| |
Beloved friends,
Greetings of love and peace to you in our Lord’s
Wonderful Name. By His grace and the prayerful support of His people,
the ‘4th All India Conference On Disciplemaking’ has been
successfully completed. To God be the Glory for all His blessings.
Here is a brief report of the program to praise God
and celebrate His grace.
The Program:
There were about 10 teaching sessions on disciplemaking and Mentoring.
There were group discussions in the afternoons and sharing times- about
the personal life and ministry of the participants, in the evenings.
Self-examination and ministry evaluations were done by each individual.
Workshop on Testimony writing and analysis was held. Morning devotional
time of singing, resting time in the afternoons and free-time for recreation
in the evenings enabled the participants to enjoy the variety in the
conference. After dinner, a videofilm on WIlliam Carey's life was shown
which was very interesting and challenging to all.
Study notes in English and Hindi was given for all the sessions and
also for the subjects not taught due to lack of time, e.g Obstacles
to Maturity, Call of God, etc. The main Manual on the “Art of
Making Disciples” is very useful and effective in their daily
life and ministry.
A ‘best participant’ was chosen by all
the participants on the final day, based on the active involvement and
behaviour, etc. He was given a prize and appreciation.
Our sincere thanks are due to Bros. Ramesh bob, Kumar and Sist. Esther
from Hubli, and others who helped us in various ways.
On the final day, we had a couple of our old friends joining us from
Goa for the celebration and dinner.
On 14th May, all the participants went round for the
sightseeing and shopping in Goa, in a hired minibus.
The Participants: Even
though a lot of people applied, we had sent invitations to about 36
people from different States in India, out of which some had confirmed
of coming. But only 17 participants in the age group of 25-56 yrs finally
attended from 7 States in India-Orissa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Maharastra States. Among them were Govt
officers, Academic professors, School Teachers, Pastors, women workers,
Evangelists and layleaders..they came from Brethren, Hebron, Baptist,
Pentecostal, Alliance and Independant church backgrounds.
They were all eager to learn and pass on the training to others at their
own places.
|
Their Experiences & Comments: Here are a few of
the comments shared by the participants on the final day:
 "
I liked the teaching sessions the most. Toay, we are engulfed with various
doctrines, so it is in good time that we are being made aware of being
faithful to our calling, esp. for young pastors." shares a retired
teacher from Mumbai who is also a partner in the ministry.
In
answer to a question as to what he will do next, a senior pastor from
northern state of Gujarat shares, "I will go back to my place ad
start disciplemaking ministry. Will also plan to arrange some conference
at my place."
"
I do like to make disciples and have this kind of program in my district
or State. All the aspects of the conf. like teaching, classes, arrangements,
etc, are very helpful to our ministry and church," shares a young
pastor from northern state of Orissa.
"
What you liked most? a Young pastor from Andhra Pradesh shares, "
Quoting Scripture truths, and the experiences of the teacher in the
ministry, teaching style and his simple lifestyle has touched me."
"Next
I want to do God's work in a systematic way, want to involve in disciplemaking
ministry. I liked the teachings/ workshops, etc." shares a Ph.D
& academician from Tamil Nadu.
"
I had a good time and could not feel that already we finished 3days!,
not felt tired. I am blessed by the ministry of Bro. A.Othniel. I want
to know how I can be helpful to the ministry." shares a school
principal-turned- pastor from Andhra Pradesh.
"
The teaching is a new concept for me. I am going to introduce this concept
in my church in Kerala. I liked the classes and group discussions."
tells a Govt officer from Kerala.
To God be all praise
and honor for everything. Amen.
See
the photos here
With grateful thanks and prayers for you,
In His Service,
A.Othniel. |
May 11-13, 2005. Goa. 
