|
New Delhi: The sprawling campus of New
Theological College, Dehradun, a premier theological
establishment of North India, was bustling with activity
even during the vacation time. About thirty youngsters
from six states of North India kept the campus abuzz
during the Summer Bible School held from 18th May to 2nd
June.
This short term course, an annual affair, was aimed at
providing a foundational Biblical and theological
understanding to those who wanted to involve in ministry
at their church level and those who wanted to know the
basics of their belief in a systematic way. Lot of fun
activities ensured that these guys and gals didn’t loose
their interest.
Members of the well qualified and experienced NTC
faculty taught about eleven subjects ranging from
Foundational Christian Doctrines to The Story of the
Church (Church History). The theme of the School was
“Aroma of Christ”. All the participants were awarded
certificates in a colourful graduation service held on
the 2nd June.
Rev. T A Sam, Director of Pastoral Affairs, NTC, was the
main speaker for the service. He exhorted the
participants to always remember the equation “Hearing +
Doing = Obedience” if they really wanted to be blessed
in their walk with the Lord. In all, the Bible School
served its purpose as many youngsters were blessed with
a strong foundation for their future. Quite a few
participants said that they were praying for years to be
able to participate in this course.
The 5-day NTC Youth Camp was inaugurated on the very
next day. The theme “Aroma of Christ” remained the same.
In all seventy-two youngsters from all over North India
congregated in the beautiful campus surrounded by the
mountains of Mussourie.
Rev Ajay Kale, the Coordinator, and his team had a
challenging task keeping the fun-loving crowd focussed
on the priorities. Meeting new people, making new
friends, learning many new things, and participating in
exciting contests kept the people busy.
For some it was a lesson in discipline to get up at 5:30
in the morning and observe the quiet time! For others
facing a crowd and saying a few words or singing a song
was something they never thought they’ll be able to do!
Pastor Shibu K. Mathai from Delhi and Pastor Arun
Michael Lall from Allahabad were the resource people.
They spoke and taught on various topics. People won’t
forget dancing and jumping to the tunes of Pr. Arun
Michael’s creative songs.
Pr. Shibu’s sessions on Christian attitude to
pre-marital sex and other related issues would surely
guide them safely through the days of their youth. Much
groundwork was done to discuss such sensitive issues in
a very free and frank manner. These sessions served as
bondage breakers. Many ill-conceived notions were
replaced with a firm Biblical perspective. Pr. Arun’s
message on ‘hope’ brought healing to many participants.
A debate on “Love marriage vs. Arranged marriage” was a
lively one.
Many youngsters were baptised in the Holy Spirit and
others testified having experienced the power of God in
a new way. Demonic strongholds were brought down in the
lives of many struggling youngsters. Finally with the
Sunday service on 7th June, the curtains came down on
the camp. The final message by Pr. Shibu challenged the
people to have an unwavering faith in Christ come what
may. The organising committee had only one thing to say
“The Lord worked in ways much greater than what was
anticipated and prayed for.”
|
