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.
The last week of March 2013 was very special for
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 6th, 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 25th to 27th 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 7th 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
Youth Leadership Seminar at Jaipur
A Youth Leadership Training Seminar was conducted at Jaipur in Madhya Bharat Section on December 14, 2012. There were 30 delegates who attended the Training Program. Elder Ravindra Shankar Youth Director SUD and Pr Mohan Bhatti Youth Director NIU were the resource personnel. Elder Ravindra Shankar laid emphasis on the need of Youth Ministry. He mentioned the History and the Mission of the Youth and focused on the Vision of this Ministry. Youth is a very important age group which is the powerhouse to hold responsibilities in Church and be an instrument of the Great Commission.Pastor Mohan Bhatti laid emphasis on the formation of Adventist Youth Societies in different Local Churches along with the Pathfinders Club and its various activities. These Societies and Clubs help in developing spiritual growth and meet the Social needs of the Community. The consecration service was taken by Pastor Franklin Francis, Youth Director along with Pastor Ravi Gill, President and Mr. Shekhar Chand, Treasurer. The Divine Service on Sabbath was taken by Elder Ravindra Shankar who encouraged the Youth to stand firm for their faith.
A fellowship Lunch was served for the delegates and the Church Members. The Youth and the delegate s pledged their services and commitment to the Lord.
Savita Chand, Director Communication, Madhya Bharat Section
The Youth at
On 16th March, 2013 the youth of METAS,
Subhakar Prasad Chaplain, METAS,
They Walked Nine Hours
There was a zonal Revival Meeting at Chokpot company (Garo Section) on September 21 - 23, 2012. On the way at one junction we picked up two girls who were going to the same meeting. As there was no transportation that day due to wrong information of a bandh, they would not reach the meeting place had we not picked them. They told us that seven others had gone to the meeting on foot taking a short cut. As we reached our destination we saw them, and we were informed that they reached there a few minutes before we arrived. The leader (the man on the picture) told me that they started at 7 AM from home and reached there at 4 PM. Other than the leader the rest are the young girls. Of them there was a girl of about 9 years of age. After the vespers, the two girls (on the picture, the students of Class 10 and 11) told me that they walked 20 kilometres to attend this meeting. Each had to carry two kilograms of rice for the mess contribution and a little bedding with them. They said that they walked even farther than this, (to Emangre and to Tolegri which took them almost the whole day) to attend such meetings. It is not that they love walking, but they walked because there is no means of other transportation. There are many places where our pastors too needed to walk long distances to conduct baptisms etc. Another group who came to attend the meeting by walking had to cross a river almost neck deep, about one hundred thirty feet wide, and children needed to be carried across the river. The leeches disturbed them all along as they traveled about five hours through the jungle path. In some places the mud was almost a knee deep. Upon enquiry, I expected 70 adults in the congregation, but their attendance was beyond one hundred. They slept on the floor. There was rain before the meeting, during the meeting and after the meeting. The meeting ended at 2 PM on Sunday and we prayed that God would escort them back home as those who came walking would never reach their destination back before 8 PM. Darkness starts here before 6 PM. “What is the urgent need that you need to leave today?” someone asked. They said that they have plenty of work to do at home.
Those who walked 9 hours asked if they could ride with us halfway to their direction, in our office sumo. They were nine and we were three. As we diverted to their short cut way, we found that the mud at the bridge had collapsed due to the heavy rain, so we had to return to the main road. If we leave them there, they would need to walk for more than 6 hours and in the dark. Without consulting anybody, I decided to take them home through the motorable road, which means riding 5 hours more, and reaching Tura at 10 PM. As we came the first 52 kilometres from Chokpot, through the roughly graveled winding road, the sumo had a few hard scratches underneath, and sometime later, a strange sound was heard as we proceeded.
As we reached another junction, parting to Tura and their village, I suggested that we drop them to their homes. It was Sunday and there was no hope of any vehicles passing that way. What happened was that within a short time we started our journey with them the girls vomited, It was not the easy ride for us. We were afraid of the intermittent strange sound under the vehicle, and it was starting to get dark. As we were nearing their village, the noise at the springs of the sumo increased, but the fault was not visible, so we went on. Reaching their village, our passengers washed the vehicle clearing the dirt and the vomit they made. They apologized for the inconvenience caused. All the while my thought was that, our inconvenience was nothing compared to the troubles our church members took to attend the meetings. I almost asked them if they would still continue attending such meetings again, particularly in rainy seasons in future. I didn’t dare, because I know they will! Would I, if I were in their place?
B. K. Momin, President, Garo Section of SDA
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 2nd BSc nursing lamp lighting ceremony and the 9th 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 18th 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
55TH 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 24th 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 26th 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 17th was a thanks giving day for the children of Y. R. Samraj—Franklin, Tennyson, Kezia and Edison. It was the 90th 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.
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
Sharma is a product of
Dayananda Rao, Vice-President,
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 14th 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 24th 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.
Pastor Gnanaraj Ebenezer Kore
Gnanaraj was born to William and Chellamma Kore in Marthandam, Nagercoil on May 4, 1947. He had his formal schooling in Prakasapuram and Kudikadu schools. He pursued under graduate Theological studies at
After a few weeks of chemotherapy for Multiple Myeloma at CMC ,
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 19th 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 
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