stadium, Kohima, and “to uphold the gathering in prayer.”
For queries or concerns, the public may contact the Control Room at +91-9436011575 or +91-98628-11277.
The release was issued by Dr. S. N. Among Jamir, Secretary, KBPF, and Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü, President, KBPF.
The cancelled visit by Franklin Graham was expected to be a significant moment for Nagaland, coming more than five decades after his father, the late Rev Dr Billy Graham, preached in Kohima in 1972.
The earlier announcement noted that the event was envisioned as a united gathering for thanksgiving, prayer, and spiritual renewal, reflecting Nagaland’s enduring Christian identity and values.
Church leaders had expressed hope that the reception would strengthen fellowship among denominations, promote peace, and reaffirm the State’s faith and resilience. “This gathering is a unique opportunity to stand together in a united expression of gratitude to God,” KBPF President Rev Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü and Secretary Dr SN Among Jamir had earlier stated, urging believers to attend and pray for the programme.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) had highlighted the spiritual significance of the event amid what it described as division, confusion, and spiritual weariness in society. NBCC General Secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener had credited the KBPF for its commitment to the planned gathering, saying the preparation reflected “a ministry birthed out of genuine pastoral burden.” He had also emphasised the counselling and pastoral support that would be available for individuals and families during the event.
The cancelled visit also comes at a time of renewed public interest in the legacy of Billy Graham’s 1972 crusade in Nagaland. Earlier community accounts recalled how the Billy Graham Road in Kohima was built through community labour involving thousands of believers who cleared forested terrain to raise funds for the historic event.
