B.A.S.I.C. NEWSLETTER #187

A REPORT ON THE CLCI,INDIA SEMINARY AND GRADUATION
2010   (Presented to the JOINT ASIA ENGLISH PASTORAL CONFERENCE held at Nellore, dated 6-7 October, 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

Greetings in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In Christ, dearly beloved brothers, first of all, let us praise the Lord for His grace in granting us another Joint Asia English Pastoral conference.

The 2010 graduates of CLCI Theological Seminary celebrated commencement on Tues. June 15 at CLC 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 the CLCI preaching ministry.

The Graduation ceremony gave enjoyment and satisfaction to many. Singers from different CLCI churches presented some melodious Hymns and Christian songs.  Sunday School children gave special programs with action songs, songs of praise and welcoming all the guests, pastors & members.

The Chairman of the CLCI, Rev. V.S. Benjamin participated in the graduation and delivered the commencement address.  He greeted everyone and briefly told the responsibilities of the pastors.  He gave the instructions to the newly graduated students as they enter the paths of service and CLCI ministry with new life.

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.  Bro. Raju awarded certificates to the 10 Bible correspondence course students. Till now totally 436 students have taken this CLCI Bible course since 1993.

Rev. V.S.Benjamin awarded “Diploma in Theology” certificates to the Seminary graduates. Special prizes, leather Bible bags and cash gifts were presented.  Many of the CLCI Pastors congratulated the graduates.  A reception and wonderful feast was held to honor the graduates.  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.

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 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

Apart from God’s help, without your prayers we could not have made it.  We feel so blessed that we are part of this important ministry to train men.

In 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 year 2010-2011.  Please pray that more young people will be challenged to take up the call to the ministry. It is a rewarding ministry.

Abundant blessings on you, your families and the work you do for His Kingdom.  We have been praying this everyday with thankful hearts.

Thank you all,
–Respectably submitted by Pastor Jyothi Benjamin(Principal)

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

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KADAPA DIST. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010

Our work:    In the great commission that God has given to His people  Mt.28,18-20  All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, go therefore and make disciples of all nations, Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and lo I am with you always to the close of the age.
In full time teach the word of God and multiply the disciples of the Lord.Many have been challenged, touched by his life, struggles, sufferings and sacrifices  by all. Prayers and our partnership make this dream to see the great commission fulfilled in this generation to save new souls and train up many disciples by showing slide film and evangelism to the children, and new baptisms and encouragement to the poor churches.
We especially pray for the Hindu families, and broaden the BELC missionaries in our area.

Teachings:   In our two day Bible Classes we are teaching the Holy Bible, six chief parts of the small catechism, lessons and latest Basic News letters and My Church and Others.  The Word of God is encouraging and equipping and strengthening new pastors in the efforts of helping to extend Christ’s Kingdom in their home and their cities.

Baptism:      Every month five or six baptism are taking place.  Many new souls are waiting for baptism on Easter Sunday.

Visiting:       We are visiting the churches and on Sunday special occasions visiting the pastors houses and visiting houses of back sliders of the church.

Magazines:    By-monthly Spiritual Magazine, Jeevapu Velugu in Telugu is published and distributed to the four districts.  All the articles are collected by the BELC pastors and tell about the true God and explain about the Heavenly Father.

Requirements: We require Telegu  Bibles and English Bibles, Tracks, and film for the slide projector and a digital camera.

Progress:       Our Lord is doing many miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. He healed many Hindu families, many souls are coming to the Lord, believers are increasing daily. We are praying to enrich 12 new pastors in Goa and 12 new pastors in Badvel Ilnd Batch of Kadapa. I have gone to these areas and explained the Lutheran doctrine.

Medical Health:  When I visited the villages to spread the Gospel, I found many poor older people suffering with diseases who are not able to go to the hospital. We are helping with first aid and medicines and injections.  My wife is a staff nurse and advised me to use part of my salary for sugar tests, instruments and medicines. We teach hygiene and gospel preaching, and they come for healing prayer

News:              Pastor G. Samuel recently passed away.  Please pray for his  wife and two children. We must make good use of our time while here on this earth.

Evangelism in Goa

Goa is a beautiful place where Ancient Roman Catholic’s are living.  They are worshiping mother Mary, but not the Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope to train new people, where English and Hindi are spoken.

Prayer Request

Rajmpet BELC church Pastor Mark is developing his congregation.  Many new souls in tribes are coming, and many are weak and poor people coming along with their children. I am praying along with Pastor Mark who wants to provide an orphanage for 15 children.  Many Hindu people are coming so we teach them and tell them who is the true God.  We guide them in the name of Jesus Christ. We would be grateful if our board can help us to arrange an orphanage for 15 children

Thanks

Many thanks for your continued prayers and support which enables us to continue the work that the Lord has entrusted to us.
We thank the Lord for your help to the servants of our Lord and we are praying for them, those who are praying for us, and encouraging by gifts, in Jesus’ name.

Pastor Victor

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THE CHURCH OF THE LUTHERAN CONFESSION IN KAJIADO DISTRICT IN KENYA (This is work among the Masai Tribe)

Pastor Panpani reports that one man assigned to gather statistics walked to all sixteen parishes to gather the information. Even though the Masai are a trekking people this work was exhausting. We thank the Lord for such dedication.

(a) THE NUMBER OF PARISHES – 16 with 1579 souls

(b) THE STUDENTS OF CATECHISM – In the 16 parishes there are 378 adults and 236 children studying the catechism regularly.

(c) WEEKLY WORK PROGRAM
1. MONDAY -DAY OF VISITING THE SICK AND OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE NEEDY
2. TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY -DAYS OF CATECHISM CLASSES
3. THURSDAY -DAY OF FELLOWSHIP
4. FRIDAY – EVANGELISTIC DAY
5. SATURDAY – CHOIR PRACTICE DAY
6. SUNDAY – NORMAL SERVICE DAY

(d) SEMINARY
MONDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY ARE THE SEMINARY DAYS
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Pastor Koenig