Pray

  Ever wondered what a strategic discipleship ministry among the grassroots of western-central and northern India entails? If so, the ministry of Rev. Shirish together with TAFTEE is probably a good place to start. Amongst the many ministry endeavours of The Association For Theological Education by Extension, Rev. Shirish and the team have been embarking on a most commendable effort: to equip and disciple village church pastors, evangelists, and missionaries for church planting and growth.

We praise God that on April 8, 2017, 67 students from 14 countries graduated from their International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) training, three of whom are from our small group. Steven will be going back to Myanmar to share Jesus and disciple young professionals in the marketplace. Marvin, who is an ex-convict, will minister among prisoners and their families. He will also continue to disciple cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio as well as serve in the local church there. Laurice, who is a youth minister, will disciple young people and raise the next generation of Christ-committed leaders in her province, Marinduque in the Philippines.

As we pour out in service of God, we need to be replenished. I count myself blessed for having completed the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Module 1 course in April. The three-month training in counselling has increased my capacity as a pastoral caregiver to the sick and suffering at the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

I would like to thank and praise God for his grace and his hand in all that we do. I am particularly glad for the opportunity to be a part of NPEVAC (National Partnership to End Violence Against Children in Sri Lanka).

The need to train and equip pastors and church leaders is growing in tandem with the rapid church growth in Nepal, particularly in villages and other places outside the cities. But grassroots pastors and leaders in Nepal usually lack theological education and formal academic training, putting them at a disadvantage to enrol in seminaries or bible schools. The Lord gave me the burden to reach those leaders in their local places.