Southern Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventists

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Welcome to the Southern Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventists home page! It is a delight to have you visit us. We hope that this website will give you helpful information, answer your questions, and provide you with an overview of who we are and what we are about. We are a family of committed believers in Jesus Christ, living expectantly in the light of His love and His coming, and seeking to serve the world around us. We would be delighted to have you visit us in person! May God bless you this day and every day.

New Tidings May- June 2013

Thursday, 16 May 2013 06:20 T. P. Kurian News - Division News

Editorial

Ramani Kurian

God’s Presence With Us

We claim to be the disciples of Jesus Christ who gave Himself unreservedly for us. By offering Himself He had not only saved us from the clutches of sin, but also offered a way to eternity. It is the delight of our heavenly Father to take all of us to heaven. But it is our personal choice to accept or reject the way of salvation. We are given a great task to perform at the same time. He commissioned, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world”. Mathew 28: 19, 20. As we are engaged in this great mission of His, God assures His presence with us. If we are involved in this great commission with sincerity and earnestness, there is no need of any doubt of His presence being with us. Our God is a covenant keeping God. He never fails.

When Christ gave His disciples the commission, He made full provision for the continuation of the work and took upon Himself the responsibility for its success. So long as they obeyed His word and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. The Savior’s commission to the disciples included all the believers in Christ to the end of time- even you and me. Saving souls for the kingdom of God is not merely the work of ordained ministers alone. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who accept Jesus as their personal Savior must work for the salvation of their fellowmen. That is the reason why the church is established. All who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ.

“The disciples were to begin their work where they were. The hardest and most unpromising field was not to be passed by. So every one of Christ’s workers is to begin where he is. In our own families, may be souls hungry for sympathy, starving for the bread of life. There may be children to be trained for Christ. There are heathen at our very doors. Let us do faithfully the work that is nearest. Then let our efforts be extended as far as God’s hand may lead the way. The work of many may appear to be restricted by circumstances; but where ever it is, if performed with faith and diligence, it will be felt to the uttermost parts of the earth. Christ’s work when upon earth appeared to be confined to a narrow field, but multitudes from all lands heard His message. God often uses the simplest means to accomplish the greatest results. It is His plan that every part of His work shall depend on every other part, as a wheel within a wheel, all acting in harmony. The humblest worker, moved by the Holy Spirit, will touch invisible chords, whose vibrations will ring to the ends of the earth and makes melody through eternal ages”. (Desire of Ages)

We need to approach people with the same tenderness and love that Jesus demonstrated while He was on the earth. In our own strength, it is impossible. We need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus has promised the Holy Spirit to those who seek for Him. “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? ….. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” Luke 11: 11 &13. When the Holy Spirit takes control of our lives, we will develop a Christ like character and be able to accomplish the commission of our Savior to teach our fellow beings to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded us. He will surely bless us with His presence and the task will be completed soon. Jesus will return and take His holy people home to be in His presence forever and ever. Let us strive for that experience is my wish for every one of us.

SPICER COLLEGE CELEBRATES NINETY-EIGHTH GRADUATION EXERCISES - 2013

The last week of March 2013 was very special for Spicer Memorial College family because it was the week when the ninety-eighth Graduation Exercises took place. The class officers elected were John Mwaniki Njue (President), BTh, from Kenya; Ramngakui Kashung (Vice President), BMus, from Manipur; Ryan Wilson Davy (Treasurer), BBA, from Spicer itsef; Naw Sonia (Secretary), MA in Education, from Myanmar; Jebastian Mariahdas (Pastor)-and President of Class of 2012, MA in Religion, from Tamil Nadu; and Graceton Ramarar and Sangeet Kumar (Representatives from Pune University program). Awungashi Samshokwo Vsarekan was the Class Sponsor and Glynn N Lalkaka, the Class Pianist. The Class Aim was “Shape People’s Lives for Christ”, the motto,“Sealing God’s Promises in Our Hearts”, flower, Rose, and colour, sky blue. On March 28th the College Day was celebrated during which OREODOXA 2013 was dedicated to Rathinaraj John, Spicer’s illustrious alumnus and President of Southern Asia Division, for his dedicated leadership and service to the SUD for 40 long years. The persons honoured by OREODOXA were Ian Philip Chand and Shirani de Alwis-Chand, I R Thomas, CC Nathaniel and Margaret Nathaniel, Genu Roney Varghese, Rathna Noah, Barun Halder, Nagaraj, Moses Nowrangi. The Consecration Speaker on Friday was Ian Philip Chand, MA (Rel), MS(Sociology), PhD, an alumnus of Spicer and Andrews, a marriage counsellor and therapist, presently working at Loma Linda University. Spicer a sort of made history by inviting for the first time a woman Baccalaureate Speaker in its 98 years’ history and this honour rightly accrues to Shirani de Alwis-Chand, MA (Edu), EdD, an alumnus and former faculty of Spicer and Andrews, who also had a brief stint at Harvard University as a student in Language Disability department, and presently working as the Director of “Above the Bar” which promotes excellence in Education. They both spoke on the Class Aim and Motto respectively. As per their request all the participants on the stage too wore the graduation regalia during the two services. Shirani, who is a strong proponent of gender equality, must have also been delighted to see half the ministers on the stage that Sabbath were women like her, including Chawngdinpuii Chawngthu who offered the prayer for the offerings, a task till then sealed in men’s domain. Even the Commencement Speaker the next day was a woman, Sampada Joshi PhD, Controller of Examinations, Pune University. Truly Spicer started giving the women their due.

The commencement programme on Sunday morning started with the graduates marching into the House of Prayer followed by the faculty and the president’s party which includes the Chief Guest, Sampada Joshi,. After a brief welcome by S Rajendra Prasad, (VPAA), class song and introduction of the chief guest, Sampada Joshi by the president, she addressed the graduates briefly exhorting them to face the changing and challenging world bravely. Then the VPAA presented 235 candidates for graduation, representing 5 major world religions, 22 countries, 18 Indian states, speaking 56 languages from the 4 different programs at Spicer: 59 candidates from Spicer Autonomous programmes (2 two-year diploma and 15 BEEd candidates in Elementary Education, 2 BMus candidates in Western Music and 40 BTh candidates); 28 candidates from Griggs University programme (18 BBA and 10 MBA); 42 candidates from Andrews University Program (19 MA in Education, one MEd, and 22 in MA in Religion); and 105 candidates from Pune Universitry Program (32 BA, 64 BCom, and 9 MA in English). The College President Justus Devadas assisted by the Academic Dean Roy Jemison injety, and Deans Noble Pilli (Arts), Noah A. Balraj (Business), Rathnasamy Jeyam (Commerce), Nanibala I Paul (Education), and Mohanaraj W Israel (Religion) who in turn assisted by the Registrar/Vice Principal of the respective programmes, Simon Yesu (SMC Autonomous), Shiny Prashantha (Griggs Univ), A S Varekan (Andrews Univ) and Reginald A Chavan (Pune Univ), presented the scrolls informing the details of their certificates to the candidates as they marched on to the stage one by one as they were briefly introduced. Then Justus Devadas, the president charged the graduates “to always remember that your identity is in eternity and your homeland is heaven. Learn to be quick to follow that flow of love God puts in your heart. What lies before you is the untrodden path, the unopened door, the mountain peak, and the broad blue heavens. I challenge you to walk that path, open the closed door, and climb the mountain heights. The sky is the limit. Be sensitive and obedient to do what God wants you to do….. Be wise to choose God’s directions and ways, and choose excellence…. God bless you, my dear graduates!” Then Ian and Shirani Chand once again greeted the graduates with a combined message after which the college song was sung, closing prayer offered by Sam Charles, VPCD, and benediction pronounced by Noble Prasad Pilli, Executive VP and senior church pastor. Then the graduates marched out to the church plaza with their hearts brimming with joy that is shared by family and friends as they congratulated them, greeted them with cards and bouquets and cheered them on with hugs and handshakes while the shutterbugs were busy clicking away these memories to eternity.

The climax of the graduation weekend was actually the next day, April 1, 2013, when the faculty hosted a surprise party to president Justus Devadas and family in the local Green Park Hotel for having completed successfully ten full years as President of the College, in spite of several personal and official challenges, though tributes have been paid unofficially during the earlier functions of the week too. May God continue to bless Justus Devadas as he shoulders this great responsibility as the president of this premier institution in Southern Asia Division especially as it inches towards its centennial year in 2015 with a prayer to the Almighty that by then it would be granted a private university charter by the central government, so that it can serve the world church in an enhanced capacity and prepare many souls for His kingdom! Amen!

Prof S Rajendra Prasad, VPAA, Spicer memorial College

A very Unique Annual Day Celebration in Puducottai,

It was not just another annual day, but a very special and unique too. Way back in 1988, Jayabarathan Chelliah and his wife, Florence started out in an adventure of faith and began a little school in Puducottai, Tamilnadu. This took root and God blessed their humble efforts abundantly as they worked hard with sincere dedication. It has now grown to 4 large institutions with a newly constructed church as well. Here thousands of children are receiving Christian education and pursuing their life work too, in both the Matric and CBSE schools and the two colleges, Engineering and Nursing. Their 2 sons, Jonathan and Jaison joined when they were ready, and are now supporting them wholeheartedly with their spouses as well. It is the combined efforts of this entire joint family which is such a blessing to the community in and around Puducottai.

On March 6^th, 2013 was the silver jubilee and annual day celebrations of the school. My husband and I were invited to witness this special day. So we landed at the Puducottai bus stop early Wednesday morning, and it was raining when their car picked us up and took us to their home. God who has blessed them all these years, further approved their sincere work that He performed a marvelous miracle on that day which was an eye opener to all, that there is a God who answers prayer.

It rained all night and day on March 5 and 6. 6 p.m was the set time for the celebrations to begin. It had poured in torrents all that day right till noontime. All hopes of conducting the celebrations came to a standstill but the family continued pleading for God’s help in this impossible situation. According to the weather report, this rain was supposed to continue for 3 days, so all schools were requested to shut down. The chief guest, T. Radhakrishnan IPS, Additional Director General of Police, TN, and S. Balarajamanickam MA BL., the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Trichy, the guest of honor called to ask if the program was postponed, but received an affirmative reply. Many Hindu parents kept urging them to pray to God for they believed He could do wonders, that was what the little ones had told them time and time again. So earnest prayers were offered all that day. The grounds for this celebration were flooded and it continued to rain till noon. They dried the grounds but there were still little puddles of water all over the place. The sun slowly broke through the clouds and gave a little ray of hope and then it happened! The rain stopped by 3 p.m! When the entire program was over, it rained but not too heavily, everyone got back home safely. We all witnessed this wonderful miracle that God had performed. Every speaker on the dais thanked and praised God for His miracle working power, including the chief guest and the guest of honor. One of them said the quote “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”. It was a privilege and opportunity for so many non-Christians to acknowledge that the mighty God whom the organizers worshipped, was truly a wonderful mighty God who could even command the wind and rains to stop.

The program was truly unique. They had 2 stages. After the formal speeches, cultural program started with a Bharatnatayam dance by some high school girls. On the other stage they had their school band, 2 students who played the key board, one with the violin, one with the guitar and one with the drums. Kids from KG up to grade 11 sang religious songs: smaller kids, Sabbath school songs and the older ones songs from the

Adventist hymnal. They had memorized all the verses and with the music it was simply grand. Also each class had special colors and dress patterns which the faculty carefully selected and parents paid for the material including tailor charges. Alternately on the other stage they had dances from different states of India along with some very thought provoking items that touched the hearts of audience to stand in support of the efforts such as saving the unborn girl child, fighting against dowry system, rape, hurting the environment, etc., All the skits were enacted without words but children held up posters so everybody could follow what each act stood for. I have attended many annual day programs in our schools but this was really special. Everything went so smoothly and there was co-operation by all staff, and all children in each class were also involved. And to see everything going so meticulously and on time was a rarity. We wish the school God's abundant mercies as they begin their next 25 years, so they could celebrate a golden jubilee, if time should last.

Margaret Nathaniel

Hope TV India: Revival and Reformation Meeting in Chennai

Time has come for the fulfilling of our Masters’ commission “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:” Hope TV India, though in its infancy in Media Network, moves forward with its dedicated staff to accomplish the commission of the Lord to get ready and revive people to prepare for His coming. Chennai is one of the fastest growing metro cities in India. With its pride in trade & export, tourist places, its magnificent buildings, nonstop traffic roads, numerous amusement parks, different types of industries providing numerous work opportunities, the city is crowded with people. But people have no time to think about God; pleasures of city life attract people more than God and His word.

Hope TV India conducted a Revival and Reformation Meeting for three days from January 25^th to 27^th with the hope to reach out with the message of salvation to the perishing city dwellers. The meeting had four fold objectives: 1. Hope Channel Promotion 2. Great Controversy Project 3. Revived by His Word 4. Daily Praying 7 am and 7 pm.. It is the desire of HopeTV team to encourage people to draw closer to God and to keep their hearts enlightened from the darkness of sin. The speaker of the meeting was Sharath Babu, Professor, Spicer College, Pune. Though he is blind physically, he encouraged thousands of people to have spiritual vision regarding their eternal salvation through his vibrant messages. Though visually challenged, he travelled 2000 km to

conduct this special meetings in Chennai. The sermons stirred hearts of people for he preached the soon coming of Jesus and the need for us to be holy. It was a spiritual nurturing experience for the believers as well as for the non-believers. At the end of the meeting all the people pledged before God by raising their candles that they would read the Bible, pray to God, share the gospel to their neighbors.

Jacinth Eva, Hope TV India.

First Fruits of City Evangelism- Mumbai

For God so loved the cities that He in love made a provision for the world church to reach out to mega cities in the world with everlasting gospel during this quinquennium.

It was my privilege to participate in such a program in Southern Asia Division – Mumbai city. From February 7 to 20, 2013 we had the opportunity to work in three centers for Telugu speaking people. On 7^th February along with me, four East Central India Union pastors-- Alexander -NAS, Ailababu - SAS, Bulla Das- Guntur, T. Venkateswer Rao - SEAS arrived at West Andheri where we have strong Telugu speaking community. (There are 250 Telugu independent pastors and other major denominational churches in Mumbai city). The evangelistic meeting was conducted on the Mudh Island at “Almeda house”. 50 to 100 people came every night, we had health talk, children’s programs and strong Bible based messages about end time. All presentations were done on power-point. Many Baptists and other independent believers acknowledge that the messages are clear and never heard messages presented so systematically. But their commitment to their own churches and other issues of social stigma kept them from joining us.

While we were having meetings in the evening from 6 to 10, day time all six of us went out into three groups and visited the people who came for the meetings, slowly contacts were established, Bible studies were given. While we were visiting different people, the local pastors were not happy, they called us and discouraged. We went in search of new people who do not have pastoral care. By the end of 7 days we got the picture of where God was leading us. With lots of prayer, we finally focused our work in three areas: 1. Malad-- where a strong Christian family accepted the Adventist message and they started a bible study group for those who attended our meeting. 2. Varsai-- among the fishermen community where 20 people took baptism and waiting for a place to worship and a pastor who will care for them. 3.Paschael village in Madh Island-- more educated group. In spite of strong opposition from other denominational pastors, they look for truth as it is found in the Bible. They are now taking bible studies and soon to make decision for Jesus. We praise God for His leading and we want to thank the leaders at Division, Union and local section who support this noble task. There are more than 20 million people living in Mumbai who need Jesus. The challenge is to reach them with the love of God and prepare them for the coming kingdom.

Measapogu Wilson, D. Min,

Department Director, SUD

The Past, the Present and the Future:

Injety Jeevarathnams Family Reunion

Nearly fifty years after their passing away, six generations of descendents of one pioneer couple, Injety Jeevarathnam and Lakshmi Kanthamma, gathered recently to celebrate their life and legacy. Nearly 120 members of their descendents, now in the seventh generation Adventists, attended a family reunion in Dindi, East Godavari District, A.P. from Dec. 20-23, 2012. What is so special about this couple that it drew so many descendents to one place to celebrate their lives? By God’s grace, all six of their children, 26 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and 41 great-great-grandchildren are either workers in the church or strong lay members. On Thursday evening, Dec. 20, more than 100 family members descended and another 20 joined later on Friday in Andhra Pradesh government resort at Dindi. We had a lively celebration of the Sabbath. We made a bus trip to our grandparents’ ancestral property in Lakkavaram for sundown worship. We cherished old memories and had a nice time together.

The highlight of the reunion was the inauguration of a 100-seat dining hall with an attached kitchen and storage room built in memory of their grandparents at Lakkavaram on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. This dining hall is to serve the needs of the Lakkavaram school students who reside in hostels on the campus. The building was officially declared open after Injety Juliamma James, wife of the late Pastor I. James and the only surviving spouse of Jeevarathnam’s children; Samuel Injety, son of late Pastor I. Subushanam; and Roy Jemison Injety, son of late Pastor I. James, cut the ribbon. Leaders from various levels of Adventist church were present. The ceremony concluded with the serving of a sumptuous meal in the new dining hall. Pierson Tharapatla, a grandson of the Jeevarathnams, expressed well the driving force that led them to undertake this project as he said “pride, gratitude and unity of all these 26 (grandchildren) families is revealed in the construction of this beautiful dining facility on the campus of the church. The entire group stood up in consecration, pledging to uphold the faith and standards of their grandparents in their lives. At the close of the program we all sang the song, “When we all get to heaven” with the hope and resolve of Injety Jeevarathnams family reunion at the second coming of Jesus, our Savior.

Pierson Prakasam Tharapatla

Hospital Tidings

Simla Sanitarium

Bejeweling one of the seven hills that makes up the city of Shimla, Simla Sanitarium and Hospital, most commonly referred to as Sanitarium, has been one of the few oldest hospitals serving the city of Shimla and also the state of Himachal Pradesh. Simla Sanitarium and Hospital is one of the seven hospitals under the Medical Trust of SDA.

In the past one year, the hospital has had a revamp on the inside with the OPD undergoing a much needed, long forgotten renovation. Along with the renovation, most of the departments have upgraded their equipment which include a new X-ray machine, Ultrasound machine, OCT machine. The number of consultants and working staff has increased with the increasing inflow of patients. Medical and surgical specialties available include Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Anesthesiology, Dental and Physiotherapy. Other services provided include Chaplaincy, Health Education and Wellness and a Pharmacy. Renovation of the rest of the hospital is also underway.

The hospital has also been able to continue with its community service through government supported multi-specialty surgical camps in various parts of the state and also at private local cement factories. And by God’s grace, this year we are looking forward to a plastic surgery camp and a total knee replacement surgical camp at our base hospital with surgeons coming from Loma Linda University, USA and Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, USA respectively: plastic surgery camp in April and the total knee replacement surgical camp in August.

The call to be different in a dark, dying world is a challenge. The medical ministry has continued to prove its mettle through time and will continue to be one of the most effective means by which we could reach to the ends of the world. Each of us have been called to be a part of this ministry to prepare the world for the return of our Lord. Let us join hands to support one another as we prepare ourselves and others for the second coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Ranjit Injety, Dental Surgeon

Ottapalam Hospital

The Seventh-day Adventist College of Nursing & School of Nursing conducted the 2^nd BSc nursing lamp lighting ceremony and the 9^th GNM graduation ceremony from

January 18-20, 2013. Our Aim was “Living His Words” and motto was “Being His Hands”. We were privileged to have Richard Hart (MD, Dr. PH, President, Lomalinda University & Chairman of AHI) as our chief guest, he was accompanied by his wife, Judy Hart. The presidential address was given by Ipe Varghese (Registrar, Kerala University of Health Sciences). An inspiring message was given by Pierson Sam David (Secretary, Medical Trust, SDA) on 18^th January. The graduation program was attended

by dignitaries like S M Khandulna, Alamgir Khan, John Christo, Vivek Gaikwad, Praveen Bob, Elvin Vedamony, Jaya Vedamony, Y Selvamony, D Chandran, Don S & Gail.S. We thank the Almighty God for all His blessings upon our hospital that it is growing stronger and stronger daily. Pray for us that this institution will stand as a strong witness to spread the three angels’ message around through its medical missionary service.

Renjith John Jacob, Medical Director

SCHOOL News

VISAKHAPATNAM School

55^TH ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATIONS AND FELICITATION OF SRIDHAR AMBATI, PRINCIPAL

Visakhapatnam school celebrated a grand annual day with local politicians, scholars from university and organizational dignitaries as guests on 24^th February, 2013. On that occasion, cash awards were given to Xth std students who achieved district top ranks in the year 2011-2012, followed by entertainment and cultural programs. Another highlight was that the principal, Ambati Sridhar was honoured for his great achievement of obtaining PhD in Mathematics.

The dignitaries who honored the principal with momentos / shawls & flowers were, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Hon’ble minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao, MLA, South Visakha., Katta Rama Mohana Rao, Registrar, Andhra University.

V. Ravi Kumar, corporator, Vishaka, Jangalayya, IRS, Vizag, Ch Victor Sam, president, ECIU, Hyd., T D. Francis, secretary, ECIU, Hyd. Shadrach, treasurer, ECIU, Hyd., T. Johnson Jacob, director, Visakha Metro.

Nirmala, Senior English faculty.

UNION STEWARDSHIP DIRECTORS’ ADVISORY, SUD, HOSUR

February 26- 28, 2013 had been a blessed period for the stewardship directors of the unions in Sothern Asia Division. They were privileged to have valuable instructions from Mario Nino, Associate director for the Stewardship Ministries, GC and Larry Evans, Associate director for Stewardship Ministries, GC. 33 delegates, including the stewardship directors of the field units attended the program. On 26^th evening , G S Robert Clive, Treasurer, SUD inaugurated the meeting.

Larry Evans covered the topics such as: 1. Biblical foundation for Stewardship 2. Tithe as trust 3.Why give? 4. The measure of a gift 5. What I learned from young adults? He also had interviews with young people between the age 15-28 to have an insight about their views and to clear their doubts about stewardship..

Mario Nino dealt more on the technical issues such as: GC Combine offering plan; (which is same as our comprehensive stewardship plan that we follow but upgraded and enriched); In the beginning God…; Theology of Stewardship Union & Stewardship leadership. All the delegates felt enlightened about stewardship principles and promised to promote stewardship ministry in their respective fields.

Pr. B. R. Chandanshive, Director.

Stewardship Ministries, SUD

Pastor Y. R. Samraj celebrates 90th birthday
March 17^th was a thanks giving day for the children of Y. R. Samraj—Franklin, Tennyson, Kezia and Edison. It was the 90^th birthday of their dad pastor Samraj. All of

them gathered together along with relatives, friends and the church family in the Jeevan Jyothi English church Hosur and had a thanks giving service at 6 pm. After that a fellowship dinner was served. Pr. Samraj expressed his thankfulness to the Lord for the wonderful ways in which He has led him through out his life. He served the church fruitfully for 43 years in various capacities: pastor, section president, principal of high schools and union department director. Though he turned 90, he is still active in doing God’s ministry. On Sabbath afternoons, if his health permits, he visits his neighbors and friends to enquire their wellbeing and pray for them. He sets a good example for the church members in Hosur. We wish him happy, healthy, long life.

Ramani Kurian

Roorkee College: Scholastic Pursuits Rewarded

Joseph Deep Kant Sharma, associate headmaster, Inter college, had success fully defended his doctoral thesis entitled, "Socio-Cultural Transformation of Rural and Urban India in the Novels of Bhabani Bhattacharya" and has been awarded Doctor of Philosopy by CMJ University, Shillong on 12th November, 2012.

Sharma is a product of Roorke School. He started his career as a teacher in Hapur school in 1987. While in service, he completed MA English from Meerut University in 1994 and B.Ed from Annamalai University in 1996. He worked in various schools in Northern India Union prior to joining Roorkee College in 2002. His wife, Shalini is a teacher in our elementary section. They are blessed with 2 children, Bryan and Carol. The college admintistration, faculty, staff and students and the church family congratulate Joseph Sharma for his scholastic achievement. May God bless him as he continues to serve our institution.

Dayananda Rao, Vice-President, Roorkee Adventist College

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presently working at Loma Linda University. Spicer a sort of made history by inviting for the first time a woman Baccalaureate Speaker in its 98 years’ history and this honour rightly accrues to Shirani de Alwis-Chand, MA (Edu), EdD, an alumnus and former faculty of Spicer and Andrews, who also had a brief stint at Harvard University as a student in Language Disability department, and presently working as the Director of “Above the Bar” which promotes excellence in Education. They both spoke on the Class Aim and Motto respectively. As per their request all the participants on the stage too wore the graduation regalia during the two services. Shirani, who is a strong proponent of gender equality, must have also been delighted to see half the ministers on the stage that Sabbath were women like her, including Chawngdinpuii Chawngthu who offered the prayer for the offerings, a task till then sealed in men’s domain. Even the Commencement Speaker the next day was a woman, Sampada Joshi PhD, Controller of Examinations, Pune University. Truly Spicer started giving the women their due.

Prof S Rajendra Prasad, VPAA, Spicer memorial College

Vellore Region Retreat

Vellore Region conducted a retreat for the pastors and families at the campus of the Kings Matriculation school Kasam, Katpadi on March 10, 2013. K Chelladurai, President SEIUnion in his inaugural meeting called the people to consider family as God’s institution where obedience is the first lesson to learn. The habit to read Bible and pray is to be learned at home. He quoted the experience of Jacob how he had faithfully labored for twenty years and how God rewarded his hard work. In the second session, Chelladurai stressed God’s expectation for each one of us to bear fruits quoting the parable of the fig tree. The tree did not bear fruit, but simply wasted the ground and the gardner was forced to consider cutting down the tree. George Marimuthu called the pastors to be fishers of men and narrated the heroic role of Peter in the early gospel ministry despite his personal weakness and illiteracy. He challenged the pastors to enter into the preaching of the gospel of salvation with genuine concern for the perishing souls

in these last days. C D Mathew gave a study using Power Point presentation on the relevance of the Ark of the Covenant for Christians. John Wesley, Region Director welcomed the guests and S Sekar, Treasurer proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Chelladurai gave out the presentations to the pastors. It was a very refreshing experience for all.

George Marimuthu

Retired Pastor establishes churches

Pastor William George, after his retirement, continues to support the ministry of the Lord by conducting evangelistic crusades and establishing new churches in Tamilnadu. He conducted 3 evangelistic crusades in Kambam, Udmalpet and Surapet in Chennai with the support of his family members, local sections, regions and pastors. He established 3 new churches. Recently he conducted an effort meeting in Mannargudi, 40 km from

Thanjavur. This meeting was sponsored by Sundar Singh and William George families with the support of Thanjavur-Karaikal section officers and pastors. 24 precious souls have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior through baptism. They meet in a rented hall for Sabbath services. Please remember this congregation in your prayers so that God will provide a new church for them to worship Him.

Paul Mani, President, Thanjavur-Karaikal Section

OBITUARY

Pr. Anand Baburao Chavan

Anand Chavan was born on 14^th August 1929 in Tilwani, Maharashtra. After having latter part of schooling in Lasalgoan boarding school, he joined Spicer College and completed Theology education. He started his service as boys’ dean in Hatkanangale Adventist school. He married Ashalatha on March 7, 1960. They were blessed with two sons and a daughter. He served the Lord in various capacities for 40 years. Through his ministry he brought many people to the Lord. He retired as church ministerial director of Maharashtra Section. On September 14, 2012, he had a stroke and his health deteriorated and he breathed his last on February 9, 2013. He leaves behind his children-- Hemalatha, Reginald, Sujay and daughters-in-law—Archana & Ruby, grand children—Joshua, McAlpha & Ben Gideon and 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Dorothy Joan Willmott

Dorothy was the third born child of Pastor Y.G. Thomas and Minnie Grace in Pragasapuram, India on March 28, 1940. She completed her high school education at E.D. Thomas High School in 1958. She was married to John Willmott on June 1, 1959. They were blessed with two children, Allan and Susan. While her husband was away in United States for further studies for two years (1964-1966) she served as the Dean of Women in Lowry Memorial School while taking care of her children. Dorothy served the Lord as a faithful companion to John as they ministered in various parts of India, South Africa, the United States, and other countries. Later she took on the responsibility of coordinating the work of Christian Children’s Fund, Asian Aid, and other charitable organizations that assisted children in Adventist schools. On March 10, 2013 she was admitted in the hospital for a heart surgery. She breathed her last on March 21, 2013. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. She leaves behind her husband John Willmott, son Allan, daughter Susan, daughter-in-law Premila, son-in-law Jeba, and grandchildren – Ashok, Priscilla, and Joanna, sisters – Esther Shadrach, Vimala Abraham, Chandra Attiken, brother Enoch Thomas and a host of relatives.

Pr. Vishwanath Waidande

Vishwanath Waidande was born on November 3, 1935 in Bhilavadi, South Maharashtra. He had his high school education in Lasalgoan and Hatkanangale boarding schools. He completed ministerial training at Lasalgoan school. He married Sunder on June 15, 1961. God blessed the couple with 2 sons and 2 daughters. He served the Lord as the minister of gospel, along with his wife, in various parts of Maharashtra. He retired in 1998 after completing 38 years of meritorious service. After retirement, he took care of Kasarwadi church and served as a literature evangelist. Later years he became ill and succumbed to his illness on 24^th March, 2013 at Pune Adventist hospital. He leaves behind his wife, Sunder; children, Premnath, Ruth, violet; daughter-in-law, Anita; sons-in-law, George Gandhi and Asir Devdas; grand children, Sonia, Rohit, Aparna Grace, Benhar, Akash and a host of relatives.

News-tidings-2013-2

Thursday, 14 March 2013 10:12 T. P. Kurian News - Division News

Hope TV Team

Hope TV India Cover page Pictures

Editorial

What an Awesome God we serve! TP Kurian

I wonder how often we spend some time to think about God who is awesome and great! As we go through the Bible carefully, from Genesis –Revelation, we will be able to recognize how great is the God of the Bible. He is the Creator of the universe that is so vast-- with lofty mountains and beautiful plains, hills and rocks, a variety of plants and animals, stars and seas, planets and milky ways! They go beyond our comprehension and even our imagination. Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite love. Creation sings God’s praise. Psalmist exclaims, “O Lord! How manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches”, Psalm 104:24. The Almighty God who created the universe and all its glory by His word, created human beings, the crowning work of creation, with His own hand. So we, humans, are very special to Him.

It was the same God who divided the Red sea to make a way for His children to be rescued from the Egyptian enemies, the idolaters. “The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath He cast into the sea: his chosen captains also drowned in the Red sea. The depths had covered them: they sank into the bottom of a stone”, Exodus 15: 3-5. Our God is the God who passed by before Moses the great leader of Israel, and proclaimed, “The Lord, The Lord God merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will by no means clear the guilty”, Exodus 34: 6. God is a consuming fire to the ones who deliberately choose to disobey the command of God. Moreover He is not a respecter of persons. Nadab and Abihu were children of the high priest, Aaron. They stood highest in Israel next to Moses and Aaron. They had been especially honored by the Lord, having been permitted with the seventy elders to behold His glory in the mount. But when they transgressed His command by bringing strange fire to burn incense before the Lord, fire went out from God and devoured them.

God is very particular that His chosen ones should walk in the light that they received. The great light and privileges bestowed upon His people require returns of virtue and holiness corresponding to the light given. Anything short of this, God cannot accept. All advantages which God has given are His means to throw ardor into the spirit, zeal into effort and vigor into the carrying out of His holy will. God pronounces a curse upon those who depart from His commandments and put no difference between common and holy things. He expects people to approach Him with reverence and awe, and in His own appointed manner. If we choose any other path than that of strict obedience, we will find that “the end thereof are the ways of death”. Proverbs 14:12.

Solomon, the wisest, addresses God, “ Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart, ” 1Kings 8: 23. Isaiah pictures God as “the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy”, Isaiah 57:15. He is the Sovereign of the universe. The law of love is the foundation of the government of God. God expects the service of love from all His creatures. He takes no pleasure in forced obedience. He grants freedom of will that we may render Him voluntary service. He declares by the prophet, “Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness!.... Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!.... which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Isaiah 5: 20-23

We are the worshippers of that awesome God. Do we render cent percent obedience to all His commandments and teach our children the ways of the Lord ? He expects strict obedience and reverence from His worshippers. Nadab and Abihu had not been trained to habits of self control in their youth. The father’s yielding disposition, his lack of firmness for right, had led him to neglect the discipline of his children. Aaron’s mistaken indulgence of his sons prepared them to become the subjects of divine judgment. How about us—you and me? Just think about it. God says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy”, 1 Peter 1:16.

HOPE TV INDIA

Hope TV India started its journey in Media Ministry in the year 2008, in Chennai, a beautiful city situated by the side of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal. Hope TV India is the first Adventist channel in India and is available at 24*7. The entire Hope T V India is a miracle in all the ways. God really worked a miracle in getting the license first. Many Adventist people around the globe helped this ministry for studio construction and other requirements. Hope International team helped to acquire the studio equipments. They moved forward in this journey with the greatest weapon FAITH, under the efficient leadership of Johnson Swamidas, Director, Hope TV India. Amazingly on September 2010, just over two years, they started to shoot programs for broadcast. May 1, 2011 was the historical day for HopeTV India, when the programs were broadcasted on satellite for the first time.

camera man Hope EDITING

Since inception in 2010, a multilateral youth have joined this relatively small but dynamic ministry. With ample talents in their hands, they work as professionals. The love of Christ compels Hope channel team to reach the unreached, to develop saving relationship with Christ and embrace His call to discipleship.

hope music hope studio

Now Hope TV India is a full time inspirational television channel in India. First seen only through dishes, now it is available in cable in some places in India. The focus is to reach people with the message of salvation right where they are. Now Hope Channel programs are available 24 hours in Hindi, Tamil, English, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu. It telecasts a variety of programs that include Bible study programs, health shows, kids show, gospel musical shows and many more. The bible-based sermons have equipped hundreds of people with practical tools to live a balanced Christian life. Our goal is to win people for Christ thereby lead them to eternal life.

The Hope TV India works effectively in 3 different sites: The HMS studio, Stephen studio, Dorothy Hall (Editing Hall) inaugurated in remembrance of our pioneers’ work for recording various multi programs for the glory of Christ. The team members, filled with love for their Master, work efficiently and diligently behind the screen. I was really impressed by the enthusiasm of these talented youngsters who put their efforts to make this Hope TV India, a monument for God’s love to spread three angles’ message all around. This studio serves as a stage for pastors, lay members, educationalists, doctors around the country to preach the gospel in their own vernacular languages.

HMS studio Dorothy hall

A lot of people in unknown areas are blessed by the programs that are broadcasted. My appreciation goes to Johnson, Director and John Peter, Co-ordinator, and the energetic youngsters who are doing their best for the success of Hope TV India. May God bless their effort to reach the unreached with the message of salvation. Ramani Kurian, Asst. Director, Communication, SUD

Would you like to have a healthier relationship with God, catch us at live streaming in the Internet www.hopetvindia.org and via dishes.

Dish Information: Satellite : IS 10 (PAS-10) at 68.5°E (C-band, large dish)

Frequency : 04070 MHz.

Polarity : Vertical

Symbo lRate : 04340

FEC : Auto or ¾

In PAL Dish size : ¾

Come! Join this dynamic ministry & become a volunteer today and be a part it in doing God’s ministry. Hope TV India

Great Hope in South Kerala Section The first copy of the newly printed vernacular book – “Valiya Prathyasha” (Great Hope), an abridged version of Ellen White’s celebrated book – the ‘Great Controversy’ was released by Benedict Biswas, Publishing Director, SUD at the fourth general convention conducted at Neyyattinkara stadium on 29^th September 2012, in the presence of Calvin Joshua, Manager, OWPH, Pune. Biswas was very much impressed by the mammoth meeting in which not only church members, but school staff, section office staff and Union leaders were present to witness the great event. Biswas delivered a very inspiring message to the big audience gathered over there. The South West India Union printed ten thousand copies of this book.

Ministry to the imprisoned Prison ministries is one of the active ministries of South West India Union. Regular visitations and follow up work has been carried out by a team of pastors, under the leadership of Pastor Natarajan. Jose Prakash family, Rasalam Kunjumon & Boban Jacob form a team of active supporters to attract many people to the feet of Jesus.

A mega gala in the open jail at Neyyar Dam On December 2, 2012 a major program was conducted in the open jail at the Neyyar Dam by the Poojapura church under the guidance of the church pastor Baburaj. About 300 inmates and the jail staff attended the meeting in the Assembly Hall. The Poojapura church choir presented a wonderful musical concert which was followed by an inspiring message by Baburaj. It was an invitation to taste the love, joy and peace offered by Jesus to everyone. The three hours program was appreciated by one and all and they have requested to visit them often. They were given a special treat of refreshment. Elwin Vedamony; the staff of Karyavattom school; South Kerala Section Office and Poojapura Church together sponsored this mega event.

Testimony of the Jail Superintendent The jail Superintendent was given two books of our truth – Desire of Ages and the Great Controversy one year ago. He is very much impressed by these books and the program presented in the prison. This officer, who is not a Christian, stated, “the Seventh-Day Adventists are true followers of Jesus Christ”.

A Visit to the Sub jail at Neyyattinkara M Wilson, Special Ministries Director, SUD paid a visit to the sub jail at Neyyattinkara with Natarajan, Kolappan, Jose Prakash and his children (Jonathan and Jeeva) on December 9, 2012. M. Wilson gave a life touching sermon to the 130 prisoners within the high wall separating them from the world and challenged them to try Jesus and see the miracles in their lives. He also shared his love & concern for them by giving them a special dish. Jonathan and Jeeva sang a special song for them while Jose Prakash and Kolappan offered prayers for the inmates.

Request for support and prayers Natarajan shared the experiences of Jesus’ love and care in his personal life. The authorities of the prison approached the Prison Ministry team to conduct a one-day program there. So the team is regularly visiting them once in every month. There is a wider scope to serve the underprivileged provided the means are sufficient. We request more people to join us in support and prayers for continuing the prison ministry. Jose Prakash, Assoc. Director, METAS Adventist Seminary, Kerala

FM Studio and FM Producers’ Training in Hyderabad, AP January 19, 2013 Sabbath was a historic day in the life of Adventist Media Centre, Pune. A studio was inaugurated in the Sun City, Hyderabad for the recording purposes to cater the needs of the talented youth of Hyderabad. The studio was inaugurated by Edison Samraj, Director, AMC, Pune.

FM 1 FM Training

The officers of AAMA (Andhra Adventist Music Association) were present to record the songs and devotions from the studio. The officers and other members of Hyderabad English Church were of great help in establishing the studio.

About 20 young people along with the resource personnel gathered in the worship room of East Central India Union on Sunday, January 20. The day began with a devotional message by Edison Samraj. The delegates were inspired by the presentations of the resource personnel. The presentations were on voice modulation, script writing, and presentation of the segments. The delegates enjoyed the theory and practical sessions of FM Production. Methushela , Director, Communication Dept. East Central India Union of SDA coordinated the program with the support of the officers of the ECIU. We would like to pray for the success of FM Vennela program in Hyderabad.

N. Ashok Kumar, Kannada Radio Speaker, AMC, Pune.

School News

Kolhapur School—AY Camp

Around 150 students proceeded to Aurangabad, a historical place in Maharashtra, to have an AY camp from November 28—December 4, 2012. Sreedhar Mellam, the camp director had organized a lot of activities which reflect Seventh-day Adventist doctrines and life style. We had interesting programs such as hikes, nature study etc. to guide and enrich the minds of the students with love for God who is the Creator of the universe.

kolahpur1 kholapur

The resource personnel-- Vara Prsad, Sanjay Karnad, Sunil Ghatge and Subhash Gaikwad--. gave inspiring spiritual messages during the devotionals. All together it was a learning experience for the students and also a time of rediscovering the past glory of Indian cultural heritage. We thank our principal for his support and guidance in this endeavor. Also, we want to thank God Almighty for His protection and care.

Sanjay Karnad, communication secratary

Speech and Hearing Impaired School-- Week of Spiritual Emphasis

The students at the School for Speech and Hearing Impaired were privileged and blessed to have one more week of prayer towards the end of the academic year 2012-2013. The speaker, Chris Kleinke, brought out messages every evening that stirred the hearts of the students. Messages of events that would soon take place, and messages of our great hope: the coming of our Lord and the righteous reigning with Him for ever brought renewed anticipation and hope. Chris Kleinke also presented useful health talks that were very useful and informative. Chris and Maliza Kleinke not only counseled the girls and boys, but also established a strong attachment and friendship with them by playing ball with them and talking with them every evening. We were all blessed by their ministry. We pray that God continue to shower His Spirit upon Chris & Maliza as they go from place to place spreading God’s love by their messages and sacrificial lives. We thank C D Mathew, Former Associate Secretary, SUD and Cyril Monthero, President, SCIU for making this arrangement for us.

Jacob Bhaggien, Principal

Kollegal school From January 7-11, 2013, our students and teachers of our school had the privilege of attending a second week of prayer. Chris Kleinke and his wife, Maliza Kleinke from Australia were the speakers. They presented the message on “The last day sign”. Most of the Hindu teachers and students participated in this kolegal week of Prayer

program. Maliza taught many songs and shared many health tips with the children. The hostel children were delighted to sing special songs during each meeting. It was a lively spiritual experience for all who attended the program.

Prem Cyrus, School Chaplain

Announcement: Musicians who would like to perform at the GC Session 2015 are requested to check the website for the Music Guidelines and the application forms. The Musician Applicant Packet is available on the GC Session website, http://2015.gcsession.org/. The division will accept applications for music performance from June 1, 2013 to January 1, 2014 only. Please follow the music guidelines when preparing to submit your entries. You can communicate with us by email— Rose Christo, ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Chitra Calvin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please send your entry(entries) to the: GC/SUD Music Committee, Southern Asia Division of Seventh-day Adventists, Box 2, HCF, Hosur, Tamil Nadu 635110.

QUATATIONS FROM THE PEN OF INSPIRATION ABOUT FLESH EATING, SPIRITUALITY & MORALITY: D S PODDAR
A. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
1. Daniel 1:16.The steward took away wine, delicacies, and gave them vegetables. Daniel 1:20. King found them ten times better than others.

2. Psalm 106:15 And He gave them (Israel) their request, but sent them leanness into their souls.

3. 1 Corinthians 8:13. If meat makes my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh.
B. MODERN LITERATURE-Dangers of Meat Eating by Suzanne Sutton: a summary
1. Red meat, fish and chicken, etc., is specific in the leading causes of sickness and death in our country. This includes heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer, stroke, hypertension, and bone thinning disease like back pain, fractured hips, spines and limbs, jaw
bones and tooth sockets. Meat produces sulfuric, phosphoric and other acids, and the body seeks to neutralize these acids by drawing alkali reserves-calcium. The more protein you use, the more calcium you lose and osteoporosis may be the result.
2. Mr. Malhotra, animal husbandry director in Delhi stated that flesharians may get up to 400 diseases, and vegetarians 260. The excess of 140 may be the worst kind of diseases for meat eaters.
C. QUTATIONS FROM ELLEN G WHITE:
1. After the flood the people ate largely of animal food. And He (God) permitted that long-lived race to eat animal food to shorten their sinful lives. Soon after the flood the race began to rapidly decrease in size, and in length of years. CD 373.( Adam was 15 ft. tall- now 5.5 ft. Longevity 912, flood, 291,120, now 70—80+years).
2. Every penny expended for tea, coffee and flesh meat is worse than wasted, for these things hinder the best development of the physical, mental and spiritual powers. MM 274.
3. Meat is the greatest disease breeder that can be introduced into the human system. MM 266.
4. Meat eating deranges the system, beclouds the intellect, and blunts the moral sensibilities. CH 70.
5. The liability to take disease is increased tenfold by meat eating. C H 70.
6. Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be done away; flesh will cease to form a part of the diet. CD 380:4. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people. It has been clearly presented to me that God’s people are to take a firm stand against meat eating. CD 383.
7. That which corrupts the body tends to corrupt the soul. It unfits the user for communion with God, unfits him for high and holy service. The Spirit of God cannot come to our help, and assist us in perfecting Christian characters, while we are indulging our appetites to the injury of health,
and while the pride of life controls. CD 57.
8. No man should be set apart as a teacher (ordination) of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given His servants to bear in regard to diet, for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform unfits him to stand as the Lord’s messenger. 6T 378. Will those ministers supported by tithes from God’s store house permit
them by self-indulgence to poison them? CD 405. "The ministers must be converted before they can strengthen their brethern. A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first
begin its purifying work with the ministers." 1 T 469.
9. Let not any of our ministers set an evil example in the eating of flesh meat. CD 399:3 Can we possibly have confidence in the ministers who at tables where flesh is served join with others in eating it? CD 402.
10. Those who profess to be fitting for translation should not become butchers. 2T 60.
11. Only those should be employed who give promises of becoming qualified for the great work of imparting the principles of true health reform. CH 591.
12. Your safest course is to let meat alone. 2 T 64. (Written in 1864 or 145 years ago).
WHY BE A VEGETARIAN?
1. Longer life. People who are vegetarians live 5—10 years longer.
2. Children mature normally. Those with high protein diet mature faster, burn out quickly and die earlier. Vegetarian Japanese live longer than others. They eat soya product more.
3. Vegetarians are lighter, no extra weight to carry. Our body is not made
for meat.
4. They have less cholesterol, which causes heart attacks and other diseases, like diabetes, cancer, blood pressure, arthritis, etc.
5. They have more endurance, strength and stamina. Athletes are chosen on that basis.
6. No parasites, like trichinosis, tapeworm, etc.
7. Less kidney strain, less stones are formed.
8. Vegetables can be cooked in more ways, and can be preserved longer like nut, grains and seeds.
9. Vegetables are cheaper. Medical bills are smaller/lesser.
10. It is God’s plan that we be vegetarians. “Meat is not essential for health or strength, else the Lord made a mistake when He provided food for Adam and Eve before the fall. All
elements of nutrition are contained in fruits, vegetables and grains.” CD 359:2
RECOMMENDED DIET: IDEAL FOOD FOR ALL IS: LACTO-OVO- VEGETARIAN: Nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs. Eggs limited to 2 per week.
Jesus is coming soon. Let us be prepared to present to Him our healthy,
whole, living and unblemished bodies.

Sebastian Braxton's Revival Meetings in Bangalore Sebastien Braxton's Revival Series, "A Life Without Fear" was conducted in Bangalore from Nov.12 – 17, 2012. The fact that the Lord keeps sending inspiring men of God to Bangalore with messages of revival and hope is a clear indication of the great love He has for all the people in this ever-growing city. Sebastien Braxton's call to the believers in Bangalore to be "real and live a life without fear" touched many hearts, pierced many barriers and re-kindled dying spiritual embers.

bangalre Braston

Beginning on the 12th of November, Elder Braxton preached right through the week, speaking from the Word, Ellen White and experience, reaching out and making an impact on both mind and heart. The sermons that he preached were entitled - No Fear, No Fear of the Unknown, No Fear of Emptiness, No Fear of Deception, No Fear of Loneliness, No Fear of Religion and No Fear
of Failure. Each night we thronged at the Spencer Adventist Junior College auditorium to soak in God's message, spoken directly yet, kindly and in love. Even the 8 am service (a first of its kind) saw many present, unwilling to miss even a single sermon. Many adults and youth were moved by the Spirit to dedicate or re-dedicate their lives to Jesus. Braxton ended his series with a question and answer session for the youth. It was a truly impressive session and I must confess that I have never heard any preacher provide answers to difficult questions as he did. I must say a few words about Elder Braxton, the person. Braxton is six feet plus, but his spiritual stature is what impressed us most. Having joined the Adventist Faith only a little over a decade ago, Sebastie Braxton has allowed the Holy Spirit to transform him into a "man of God", who is fearless and real and filled with love for lost souls. The short time he spent with us has inspired many youth to believe that they too can become, a "Daniel" or "Joseph", by the Grace of God.
The believers in Bangalore would like to sincerely thank the Southern Asia Adventist Community Church, in Loma Linda, California for sponsoring the speaker.
Philip Sargunam

SPICER ADDS MORE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED COURSES FROM JUNE, 2013

Spicer Memorial College, Pune, INDIA, is happy to announce that Andrews University, Berrien Springs, U.S.A. has approved the following Five Departments to start as their affiliated programs from the next Academic Year, ie, June 2013 at Spicer campus:

1. BA : Economi 2. BA : English

3. BA : History 4. BA : Sociology an 5. BS : Biology

The following two programs will continue to be with Griggs University till it finally merges with Andrews University:

1. BBA: Bachelor of Business Administration 2. MBA: Master of Business Administration

The following four Bachelors programs will remain as Spicer College Autonomous programs but the first two could come under the Andrews University umbrella if and when the college chooses this option.

1. BEEd: Bachelor of Education 2. BTh: Bachelor of Theology

3. BMus: Bachelor of Music 4. BLA: Bachelor of Applied Arts In Office Administration

5. BS: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

However those completing these autonomous programs successfully with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 are eligible to join the already existing Masters programs (MA in Education, MEd and MA in Religion) affiliated to Andrews University:

And the following departments are expected to start later:

1. BS: Chemistry 2. BS: Mathematics

3. BS: General (Office Administration) 4. BA: Psychology 5. MA: English

All those who are interested in joining in any one of the first seven departments in June 2013 may visit the college website : http://www.spicercollege.com/. for more details and may contact the Director of Admissions (Email address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Contact #s: +919850907153 & +91-20-25807038)and download the Application Form from December 31, 2012. The entrance eligibility for these bachelor’s programs is the successful completion of Standard XII in any recognized Board or Academy.

BRAIN GAIN AGAIN AT SPICER

Mushrooming in the latest spate of doctoral degree earners at Spicer College is Chacko Madathumchal Paul. He successfully defended his Ph D thesis in History entitled “Major Milestones in the Growth of the

chacko

Syrian Christian Church until the Arrival of the Portuguese in India- A Historical Analysis” at the Mumbai study centre of Manav Bharti University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, a deemed to be University recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India on November 12, 2012. He has a BAA degree (Graphic Arts) from Spicer, MA in History from Pune University, and MSc (Counselling) from IBMS, Chittoor, AP. He holds the rank of Associate Professor in History while also serving as the Director of Admissions at Spicer College. He is married to Sheela Chacko who now teaches in the school of education and the couple is blessed with twins- a son (MCom) and a daughter MPT). Spicer College congratulates Dr Paul on his achievement and hopes earnestly that he and his wife will continue to serve this institution more significantly for many more years with their advanced degrees.

Rajendra Prasad

SCIU Youth Congress, 2012

South Central India Union conducted Youth Congress in Lowry Adventist College from November 9-12, 2012. The theme of the Congress was, “Here am I”. 800 delegates

Bang youth meeting1 youth congress

representing sections, conference, regions and Lowry college from all over Karnataka attended. The AY flag was hoisted by Gilbert Cangy, GC youth director, while the youth directors of all the sections and regions hoisted their respective flags. The AY song was sung by the youth of Lowry College. A colourful marching by the delegates representing different states of India was one of the highlights. Ravindra Shankar gave remarks on the work and value of youth in our field. Gilbert Cangy addressed the gathering and encouraged the youth to take up responsibilities in the church and lead from the front. Then the AY torch was lit together by the youth directors of sections, unions, division and GC. Spencer School band added colour to the whole inaugural programme. Cyril Monthero in his introductory remarks stressed the importance of having youth in our church quoting lines from EG White’s writings. Gordon Christo, in his key note address encouraged the young people to expect and follow Jesus to do His ministry.

Ravindra Shankar based his message on II Timothy 2:22 during the vespers and encouraged the young people to stay away from their desires of youthfulness and accept His call to carry on God’s ministry. During the divine hour, Gilbert Cangy’s centered his sermon on I Samuel 3:1-4, where the young lad Samuel answered the call of God, “Here am I”. He wished our young people should follow the example of Samuel. His personal experiences as a young footballer of Mauritius Island, his college life, his small crowded house with brothers and a very loving and understanding mother, his experience as a sailor, his marriage with a beautiful girl he loved and his interest in leading the young people of his church inspired all believers gathered for worship. 38 Master guides were invested in the afternoon. During the sundown worship Preethi Paul and John Babu, inspired the whole congregation by presenting beautiful messages on the role of youth in the church. On Sunday, Gilbert Cangy spoke on the topic, “The Post Modern Era: a divine opportunity for Adventist youth”. The youth were given an opportunity to clarify their questions during a workshop conducted under the guidance of experienced resource personnel. We thank everyone who supported to make the program successful and meaningful Thyagaraj David, Director, Youth department

OBITUARY

PASTOR H. ZAIREMTHANGA

Pu Zaitea H. Zairemthanga was born on April 8, 1946. He had his education in Helen Lowry School, Aizawl, Northeast Adventist College (then Assam Training School) Spicer Memorial College and Pune University. He served his Master in various capacity, Teacher, Principal, Education Director, Youth Director of Mizo Conference, Bible Seminary Director, President of Mizo conference and Northeast India Union Field Secretary. He retired from active service on May 2011. He was married to Zapari. They had three daughters and a son. The only son died in 1989. H. Zairemthanga was cheerful, energetic and active while in service. After his retirement in 2011, he fell ill. Since then his health was deteriorating and breathed his last on December 31, 2012. Someday soon, we will meet him in the resurrection morning.

Lalnilawma Colney, Executive Secretary, Mizo Conference of SDA

Cheeramban Raphael Kunjuvareed

Cheeramban Raphael Kunjuvareed was born on13th April 1931 to Kunju Vareed and Kunjana, in Thrissur, Kerala. Raphael was partially hearing impaired. Three Angels' Message was brought to him by Pr. Storz who took extra care to project the teachings on the screen, which was also followed up by Voice of Prophecy lessons. An excited Raphael gladly embraced the true gospel of grace and was baptized by Pr. Storz, in 1951, at Thrissur. He married Thankamma on 21st May 1957. They were blessed with three sons: Robin, Roshan and Leon. He rendered 25 years of meritorious service at the Oriental Watchman Publishing House, Pune. CK Raphael was hospitalized with Pune's Ruby Hall Clinic on 26th December 2012. Raphael entered his rest on 1st January 2013 at 10:30 a.m. This man of few words, who often expressed himself in telegraphic phrases and to the point, will be cherished by friends and well-wishers as one who abounded in grace, dignity, calm and poise. On the glorious resurrection morning, his tomb will burst open for a great reunion with his dear wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, fellow-believers, neighbors, friends, and well-wishers.

Pastor P. R. Israel

pr.Israel Pauliah Rathnaraj Israel was born on 27/3/1935 to Pauliah and Gnanamani Ammal in Nazareth, Tamilnadu. He was led to Christ by Pr. V D Koilpillai. P R Israel finished his Bible Instructor course in Spicer Memorial College and served the church as pastor in Arunachalapuram,Solachary, Mukuperi, Karaikal and KGF. Later he served the church as departmental secretary, section secretary and section president. He retired as Global Mission Director. He has founded many churches and brought many souls to Christ. Recently, his health was deteriorating and he was laid to rest on 19^th January, 2013 in Paulson’s residence at Hosur. He leaves behind his wife, Rethinam Ammal; 3 sons—Edison, Paulson, Kingson, their wives and 5 grandchildren. Rachel John

Marykutty Samuel

Marykutty was born to O M John and Salomy at Thiruvalla, Kerala on 14^th December 1948. She had her schooling at Thiruvalla after which she finished her nursing course in Ahmed Nagar. She was baptized on 13^th December, 1980. She was married to Samuel Thasan on December 21, 1980. They are blessed with a daughter-- Deena and a son-- Denny. Marykutty was a caring nurse and was loved by her patients for her sincere service. In 2007 she had taken voluntary retirement due to her ill health. In spite of the pain and suffering she had undergone through years of her illness, she kept herself cheerful, hospitable, caring and loving. She had unshakeable faith in God. Her hard fought battle with life came to an end at 11. 40 am on 3^rd February, 2013 at Bangalore. She leaves behind her husband—Samuel Thason, her children and their spouses, five sisters, two brothers and a host of loved ones.

Dr. C.A. Ninan

Dr. Chempil Abraham Ninan, 81 a resident of 1713 Southpoint Crossing Dr. in Durham, NC, USA died Friday, 18^th January 2013 at Duke Medical Center. Dr. Ninan was born in Poona, on July 8, 1931. After his Medical studies in CMC Vellore, he joined as a support staff of CMC. He worked as the medical Director of Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, Nuzvid and also at Salisbury Park, Pune. Later he migrated to USA. He retired from the head of Urology in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Fayetteville NC, where he worked for 11 years. Dr Ninan was a member of the Five Oaks Seventh Day Adventist Church in Durham NC. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ninan; a daughter, Grace Gramley; two sons, Abraham Ninan and Joseph Ninan; grandchildren, Elina Thomas, Andrew Gramley, Rachel Ninan, Michael Ninan and Mathew Ninan.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS AT SPICER

This semester about 80 students have written their Comprehensive examinations, 55 of whom belonging to various disciplines – Elementary Education (10), Office Administration (2), Theology (32) and Western Music (2) - have completed their undergraduate oral comprehensive examinations held from February 6 to 10 Though the written examinations are held for all programs in their majors, minors and fields of concentration, the orals are mostly held for the undergraduate students not only in the areas of study mentioned above, but also in general knowledge, current events, etc. This time the Oral Comprehensive committee members were entertained with some hilarious answers/gaffes made by some over-enthusiastic as well as nervous students, now reproduced below, just for a laugh:

1. Question (Q) 1: Expand ATM.

Answer (A): Any Time Money …. no, no …. All Time Money. (Automated Teller Machine)

2. Q : Expand STD*.

A: Spicer Traditional Day (*Spicer celebrates SEED – Spicer Environment Emphasis Day).

3. Q: What is a “mummy”?

A: It is a dead body ‘applied with masala’ and put in the pyramid. (Embalmed with spices).

4. Q: Describe the Creation Week.

A: 1^st day light…… 4^th day birds & fishes, 5^th day animals & man, 6^th day Sabbath and 7^th day

God took rest.

5. Q: What is the meaning of “Tha-li-tha-kumi”?

A: Why - are you - persecuting - me? (Little one, arise)

6. Q: What is the meaning of “Mene, mene, tekel, uparsin”?

A: My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?

7. Q: How did we get our Bible?

A: From the Super Market.

8. Q: What is the difference between monocot and dicot plants?

A: Monocot means single cot and Dicot means double cot.

9. Q: Describe the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

A: Head on gold, …….. breast on chest ……no, no…. chest on breast ….

10.Q: Who taught you the course “Apocalyptic Literature” ?

A : Lavanga Sir. (Mr Vanlaltluanga Khuma, faculty from Mizoram)

S Rajendra Prasad, VPAA, Spicer Memorial College

Evangelistic Meetings in Kanteerava Nagar, Bangalore

Bangalore is a cosmopolitan city where many language people groups are present. It was the desire of the church to establish a Kannada congregation in Kanteerava Nagar, where the gospel has not reached yet. Therefore, evangelistic meetings were conducted there from October 8-15, 2012. Ashok Kumar, speaker/producer for Kannada program, AMC, Pune was the main speaker.

kanteerva kanteerva1

He was assisted by Sushanth Roy, Timothy and Suresh Daniel. Lively song service was conducted and inspiring sermons were preached. 40-50 people attended daily. 5-6 people were ready to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The pastors and coordinator are working towards the establishment of a new congregation here. We thank Adventist World Radio for sponsoring these meetings.

N. Ashok Kumar, Kannada Radio Speaker, AMC, Pune

South Asia Youth for Jesus :

a youth-led supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

SAYJ's fifth conference has come to an end and once again we have been witnesses of God's marvelous, transforming power especially in the lives of young people. On Tuesday 22nd of January, 2013 young people from all over India, especially the northeast were seen walking into the gates of Northeast Adventist College by 8 a.m. As usual it started with young people who were shy, fearful, and in need of direction. But as we started making our way through the conference the youth began overcoming their fears and finding the direction that God wants for their lives. By God's grace through the seminars and workshops that we ran the youth were able to be equipped with tools and gained knowledge that will help them fulfill the Great Commission - "Go and make disciples...". And throughout morning and evening devotions they learned how to be true disciples of Jesus. During the course of the conference we have seen young and old alike making hundreds of decisions for Christ. Fifteen souls answered the call to baptism and over 30 young people committed to starting evangelistic small groups in their communities.

The Sabbath was a true blessing worshiping with over 800 people from all over India, especially the northeast. Through the sermon many came to a realization that God wants a true and personal commitment to Him and not just an external one. After examining their own lives they made a commitment to have a deeper, more honest and more faithful walk with our Lord. Our Sabbath closed with testimonies from the youth that attended. This was the most powerful part of the conference because this provided evidence that the Spirit of God was there. We heard a testimony of a young lady who had drifted far from God and doubted that the Seventh-day Adventist Church was true and even questioned the very existence of God. She was not even excited to attend the SAYJ conference. When she first arrived she really thought that she made a bad decision in coming. However, after attending the seminars and listening to the morning and evening devotions, she herself publicly proclaimed that she knew that there was a God who exists and for the first time she was proud to be a part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This was the experience of just one among many.

God has blessed the SAYJ conference more than we could have ever asked. Lives have been changed including our own. Currently, there are young people who have found God for the first time traveling home, where they will be met with temptations and challenges that they have determined to overcome in Jesus. SAYJ is not just a weekend conference but a cooperative network in partnership with the church for training, equipping and supporting the young people of South Asia to be true disciples of Christ. Right now these young people need our prayers. Please join us in praying for these young people that God may empower them with His Spirit, teach them through His word and save them by His grace so that they can go make disciples.
SAYJ Team

Priyadarshini College/School of Nursing – 20^th Capping & Lamp Lighting Ceremony

* * *

On 27^th January, 2013 Priyadarshini College/School of Nursing had 20^th Capping & Lamp Lighting Ceremony. Fantastic and elegant arrangements were

Capping 3

made by Veera Badhra Rao. The Commissioner of Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest. Quite a few leading citizens from the city attended the program and gave greetings. The parents who were present, well appreciated the entire program. They are very much satisfied that their children are in an Adventist based institution. Lily Choppala, Director & Correspondent of this noble institution challenged the students to be model and compassionate nurses. Ch.John, Former Union President, Pastor Charles, Madhusudhan Rao, President, Gideon International Rajahmundry Chapter attended the program. M R Satyavadi chaired the programme.

Lily Choppala, Director, Priyadarshini College/School of Nursing

UNITED BIBLE READING EMPHASIS PROGRAMS IN SOUTH WEST INDIA UNION

In order to promote the global program of United Bible Reading in South West India Union, Bible quiz contests were conducted at local churches at the end of 2012 from the portions of the whole year. The toppers from churches participated in a Section-wide contest and the first two toppers from each section and region contested in a Union-wide oral quiz.

The Union-wide Bible quiz was conducted at Kuttapuzha church on 20^th January 2013. Mr Jose Prakash, the Asst. Director of METAS Adventist seminary at Dhanuvachapuram was the quiz master and questions were asked from the first six books of the Bible. The Kuttapuzha School Principal, Joykutty Das, welcomed the audience, the participants and promoters of the program; prayer was offered by the Kuttapuzha Church Pastor, Biju Abraham and the program was inaugurated by P H Paulson, the Union Secretary. This was followed by felicitations by K P Cherian, Malabar Region Director and S Jacob, South Kerala Section Secretary. The quiz program was well enjoyed and appreciated by both the contestants and the audience. The presence of the Kuttapuzha church members, Kuttapuzha School Principal, staff, students & Communication Directors from all sections was a great support for the contestants.

The winners of the contest were awarded cash prizes, trophies and certificates from the Union. The Kuttapuzha school presented a Bible to each of the ten contestants (5 teams). The cash prizes were sponsored by Christopher.

PRIZE WINNERS

Name Church Section/Region

1^st Prize Mariamma Abraham Kuttapuzha A P Section

Bincy Johnson Anjilithanam A P Section

2^nd Prize Mercy Judson Kaudiar South Kerala Section

Anil Kumar Kattakada East South Kerala Section

3^rd Prize Jessy Joseph Pzhampallichal Idukki Section

Philomina George Adimali Idukki Section

bible quiz

Congratulations! To all the prize winners and thanks to all the well-wishers, supporters and all the participants from local churches to the Union level. Great was the work of everyone who promoted this ministry in all sections and region. Let us pray that we will work with more spirit in 2013 to make the United Bible Reading a great success in every Adventist Home.

Thankam Paulson, Director, Communication Dept., SWIU

Asian Aid High School for the Blind—Bobbli

The Asian Aid High School for the Blind, we believe, has been established by the command of God to serve the visually challenged children to support them and to empower them to be useful citizens. December 30, 2012 was a special day for all the teachers and students of the school. In a large gathering at Kalabharathi auditorium, in the presence of dignitaries from Vishakapatnam,Vijayawada and Vijayanagaram, our principal, J Paulson Joseph was honored with Deva Sree Puraskar Award from Abhimani Foundation for the services the school renders for the blind children. Award

We praise God! It is our humble prayer that God lead this school to greater heights so that many more blind children may come out of this institution, empowered to serve the community as well as God. S. Chitti Babu, Science teacher

Wedding Bells

Darisalin with Clfford: Darisalin d/o Diengdoh & (L) Erinda Ksoo and Clifford s/o Pr. & Mrs.Dkhar were married on 12^th December, 2012 at seventh-day Adventist church, Shillong.

Ratheesh with Beena: Ratheesh s/o late Sasidharan & late Chandrika and Beena d/o late Thankachan & Mary were united in holy matrimony on 27^th December, 2012 at Seventh-day Adventist church, Nilambur, Kerala.

Bilu with Shereen: Bilu s/o (Late) Sunny George Kavumgal &Lillen and Shereen d/o Syed Ali Akbar & Fathima were united in marriage on 27^th December, 2012 at Seventh-day Adventist church Rajanagaram, AP.

Frederic with Sonia: Frederic Thomas s/o Jayanthi & Nesan and Sonia d/o Aleyamma & Stephenson John were united in holy matrimony on 27^th December, 2012 at Seventh-day Adventist church Kowdiar, Trivandrum.

Arnon with Regie: Arnon Maria d/o Gideon &Jenifer Dayak and Regie John s/o Raj & Grace Samuel were united in marriage on January 9, 2013 at Seventh-day Adventist English church, Hosur.

Titan Township Outreach

After their retirement, Nathaniels returned to Hosur in 2004 and settled down here. Pastor C C. Nathaneil and his wife Margaret, though retired, still active as they have been in the service of the Lord, wanted to continue with the ministry of the Lord. Margaret Nathaniel, always cheerful and lively, sought for some opportunity to do ministry for children. Her efforts led her to Besso Orphanage in Hosur where there were 60 plus kids. With the help of Flora John and other women from the division campus, they started a branch Sabbath school and carried on for almost 3 years. Besides, each summer they conducted VBS also for them. Jeevan Jyothy English church, Hosur provided Bibles for the older kids and they started Bible lessons for the bigger ones and the regular branch Sabbath school for the little ones. As the children were learning from the Bible, the man in charge of the orphanage grew suspicious and turned them away. Instead of getting discouraged, while kept on praying, they looked for another opening. God heard the prayers and Titan Township with around 200 families staying, including two of our church members, was opened for their ministry. They met in the portico of our church member Dr. Helen, to begin a ‘Story Hour’ every Saturday at 4 p.m. They started with 10 kids first week and it steadily increased and reached almost 100 within a few weeks. More women from the campus, inspired by the enthusiasm of Margaret Nathaniel, joined them to help out. They started with songs, health talks, nature talks etc. since all were from non-Christian background.

branch branch 1 branch sabbath school

The parents were a little suspicious in the beginning, but as time passed by they all started appreciating their efforts to nurture the children as good citizens. All the parents and even neighbors became very co-operative and encouraging. Though non-Christians, some invited them to pray for them. During the first annual party everybody cooperated and was happy to see that their children perform well.

Margaret Nathaniel, with Miriam Surappa started visiting homes regularly and they discovered there were a handful of other Christian families too. When they started Bible lessons the attendance steadily dropped. It came down to 40. Then they started another “story hour” in the portico of Kenneth John, another Adventist resident there. Simultaneously 2 ‘Story Hour’ groups meet each week. A new group of people from the campus helped out with the 2nd group. During the next annual meeting, with the consent of all the fathers, they were able to form a ladies’ club for the mothers of the children. This club met once in a month, resource personnel were invited to provide useful information regarding parenting, health matters, cooking etc.
Meantime since the kids had by now learned all the Bible stories, they started an Adventurer Club to stir up their interest. 35 of them from both the story hour groups joined the club and at least 20 plus attend regularly in the afternoon on Sundays. Swarna James, Gladston Dalpathi and Prema Anand are effectively handling the children in the Club under the shady trees in Titan Township.

Margaret Nathaniel, who is enthusiastic in the mission of the Lord, along with others visited the Christian homes and prayed for them and invited them to a Bible Study group. Half a dozen families showed interest and this group meets for Bible study in one of their homes. There is an 80 year old grandma, who had a successful surgery of a brain tumor and is recovering in that home. She enjoys singing and she wants them to pray for her. Pastor Nathaniel takes care of the Bible study while a few pastors from the campus also visit them and conduct Bible study. It is the desire of Nathaniels to have an Adventist presence in this Township that many non-Christians can also be saved in God’s Kingdom.

Health Expo

On February 3, 2013, a health expo was arranged for the parents of the children in the Division Campus and it was well attended by the parents. Drs Narendra Rao and Rani , with a few nurses and medical personnel from our Bangalore hospital and some volunteers helped out in this program. A fellowship lunch also was served. It was a good time of interaction between our campus residents and this elite group of non-Adventists. Ramani Kurian

My experience in Titan Township Sabbath afternoon—what a nice time for a nap! Oops! but there are children waiting for our arrival at Titan Colony. “Get thee behind me Satan” and off we go in the van to Titan Colony. What a joy it is to see children waving their hands and screaming , “there comes the blue van”. Children argue among themselves “I saw the van first”. So you know how much they long and wait for us!

We have our branch Sabbath school in 2 places. There are Hindi speaking people on one side and Tamil, Telugu and Kannada speaking people on the other side. Children have learnt a lot of songs. They love action songs. Everybody gets a turn to sing their favorite song. After a prayer, a moral story is told by one of the teachers. It seems, at times that the children are playful and are not listening. Oh! No, we are wrong. Every word has gone into their ears! You ask them a question and they answer immediately. Next we have an exercise in the form of a song. The children just love it. Next they look forward for an object lesson and illustrations. They start getting up from their places to have a closer view. Then we celebrate birthdays of children and move on to the Bible story with the hope that the seeds sown will have a bearing someday in the children. The children get coloring pictures, stickers and some handouts every week. The children became so close to us that they ask us to pray for their grandparents and for the sick ones in their families and for other special occasions. They bring their relatives and friends who visit their homes. They tell their parents whatever they have learnt and we are sure they would share it with their friends at school and in the neighborhood. Some children have learnt to speak in English while some others have learnt good manners.

There is so much of love and joy shared in this place. Who would not want to go over there to see these children? If you want to have a part in the joy that we experience, why don’t you come over there to tell a story or a health talk? Small small things that we do amuse the children so much. The children help us in packing our mats, the flannel boards, the stools and suitcases and they put them in the van for our return back to the campus.

On the way back home, we talk about all the mischievous things that the children did that day which help us to laugh all way back home. We think about the wonderful questions or the funny things they have asked . What an enjoyable day out with the children! We come back home at sunset, happy and content that we have had a splendid Sabbath.

Most of us feel shy or we are unable to go out to non-adventist homes to tell about Jesus. This is a simple way to reach out. Children are good listeners and they remember. Our business is only to sow the seed. Someday, God the Holy Spirit, would move their hearts and minds and help them to follow Jesus. Rachel John, SUD, Hosur

Sud-News.2013.3

Tuesday, 05 March 2013 10:54 T. P. Kurian News - Division News

Sud-News March 4, 2013

Ministerial Association of Southern Asia Division

Bible Conference 2013 held from February 18--20 at Hyderabad

The meeting started by welcoming the five Resource Personnel: Elias Brasil de Sauza, Gordon Doss, Miroslav Kis, Ekkahardt Mueller and Kwab ena Donkor from Biblical Research Centre of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Dr. Kwabena Donkor took the first session on 18^th Monday, followed by Dr.Elias Brasil de Sauza. Dr. Gordon Doss led the third session and the day ended by a devotion by Miroslav Kis. Next day onwards, day started with devotion and after various sessions, the day ended with devotional message from the speakers. Following are the topics presented.

Ekkenhardt Mueller : Conflict and communication, Challenges Apocalyptic Literature, Remnant and other religious movements, and Occultism.

Gordon Doss: Witnessing-- How powerful it is? Biblical foundation of Mission for the 21^st Century, and Applying Principles of Mission in India.

Elias Brasil de Sauza: Sanctuary services and its meaning.

Kwabena Donker: Contemporary spiritualism, Contextualization, Duel Allegiance

Miroslav Kis: Discipline, Competition and integrity.

All three officers of the Division were present for the occasion. Pastor Clive was present for all sessions. Around 100 pastors and ministerial directors all over India have participated in the conference. Following are the pictorial report of the sessions

P2140201 . P2140207

Dr. L C Colney Welcoms the Guests BRI Team Welcomed Traditionally by Garlanding

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Bible Conference Delegates

P2150253 P2160259a

Kerala Delegates with Guests Meal time together

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Singing with whole heart Question Hour

Tidings Jan-Feb,2013.1

Tuesday, 22 January 2013 04:23 T. P. Kurian Articles - Southern Asia Tidings

Editorial: Ramani Kurian ramani1a

Walking in the Light

As we have ushered into a new year, many of us have taken up new resolutions. New beginnings are always good and pleasant. We aspire to achieve great things in life. We as Christians need to take into consideration what is the great task for which we have been called to. We are given a special calling to do the mission of our Lord. God says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” I Peter 2: 9. We are no more in darkness. We are in the light, the marvelous light which will brighten us up whereby we will be able to accomplish the mission entrusted with us. Therefore we need to walk in the light.

When we are in darkness we cannot see anything what is in there. We are ignorant of what is happening around. We will be groping in darkness not knowing what to do. We are in our sinful condition. Self alone will be our focus. How to gratify our selfish desires, no matter what happened to others, becomes the whole purpose of life because we have no connection with the Light who said “Ye are the light of the world”. The end result is that we will be tied up with the world and our hearts will be filled with “all malice, all guile, hypocrisies and envies and all evil speaking” 1 Peter 2:1. To get out of such kind of a situation we need to get connected to the source of Light-Jesus our Lord. Mere words are insufficient to get connected, we need to experience Jesus in our lives to be out of the darkness which we are in. It is possible only through the study of His word asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. A sincere seeker of truth will never be cast out without help. Therefore let us make a resolution to seek the truth and walk in the light as we have entered into the new year.

When we get connected with our Lord Jesus, we will be able to see how He lived while He was on the earth. He lived among the people, mingled with them, attended to their needs-- healed the sick, comforted the down hearted, cast out the devil, fed the hungry. Nothing was done with an intention of self glory, but to make others comfortable. When we are in the light, that light of unselfishness will enter into the heart of each one of us. We also will be able to do the same mission that he started out in the world while He lived here. That is what is expected of us by heaven- to walk in the light. When we really know him, our vision will be enhanced and we can see perfectly well what our real condition is. Jesus is the Light and by beholding Him we will be changed into His likeness. He was full of compassion for every one of his erring children. When we feel the need of a cleansing He is ready and willing to cleanse us. But that choice is ours. We need to seek to be cleansed. Unless we feel the need of that cleansing, it is impossible for us to walk in the light of Jesus. Many a time, we are proud, arrogant and self-seeking, without being aware of it. Unless we surrender ourselves to the cleansing power of Jesus, we will remain still in darkness. When we surrender our ‘self’ willingly to the source of power, the compassionate Savior, He takes control and we will become new. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” 1 Cor.5:17. Take a moment and think! Am I undergoing the new birth experience in my daily life? As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to serve our fellow beings with the same compassion and kindness Jesus showed while He lived here on the earth. An unselfish service only will be acceptable to the Lord. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in Heaven” Mathew 5:16. Remember glory and honor belong to God alone, not to any human being. God bless you.

Jeevan Jyothi Pathfinder Club, Hosur

The Jeevan Jyothi Pathfinder club was established about two decades ago when the Southern Asia Division office moved from Pune to Hosur. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The church which neglects to train up the youth and children will soon find that they drift away from the truth and finally leave the fold. Pathfindering is a program that is committed to train the children and youth in the ways of the Lord so that they would grow to be the pillars of the church in the future.

As it has been the practice in Jeevan Jyothi Church, this year the Pathfinder leaders took up the challenge of nurturing and training the children of the church and the community. With the enrollment program in January 2012, about 40 children became part of the club. Ten master guides were put into action to care for the needs of the group which was divided into seven small units. The master guides were given the responsibility of mentoring by being role models for the children. We had fifteen Adventurer and 25 Pathfinder members. This year we had three students enrolled and completed successfully the PLA class (Pathfinder Leadership Award) and six students worked hard and completed the APLA class (Advanced Pathfinder Leadership Award). These seniors had the honor of being invested by the General Conference Youth Director Elder Gilbert Cangy at a youth Congress meeting organized by SUD youth department on November 10, 2012 in Bangalore. It was a memorable event. When working with children we realized that we needed to use new and fresh ideas to capture their attention and make an impact in their lives.

Group Pathfinders Investing 2

As we prayerfully worked out the programs and even though there were challenges, God became the only refuge to hold on to. Therefore by God’s grace we sailed through the year gaining victory after victory with each event passing successfully. Some of the activities that we undertook were Nature walks, Pot painting, trip to the zoo, trip to Mysore Palace, overnight camp in the Division campus, and Summer Camp in Denkanikotai. The pathfinder Club hosted three major events this year to bless the church and the community.

Invested by GC Youth director 2 Mysore trip 2

1) Art Exhibition on 26^th January, 2012: The pathfinder children colored pictures depicting the National theme. It was an event that triggered the patriotic spirit in the children and audience

2) Science and Bible Exhibition on August 15, 2012: This was a unique exhibition ever seen. The theme was based on “Creation”. It was an attempt to create an awareness of how God created the world in six days and how Science is a revelation of God’s handiwork. The exhibition was divided into seven booths, each was to depict simple science experiments based on that day of creation. For example Light was created on the first day, so the children showed experiments on light on the first booth. The event was a great success.

3) Week of Prayer from November 17 to 22, 2012: Another unique event that culminated into the investiture service was the week of prayer that was completely hosted by the children for the church. The theme was based on the concept developed by the director of the club Alwyn Mark who said “If Jesus were to give you a HI Five what would it have”. He says it would have five avenues or channels through Jesus wants to train the young people. These five channels are: 1) Bible: for it is a lamp unto our feet. 2) Nature: for it is the handiwork of God.

Knots demo 2 PF Marching

3) Music: for good music is heaven bound. 4) Pioneer Stories: for the bible says do not remove the landmarks of the past. 5) Health: for our body is the temple of God. The children of the club presented messages on each topic each day. They called it the “Hi Five from Jesus”. It was a blessed event and the children enjoyed it.

The investiture service was held on 24, November 2012. SUD youth director, Ravi Shankar was the guest of honor.

He spoke of the Pathfinder Club being a worldwide organization committed to training the youth of the church in a holistic manner which includes the Spiritual, Social, Physical and Mental aspects of the child’s development. That evening 15 adventurers and 25 Pathfinders were invested for the completion of their requirements. It was a high week and weekend for the club as they took over the Sabbath services also. LeRoy Samuel, the Sponsor of the club shared God’s word with the congregation on the theme “Creation Speaks out God’s glory”. Part of his message was delivered by the pathfinder children.

This year, in the history of the Pathfinder Club, the church witnessed how much the children and youth of the church can do for the church if they are motivated and guided enough to accomplish their task. The counselors and junior counselors were encouraged to render their voluntary service to guide and motivate the children. We, as a club, are thankful to the Lord for His marvelous leading. Only heaven knows what impact the club has had on the children. We just hope that they would become strong pillars of the church in future, holding responsibilities and gaining victories in Jesus’ name. Please keep the club in your prayers as we move on into the future, praying for the courage to stand.

Theme song of the week of prayer:

Courage To Stand

We are called to stand for such a time as this
We must fight for what is right and learn to trust in Him
We have a truth to live for, a promise to defend
Stand up tall stand up proud ‘till the very end

Chorus. Stand strong, stand firm press on until the end
And claim the promise of His word
We have got a message let’s spread it through the land
Praying for the courage to stand

Let’s run but let’s not hide proclaiming once again
To fight for what is right showing love unto all men
Not fearing what may come nor looking to the past
Trusting everything we are to the one whose love will last

Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my savior
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God

Praying for the courage to stand x 2

Alwyn Mark, Director, Pathfinder Club, Jeevan Jyothi Church

Women’s Retreat: Jeevan Jyothi English Church, Hosur

The women in the Division headquarters church were offered a day off from their routine work and deliberations on Sunday 25^th November, 2012. Lissie George and Ruby Anbiah, women’s ministries leaders of the church, planned for an outing for the women to Jain Farm, a retreat center, around 50 km away from Hosur. At 8’0 clock in the morning we boarded the school bus and reached there by 8.45. After having breakfast there, we moved into the spiritual session of the program.

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Premila Masih, Division Women’s Ministries Director delivered a beautiful message on hospitality. She encouraged each woman to be hospitable and caring. Gracifills Sangma, Jamuna Gompa & Kunta Biswas presented an excellent skit about a wealthy man who yearned to earn more but lost his wealth, family and even health. The skit demonstrated how covetousness brings destruction and ruin in human life. We learned that it is always good to be content with what we have and to live an acceptable life before the Lord.

Next, Deborah Samraj engaged the women in a Bible game in the way of a written quiz based on the book of psalms. It was a delightful experience for all the women and inspired us to keep close touch with the Bible. We also had a season of prayer after which we departed for our social enjoyments. Some of us enjoyed swimming in the swimming pool and others walked around watching the different attractions in the farm. By evening we returned to Hosur after refreshing ourselves for a day. We thank the WM leaders and all those who supported to make this day possible for the women of the church.

Ramani Kurian

Lay training program in Shillong
Recognizing the need for the involvement of the laity in evangelism, Tony Rykers, a lay man from Australia conducts training program for lay people to reach people with the message of the second coming of Jesus. Responding to his call a lay training program was organized in the Khasi Jaintia Conference from June 23 to 24, 2012. The programs were held in Shillong Central Church.

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Inspiring instructions and counsels were given by Tony Rykers from the Cornerstone Ministries, Australia. Along with the members many local church pastors were also present. Pastors had their training program on how to use the final events DVD study guide. All the pastors and the members who attended the two days training program were greatly blessed and enriched. They rededicated their lives to work for the Master in the days to come with vigor and enthusiasm.
Rajaratnam Jones

Final Events DVD Training Program at Aizawl, Mizoram
Final Events is a DVD produced by the Cornerstone Ministry, Australia and distributed free of cost to anyone who is interested to watch the same. There is a specific way of using the same and one can reach many people with the warning message of the second coming of Jesus.

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The Final Events DVD training program was organized in Mizo Conference on June 29, 2012. Inspiring instructions and counsels were given by Tony Rykers. He taught the pastors how to make use of the Final Events DVD to reach the people for Christ. Pastors were inspired and committed to make use of this facility to make people ready for the coming of Christ.

If anyone is interested in receiving this Final Events DVD(free) may contact me at the following email. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or
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You may also contact Pr. C D Mathew
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Let us all work together, use all the means and facility available to finish the gospel work. May we get ready and also make others ready for the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rajaratnam Jones

MARATHI – VOP BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL REOPENED

Marathi VOP Bible Correspondence School was reopened on Sep 18^th 2012 at the Central Maharashtra Conference, Pune by Western India Union. Hidayat Masih, SSPM Director, SUD, R Y Jadhav, President of WIU, L D Battise, SSPM Director of WIU and J N sathe, President of CMC were present to grace the occasion. A brief history of Marathi VOP School was presented by L D Battise. Hidayat Masih delivered a devotional message after which he reopened the Marathi VOP School. Other officers and Staff of WIU and Central Maharashtra Conference had witnessed it. We pray and dedicate this school to God who would help us to spread the everlasting gospel message to many Marathi communities in Maharashtra.

DVD EVANGELISM TRAINING PROGRAM

DVD Evangelism Training Programs were conducted in three unions--Southwest, Southeast and Northern India Unions in Southern Asia Division. Jonathan Kuntaraf, Director, Sabbath School & Personal Ministries, General Conference; Chester Clark 111, ASI Director; and Hidayat Masih, SSPM Director, SUD were the resource personnel who led out these DVD training programs successfully. chennai

Southwest India Union: DVD Evangelism training took place in Ernakulam, Kerala on October 30 & 31, 2012. K J Varghese, SSPM Director, was the coordinator. Around 115 people attended all the sessions.

The Resource personnel gave them training regarding how to win others to the Master using the New Beginnings DVD, CD. All the delegates received a DVD player and New Beginning Sermons and a book with evangelism training materials.

Southeast India Union: DVD Evangelism took place in Chennai at St. Thomas Mount on November 1 & 2, 2012. Rajamani Muthu R, SSPM Director, was the coordinator. Delegates numbering 155 from all over SIU units safely arrived to the training place; attended all the sessions enthusiastically. All of them recieved the New Beginnings DVD, CD, and a book with evangelism training materials.

Family get-together Week

Thrissur Central Church celebrated the family get-together week on September 29, 2012. Joseph Skariah was the speaker for the Vespers and the Sabbath for this special week.

He awakened the church with beautiful illustrations of God’s love for His people. Children presented beautiful roses to their parents & they in turn held the roses high above their heads & waved together to thank God for His blessings on the families. After the divine service a fellowship lunch was served. Altogether it was a wonderful time for everyone.

Thankam Paulson

Journeying with Jesus:

Week of Prayer at Priyadarshini College of Nursing

About 50 to 60 % of attendance in our churches consists of women. Some women are called by God to serve in their local churches and in their communities. One of such active women (Lay Leader) in Andhra Pradesh is Madam Lily Choppala. She has been playing an important role in support of Lord’s work in various aspects. She takes part in church activities; on her own she established a church; at present she is running a Nursing School and College. She also runs a school-- Tholath Memorial high school in Rajamundry, AP.

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When asked, she highly testified of the leading of the Lord in her life. Recently I got the opportunity to work closely with her when she invited me to be the speaker for a week of spiritual emphasis. The theme was “Journeying with Jesus”. The messages were focused on young people, nearly 250 girls who came from different religious backgrounds. Emphasis was on daily walk with Jesus. In spite of rain, many came to listen the messages based on bible truth and end time preparation. There was good music, lively stories by Lilly Satyavadi, and great singing by the students.

Lily Choppala also invited nearby Christian leaders, pastors and members. It was truly a time of revival. There was question answer sessions and prayer sessions. Finally on November 3^rd Sabbath services in Rajamundry was a time of celebration for the local members and students of Priyadarshini College of Nursing. We had seven girls taken stand for Jesus by baptism.

It is the desire of Lily Choppala to run the school exactly on Adventist principles and guidelines. Many young people take decision for Jesus in this noble institution. Some testify that the experience at Priaydarshini has not only enlightened them in Nursing career but also to know Jesus and learn clear Bible truths. We praise God for active lay people in our church. We want to wish God’s rich blessings on Priyadarshini college of Nursing as they continue to shine for Jesus.

Measapogu Wilson, Director Ministry to Families, Children, Differently abled & Prisons, SUD

They Shall See His Face…

Annual Conference for Sight Impaired

Behold, He cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him… Rev 1:7 NKJV. One day soon your eyes will be opened and you will first see Jesus face to face. When I preached on this, there was smile and relief upon the young and old in the conference for Blind recently. Adventist church is a caring church. We care for hearing and sight impaired. We have 25 pastors working among the deaf in ECIU, SEIU and SCIU. We thank God for the noble organization-- Asian Aid-- for their support to the most unfortunate in the society. We have a school for sight impaired in Bobbili (AP) and for speech & hearing Impaired in Kollegal (Karnataka). Many physically handicapped children find hope through these special schools. Many students excel in studies, local community activities and more importantly knowing Jesus who will make them whole one day when He comes.

We have many sight impaired believers spread all over the division. In particular we have 50 or more members in and around Bangalore. Since 2010 we have been conducting annual camp meetings every year to encourage them spiritually. Guna Shekar, a teacher at Sunshine school shares special burden for them. He and his family members volunteer along with other friends and well wishers put in their time, talent and treasure to make Jesus more real in the lives these impaired people.

This year we gathered at Sunshine campus from October 25 to 28. About 50 believers, children and others have wonderful messages on preparation for end time, quality Christian life etc. At the end of the conference, Sabbath day, 27th October, was a very special day for them. 10 people took baptism and joined the Adventist faith. Leadership of SCIU, Bangalore Metro Conference and Sunshine Home gave their full co-operation. We thank them sincerely. We look forward to have such fellowships for disabled in other unions too. We thank all who contributed in making this programme a success. Kindly pray for the disabled ones that Jesus be their strength.

Measapogu Wilson, Director, Differently abled.

Music workshop for Northeast India Union

Music Workshop for Northeast India Union was conducted at two places; Aizawl on 23^rd October and in Shillong on 25^th October 2012. The workshop at Aizawl started with a devotion by P C Liansailova, a retired departmental director and a well known song composer. He also took one paper on “How to Compose Christian Music/songs”. The main resource person was Edison Samraj, Director, Adventist Media Centre (AMC) Pune. He presented papers on the following subjects:

(i)Guidelines to Christian Music
(ii)Concept, Content and Context of Christian Music
(iii)Rudiment (Basic) of Sacred Music
(iv)Significance of Christian Music

At the end of the workshop, a music association for the Mizo Conference was formed. The association was named Mizo Adventist Music Association (MAMA). A resolution from the music workshop was sent to the Mizo Conference Executive Committee to endorse the Association so that it can serve as a platform for the musicians/singers/composers to a level that their work can be benefited by the world church through AWR and other electronic media of the church. In all 16 singers/composers/musicians of the Conference attended the workshop, which include Vanlupuii & Tlanthangi who are singers of repute.

The workshop in Shillong is meant mainly for Khasi Jaintia Conference. Though the attendance in this workshop was thin, yet the participants were the cream of Khasi Jaintia Conference with regard to music. Edison Samraj being the main resource personnel presented his papers. “How to Compose Christian Music” was presented by Standhope Hynniewta. At the end of the workshop, a visit was made to the Khasi Jaintia Conference office to see the room for setting up a recording studio. The union would like to put on record its appreciation to Edison Samraj for his valuable presentations, and we look forward that his visit will bear much fruits and the music ministry will be raised to a higher level.

C C Dkhar, Communication Director, NEIU

Inauguration & Dedication of Education and Evangelism Centre at Newasa Since Newasa, in Ahmednagar District, occupies an important place in the History of Seventh – day Adventist Church in Maharashtra, this strategically located town required a State of Art Building and a Magnificent Infrastructure to cater to the needs of the Church & the School. The Lord, through ‘Maranatha Volunteers – International & India’ has made this dream come true. November 26, 2012 brought hundreds of guests to Newasa to witness the Inauguration & Dedication of the newly constructed “Education and Evangelism Centre” [ EEC ]. The officers of Western India Union-- R Y Jadhav, President; Sanjeevan Arsud, Executive Secretary and Rakesh Chavan, Treasurer-- led out in organizing this auspicious occasion. Newasa03

Besides the SUD President, R. John, and Treasurer, G S Robert Clive, the occasion was graced by the presence of Don Noble, Director, Maranatha International, Laura Noble, Member of Maranatha Volunteers Internationals’ Public Relations Team, Darrell Hardy – Vice President, construction, Maranatha International, Vinish Wilson – Director Maranatha India, and Maranatha volunteers & board members. After much prayers, the centre was inaugurated and dedicated to God's glory. The WIU, on behalf of the North Maharashtra Section, the Newasa church members and The Nolla McHenry Memorial English Medium School, would like to say a big THANK YOU to ‘Maranatha Volunteers – International & India’ for their generosity. Anupam Nowrangi – Communication Director – WIU.

ADVENTIST YOUTH RALLY AT SOUTH MAHARASHTRA SECTION Adventist Youth Revival meeting was a memorable event for the young people in South Maharashtra Section. It was for the second consecutive year, we had this special two days youth meeting exclusively for the young people in our field. This meeting was held on December 4 & 5, 2012 in the premises of SDA Boarding School Alate, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Delegates from all the Churches and Companies attended this meeting. There were 140 youth delegates registered for the meeting, along with pastors and volunteers. The meeting started with a welcome followed by devotional and inaugural address by K R Nade, President South Maharashtra Section. The resource personnel were Ravindra Shankar, SUD Youth Ministries Director; Sanjeevan Arsud, WIU Exec. Secretary; Anupam Nowrangi, WIU Youth Ministries Director and Devadas Ghatge Principal, SDA Boarding School Alate. The following topics were dealt with. Feeding on the Word-DAILY Nutrition, Faith-Cannot Let You Down, Evangelism-Our Most Sobering Task, Prayer-Wait for A Minute-spend time praying, Warfare-Praise Lord and Pass Ammunition of Holy Spirit, Fellowship-With God and Man, Thanksgiving-Do the Right Thing, Surrender-Giving to God all you have, and lastly Youth life-at school and in the world.

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At the end of the meetings there was a consecration service by President, K R Nade. All the youth present rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ. They were challenged, and were appealed to rise to the occasion and be true witnesses for the Master. By this exercise the youth were spiritually revived, immensely blessed and enriched by the messages brought by the leaders. The coordinated efforts of Section Administration and Youth department made the meeting a grand success. Shrikant D. Shinde - Youth Director, South Maharashtra Section

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY , SUD

I visited North East India Union from September 30- Oct 15, 2012 to bring to the awareness of pastors and church members the importance of stewardship. Understanding stewardship truth is very essential for a believer’s spiritual life. We exist in matter and with material things around us. Man is made of matter and spirit (breath). He is basically a spiritual being. Spirituality or non spirituality is expressed through body and our possession. A true disciple of God will certainly reveal his spirituality through all his possessions. Our spirituality and our material things are inseparable. Emphasizing sacredness of stewardship in the churches, i.e. our attitude towards our possessions in relation to God, is very essential. It enhances two major aspects of the church. 1. Spiritual enrichment. 2. Financial enrichment. If the leaders and members of the church are true stewards of God, there will be no lack of resources to carry on God’s work in this world. As a matter of fact financial position of a church is the result of its spiritual condition. Stewardship Goals: To help the members of the church to realize, accept and develop the total Lordship of Jesus Christ in all the aspects of their lives. To motivate the church (as a practical worshipper of the creator, sustainer, and redeemer) to honor Him through faithful return of tithes and heartfelt offerings.

October 3, 2012- We had a very lively promotion program at Mizo Conference, Aizwal for the volunteers, pastors and the church treasurers. Around100 people gathered. After learning about the stewardship responsibilities, they decided to promote stewardship in their churches. We also had lively discussion and strategic planning session for the local churches.

October 5, 2012- We had promotion program at Khasi Jantia Conference, Shillong for the volunteers, pastors and the church treasurers. A gathering of 40 persons received more information regarding how to be better stewards of God.

October 6, 2012- Sabbath service and Stewardship promotion at Moringining village church near Shillong where 5-6 surrounding churches gathered for worship. October 8, 2012- We gathered at Garo Conference, Tura. 145 persons including the volunteers, pastors and church treasurers attended the program. After learning from the classes, the members and pastors pledged to be faithful in giving tithes and offerings and also promised to promote stewardship in their respective places.

October 10, 2012- We had a one day promotion program for the pastors, volunteers and the selected church members of Assam region at Guwahati. Since the financial condition of this region is very bad, I taught them how they can improve the situation by being faithful stewards. They also need more work force to enter into the un-entered areas of Assam. October 12, 2012- I visited North Bengal Section at Falakata. We had a discussion on strategic planning with the officers, the stewardship director and a few selected pastors. October 13, 2012- I attended Sabbath service at Naxalbari S. D. A. Boarding school and returned to Hosur.

B R Chandenshive, Director, Stewardship, SUD

School News

Manamadurai Matric Higher Secondary School

Week of prayer: Manamadurai school conducted a week of prayer on July 2- 6, 2012. Dass Kumar, Kanchipuram church pastor was the speaker who guided the students and staff to dwell upon the theme, “Looking unto Jesus”. During the morning devotion, the speaker enlightened the teachers on the “role of the teachers”.

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Everyday a prayer cell was organized after the message. The students met with the speaker and prayed with him during the lunch break. During the vespers and divine service, the speaker presented inspiring messages that all the school staff and church members were blessed.

Temperance &Poster contest & Rally August 20 &21, 2012

Manamadurai school organized its International temperance and poster contest to create awareness among the public, students and parents. The topics selected were: Water the universal drink, The army inside our body, Harmful effects of radiation & Adverse effects of Ajinomotto

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On 20^th August, the school administration organized a temperance rally to create health awareness among the people of Manamadurai. The rally was fluffed off by Willington, President, Sivagiri Ramnad Section after the opening prayer by Mark Kanagaraj, secretary/ treasurer, SRS. The rally covered over 5 km which was highly appreciated by the public and parents as well. The speech and poster contests were conducted on 21^stAugust. A panel of judges evaluated the performance of the students. The winners were awarded prizes and certificates by Mark Kanagaraj, the chief guest. We want to thank all who supported the program

V Milton, Principal

Vishakapatanam School: PhD awarded Sridhar

SRIDHAR AMBATI, Principal of SDA High School, Dabagardens, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh has completed PhD in mathematics on the topic “ PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF NEW ENCRYPTION TRIGONOMETRY WITH EMPHASIS ON ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY ENCRYPTION ” at Nagarjuna University, Guntur . He emphasized 17 termed common equation from Trigonometry and derived 74 formulas.

He started his career as Mathematics Teacher at F.M.H. School, Narsapur after completing M.Sc., B.Ed. in Mathematics. Later he was moved to Vijayawada SDA School. There he motivated students to participate in District Math Exhibition where the school bagged 1^st prize in Krishna District. He also participated in State Level Math Olympiad Math Search, where he got first in the State. He was appointed as headmaster of Visakhapatnam school in 2000. He received the ‘Best Head Master Award’ in 2001 at Ibrahimpatnam.

Being a Maths Philosopher, he introduced rational and realistic and more pragmatic changes both in teaching and in administrative fronts. He is devoted to his work. His diligence in good record keeping and commendable achievements were recognized by the ECIU, Hyderabad .

After working at Vijayawada school as principal, he was transferred to Visakhapatnam school in the year 2009. From then onwards there was a drastic improvement in SSC Examination where students started getting 100% result with highest scores. He is a hard working principal and a good administrator. We wish him God’s blessings as he continues to serve the Lord in His vine-yard.

N. George Benny, Treasurer, Visakhapatnam School

Kolhapur School

PhD Awarded
Vakadani Vara Prasad Rao, a teacher in Kolhapur school has successfully completed and defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Contribution of Seventh-Day Adventist Education to Maharashtra: A study (1900- 2000)”.

His study concentrated on the urban and rural areas of Maharashtra focusing on the contribution of Adventist Education to the society of Maharashtra. V Vara Prasad Rao, son of Mrs and Mr. Vakadani Paul, lay members, hails from a small remote village, Gudem Madhavaram, Andhra Pradesh. He completed BLA from Spicer College in 1999 and MA (History) from Tilak Maharashtra University. He earned another MA (Pol. Sci) and B. Ed from Shivaji University. He joined for PhD(History) in Tilak University in 2009 and was awarded PhD on Nov 2^nd 2012. May God bless him as he continues to serve the Lord in His vineyard with the added skill.

S M Gaikwad, Principal

One day Children’s meeting at Madurai

A one-day children’s meeting was held on November 12, 2012 at South Tamil Conference office, Madurai. Around 70 children from all over STC attended the program. D. Arthur Devasingh, Director & Victoria Jeeva, Assistant Director, Children’s Ministries SEIU conducted the program assisted by Gunaseeli Rathinasingh, Children’s Ministries Director, STC. Special Sabbath school program was conducted by the children of Madurai. All the children enjoyed singing, story telling, reciting memory verses, acting bible characters, craft work, bible games etc. They spent the entire Sabbath with the Lord on that day. Image006a

The childrens’ Sabbath School teachers were given special counseling and training so that they will be able to run better children’s Sabbath School in the future. Gifts were given to all the children. It was a memorable day for children as well as their teachers.

Gunaseeli, Director, Children’s Ministries, STC

Wedding Bells

Christina with Ravi: Christina Aruna, d/o Kamala & Jayawant Peter and Ravi, s/o Uma & Baswaraj were united in holy matrimony on 27^th November, 2012 at Seventh-day Adventist Central English Church, Cunningham Road, Bangalore.

Jojo with Parimalam: Jojo George, s/o P G Johnykutty & Lilamma and Parimalam, d/o late M. Manoharan and M. Mallika were united in marriage on 2^nd December, 2012 at Seventh-day Adventist Tamil Church, Hosur.

Denny with Hannah: Denny Johnson, s/o Marykutty & Samuel Thason and Hanna Oxiliya Preethi, d/o Vasantha & P S Martin were married on 23^rd December, 2012 at Seventh-day Adventist Central Tamil Church, Spencer Road, Bangalore.

Edward with Ashita: Edward, s/o Swarna and Jerald James and Ashita Rachel, d/o Lucial Joy& Rajendra Prasad were united in holy matrimony on 27^th December 2012 at Jeevan Jothi Seventh-day English Church, Hosur.

Obituary

SARAMMA NTNAN

Saramma was born in 1929 at Vennikulam, Kerala. She had her education in Kottarakara boarding school. She was married to Pr. P S Ninan. Pastor and Mrs. Saramma Ninan had the privilege of pastoring together for 41 years in several churches in different districts in Kerala. They were blessed with 5 sons- Zachariah, Mathew, Johnson, Eby and Shaji. On September 18, 2012 she was called to rest. She leaves behind her sons and their spouses and 7 grand children.

Sherah

Sherah (Unnimol) was born to Mr. O P Baby and Sumithra as the second daughter in the family on 13^th April 1982 at SDA Hospital, Ottapalam. She had her schooling in different schools in Nagercoil, Kuttapuzha and College Education in Lowry Memorial College, Bangalore. After her studies she joined work at Thrissur SDA School and later moved to North Kerala Section Office. For the last two months she was undergoing treatment in the Jubilee Mission Hospital where she was called to rest on 18.10.2012. She leaves behind her parents, sister Dr. Shoma, her husband Dr. Anil and a lot of relatives and friends who look forward to meet her on the glorious morning of our Lord’s return.

Thankam Paulson

Jeyaseeli Packialeela Selvaraj

Packialeela was born to Mr. Samuel and Thanamani on 1^st July 1948 at Nazareth in Tutucorin. After having schooling in Nazareth, she joined Spicer College, Pune for her higher education. After her college education, she joined her work as Headmistress in Dindigul. In 1973 she married Sam Selvaraj and moved to Erode where she supported her husband in his ministry. They are blessed with a son Jebaraj and a daughter Dhavana. Packiaseela served the Lord in His vineyard for 36 years. She was a good Adventist Christian. She breathed her last on November 2, 2012. She leaves behind her loving husband, children, grandchildren and a host of relatives. We wait to meet her on the resurrection morning. Dwight Christian

Elizebeth Charles

Elizebeth Charles was born to Pr. P S Johnson & Thankamma Ruth Samuel on February 4, 1945 at Trivandurm, Kerala. After completing her high school education in Kottarakara boarding school, she joined Maharaja’s college for women and earned Bachelor of Science degree and then a post graduate degree in education from Mar Theophlis college, Kerala university, Trivandrum. She began her career as the first Headmistress of SDA School, Kuttapuzha, Kerala. In 1973, she was married to Rajan Charles. They are blessed with two lovely children, Donny and Daphne. After the marriage, Elizebeth immigrated to the US. First she worked in the Embassy of India and later joined the World Bank and retired in 2005. Donny and Daphne had the privilege of spending time daily with their mother throughout her illness. Rajan, her husband of 39 years, who had unstintingly stood by his wife’s side during their marriage & tenderly held her hand, remained by her side and comforted her during her illness until the Heavenly Father allowed Elizebeth’s earthly journey to peacefully end on November 24, 2012. Elizebeth leaves behind her husband Rajan Charles; children, Donny and Daphne; siblings Rosemary, Margaret, George, Valsa and Joseph; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of friends whose lives she graced.

Margaret Tito

Inauguration of First Telugu FM Radio 102.8, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

The Vennela FM Telugu Radio Program was inaugurated on November 13, 2012 at Hyderabad East Central India Union Headquarters by Dowel Chow, Director Adventist World Radio, General Conference. Jonathan Wagiran, Director, AWR, Asia Pacific Region was also present.

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The initiation and the dedicated service of Edison Samraj, Director, AMC, Southern Asia Division, culminated in the inauguration of FM Radio for the first time in Telugu language. Jothi Anbiah, Vice President, SUD was the chief guest. In his key note address, he expressed his desire to have more FM Radio stations through which many more would be able to listen the message of saving grace of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. All the Union and Section officers have participated in the inauguration program.

Vennela program has opened another avenue for the Telugu population to listen and come to the knowledge of Jesus and His plan of salvation for every human being. The inauguration program was also graced by Jacob Chennappa, CEO, Rakshana TV & Prabhu Kiran, Coordinator, Holy Land tours. The program producers Ashok & Sowjanya Ashok; FM signature tune composers David and Lakshmi were also present. Dowel Chow handed over 40 programs to Avinash Paul. The entire program was witnessed by local pastors and other guests form Hyderabad city. Y S Methuselah, Director Communication Dept ECIU of SDA

Year end Service at Jeevan Jyothy English Church, Hosur

The members of Jeevan Jyothy church gathered together at 6pm. on 31^st December to sing praises to the Lord and thank Him for His wonderful leading through the year 2012. The church pastor, Maywald Jesudas and his wife Rethna led out the testimony service and encouraged the congregation to express their gratitude to the Lord for His goodness in each one’s life. They both shared their personal testimony also. After that, the year end message was given by Robert Clive, Treasurer, SUD. During his message he spoke on how God cared for his family and urged the congregation to count the blessings of life and thank God. At the close of the evening worship, everyone wished each other happy new year and took part in a fellowship dinner together as a church family.

On 1^st January, 2013 at 6 am., we, the members assembled in the church again to praise our God and to seek His blessings for the New Year. Though it was a cold morning, the worship was well attended by both young and old. Beniel Paulraj, a theology student, gave a message for the youth. He encouraged the youth to experience a change of heart in the new year and to be close to Jesus Christ and be like Him in all deliberations of life. Later R. John, President, SUD delivered the new year message. He pondered upon the blessings of God received by all who keep the commandments of God. God Almighty, the covenant keeping God, will fulfill all His promises in the lives of those who are faithful in keeping his commandments and statutes. After a good breakfast together, the church family departed to live for Jesus in 2013. Ramani Kurian

Medical Camp for the Visually Impaired

Vellore Region of SDA conducted a one day Gospel meeting, Medical camp and Christmas program for the benefit of visually impaired at the SDA Church Vellore on Sunday, December 9, 2012. Marimuthu George presided over the meeting. C D Mathew shared the Christmas message and Ruby Anand spoke on the plan of lifestyle for a healthy heart. The doctors and nurses from Christian Medical College, Vellore conducted the medical camp. Vellore Region Director, John Wesley and Treasurer, S T Sekar along with other pastors helped in the management and organization of the program . blind2

About 70 people including the visually impaired, their escorts and other persons from Vellore and nearby places participated and were well benefited by the whole program. We are thankful to A Vijaya Kumar, Principal, SDA B Ed College, Muthuraj, Tamil and English churches in Vellore for their support. Thanks to Joel Israel, USA for providing the financial support for the camp. Also we thank the medical team from the CMC for their time and kind service. The visually impaired people expressed their desire to have more such opportunities in the future. Marimuthu George, Gospel worker for the blind

News from South West India Union

The, Thrissur Central Church Choir presented a fantastic X'mas Carol of 3 vernacular and 2 English songs on TCV television channel in December 2012.

Door to Door Evangelism in full swing in North Kerala Section

The door to door evangelism program has brought revival, reformation and soul winning in many parts of NKS. About 50 souls were brought to the foot of the cross and were baptized. We request prayers of every reader for the door to door evangelism in our section.

PATHFINDER MINISTRY

Salisbury Park Pathfinder Club of 2012—Camp: Since the beginning of the year and from the time the core group first sat down for a meeting to discuss and plan events for the year, there were two major events that we had to specially focus on. These two events were the Annual Pathfinders Camp and the Pathfinders Investiture service. As very young leaders, with the average age for our group being just 24, we took up the challenge. We set out to do something that we knew would be very difficult to accomplish. But through prayers and a lot of support from the Church leaders we were successful not only in accomplishing these targets but also excelling in various other events. Throughout the year we had events like Annual Sports and Food and Fun Fair organized and carried out by the pathfinders themselves. We also had an Overnight Camp in September in the Church premises. Our theme for that night was ‘Discipleship’. Anupam Nowrangi, Union Youth Director, conducted a wonderful session on discipleship for the pathfinders.

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The Annual Camp was scheduled for November 13^th to 18^that Harihareshwar a small coastal town in Raigad district of Maharashtra. This camp was planned for six days. We had a lot of support from the elders of the church as well as from J S Dass, our Church pastor. The Pathfinders set out by bus on the 13^th by ten thirty in the morning. We reached the spot in the evening by six thirty and the Pathfinders quickly pitched their tents and settled in. The first devotion was taken by Nitin Papachen, our camp pastor, and his wife Mrunal based on the theme of the camp “In CHRIST alone”. There were activities, honors and sessions conducted during the camp to keep the pathfinders focused on the theme, which was the most important aspect of the camp. Throughout the six days the pathfinders learned a lot of things in many different ways. On Sabbath, Anupam Nowrangi, joined us and delivered a beautiful message based on “In CHRIST Alone” during the divine service. Investiture service: The next event was the investiture service. This was scheduled for the 7^th of December. The Pathfinders were looking forward to this happy occasion. The service began with Pathfinders marching in. Annual report was presented to the church in the form of a video presentation. Then the pathfinders who had earned their pin and honours were rewarded by the Master Guides of the Church. Anupam Nawarangi inspired the audience and the pathfinders with a message on ‘Commitment’. The pathfinders were given the charge by Ravi Shankar, the Youth Director of SUD. This year has truly been a blessing to each pathfinder and to us as leaders. We want to thank you all for your support and prayers.

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