2010 CLCI Graduation

CLCI SEMINARY GRADUATION – 2010

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14

God is good. The 2010 graduates of CLCI Theological Seminary celebrated commencement on Tuesday, June 15 at CLCI mission campus.

We are very pleased to inform you that God has led another 12 students to complete the seminary course successfully. As graduated students, they are sure to have a great measure of satisfaction in leaving the seminary and entering into CLCI preaching ministry. Even though he is not feeling well, the Chairman of the CLCI, Rev. V.S. Benjamin participated in the graduation and delivered the commencement address and performed certificate distribution ceremony. Bro. Raju from Hyderabad, Rev. Nireekshana and some of the CLCI pastors conveyed their greetings to the graduates. Principal of the seminary, in his words, congratulated and encouraged all the graduates to be faithful in proclaiming the good news despite of apathy or opposition. Bible correspondence course students received their certificates from Bro. Raju. They have also received a special cash gift of Rs. 300 donated by honorable missionary Rev. Koenig. Rev. V.S.Benjamin awarded “Diploma in theology” certificates to the Seminary graduates. Special prizes, leather Bible bags and cash gifts from respected Kinship and Rev. David Koenig were also presented to the seminary graduates. Many of the CLCI Pastors, members attended the graduation ceremony and congratulated the graduates. A reception and wonderful feast was held to honor the graduates following the commencement exercises. Graduates’ future endeavors include careers in pastoral and congregational ministry and mission work. The Commencement ended with the graduates’ word of promise, and a prayer of benediction offered by Rev. V.S.Benjamin

These following 12 students have been successfully completed the seminary course and graduated this year 2010. Please remember them in your daily prayers.

1. Chrithuraju. K, 2. Immanuel N 3. Israel. P, 4. Issac. V, 5. Joseph.N, 6. Mohanarao. M, 7. Nathanu. P, 8. Padmarao.A, 9. Prasadrao K, 10. Rosaiahbabu P, 11. Samuel.P, 12. Sowreelu B

These 12 men committed to the Word, dedicated their lives to do the Lord’s work in those areas with great strength as St. Paul said in the book of Philippians chapter 4: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” May the Lord continually bless these 12 men as they go into the field of Gospel as shepherds to spread the Word of God to the sheep. These 12 are the witnesses to what the Lord can do through the power of His Word. Acts 6:4 “…But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

On behalf of the CLCI seminary, the staff and the students, I want to express our gratitude and thankfulness to all of you, who tirelessly supported us in prayer and in finance. Apart from God’s help, without your prayers and supports, we could not have made it. We feel, think, and believe so blessed that we are part of this important ministry to train spiritual and faithful servant-leaders of Jesus Christ for the Church here in India. We once again thank and praise God for the wonderful assistance we have been receiving from the respected CLC Mission Board, Kinship Committee, honorable Missionaries Rev. David Koenig, Rev. Matthew Ude, CLC visitors, Mission helpers and volunteers. Especially we thank all those individual CLC sponsors there in USA who have been praying and helping the seminary students.

We are honored and glad to inform you that in the midst of this 12 year period, 81 fully trained pastors came out of this CLCI seminary and all of them have been rendering their valuable services in various CLCI congregations. Now the Seminary students are enjoying their new educational year 2010-11. Please pray that more young people will be challenged to take up the call to the ministry. It has been an absolutely rewarding ministry. Before closing this report on graduation, I would like to quote a verse form Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which, you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”Accordingly, the Lord will bless you all abundantly. For this we have been praying everyday with thankful hearts.

—respectably submitted by Pastor Jyothi Benjamin, (Principal, CLCI seminary)

Psalms 103:21 “Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.”