Yesterday (Wednesday) I participated in a graduation ceremony for the Calvary School of Harvest. There were 11 graduates, and it was about a 2-hour ceremony filled with pomp and circumstance and speeches and music and more. The grads had gone though a 1 or 2 year program at the school in Punjab, up near the border of Pakistan. It was a privilege to participate, and to give a 7-minute “Mission Charge” to them, as well as hand out gifts after they received their diplomas. Here are some pics of the grads being prayed for and of me with some of them following the ceremony.
Also following the ceremony, I met with the HMU leaders and we discussed the establishment of a Pastor’s Training School for India. They believe it is necessary and they want to see it happen. We will keep in touch over the next several months about what we need to do. In principle, initially it would most likely be a mobile school, having week-long sessions for pastors in various parts of India. We would rent a facility that would not only allow us classroom space, but would also house 30-50 pastors at a time. Pastor Cherion, the National Director of HMU, will be sending me information regarding costs. Pastor Thomas, who was a seminary professor for many years, will be in touch regarding curriculum. I think that I am going to need to see about raising funds for this. It is a bit daunting but if it is supposed to happen, we’ll see it happen. And I do think that the costs will be reasonable. We thought about 2-4 sessions per year at first. We are prayerfully considering it all. Here is a photo of me with Dr. Varghese Matthew (Saji) and Thomas. Here is also a photo of the current curriculum for their Bible school 2 year program. We will take a number of these classes and form a curriculum for the pastor’s school.
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OK, thanks for reading. Feel free to comment! Please pray with me about this possible venture. I was reminded that in 2007 I was with them when they laid a foundation stone for the Bible School building in Punjab, having no money to build it. They did it in faith, believing that God would provide. Now, 10 years later, it is a beautiful building(s) and we are amazed at what God has done. I feel the same about the pastor’s school. Last night it was as if we laid a cornerstone!!
Blessings,
David
Pretty dynamic and exciting things happening! Just read how compassion international is having a difficult time there in India and are being severely scrutinized. What a great opportunity to see more pastors trained and sent out.
Very exciting to hear about pastors being trained in India! Amazing!
That is amazing!!! I can’t wait to hear more!!