Bible Study
DISCIPLESHIP IN MISSION: BECOMING THE 'BREAD AND WINE' - Rev. Viji Varghese Eapen Rev. Viji Varghese Eapen serves as the Missionary-In-charge, Parkal Mission
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aving discussed about 'Partnership' in Mission in the previous issue, here, we shall deal with the relevance of 'discipleship' in doing God's Mission. The relationship between 'partnership' and 'discipleship' in doing God's mission is that if 'partnership' is the means, 'discipleship' is the goal. Jesus has called us to engage in partnership, not to plant churches, but to make disciples. However, to make disciples one has to become a disciple of Christ, because, the Gospels very clearly say, it is to His disciples that Jesus gave the mandate to make disciples. Moreover, in His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays not only for His then disciples but also for those who would become His disciples through the mission and ministry of His then disciples.
Eucharist with Discipleship and Mission. In verse 51, Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” Interestingly, Jesus does not say that the bread refers to His Body, as we use in our Eucharist Liturgy, but Flesh (Gk. sark) and this crude forcefulness seems to be intentional in riveting our attention on the historical fact that Jesus did give Himself for others. In other words, it was not just the sacramental act but the physical act of giving His life. It implies the cost of the giver, giving us eternal life. As it is said in Isa. 53:12, “because He poured out Himself to death…” it evokes the memory of the Suffering Servant's mission, accomplished in Jesus' mission.
Hence, it becomes important for us to understand, what it means to make disciples, as well as to become disciples. To understand the nuances of this discipleship let us turn to John Chapter 6, Versus 51 to 58, where Jesus portrays Himself as the 'Living Bread'. This text of course has Eucharistic undertones. In fact, the Church is called to be a Eucharist community and this has got significant relevance when it comes to the relationship between discipleship and mission. Jn. 6:51-58 reinforces such a relation between
The scope of this mission of Jesus, referred here are two dimensional 1. Eternal: Jesus says that He was the Living Bread that 'Came down' which in fact is in the aorist tense and this points to the single act of Incarnation which has eternal significance. Anyone who takes the decisive action of eating (which again is in the aorist tense), which means appropriating Christ, would live forever. 2. Universal: As I have already referred above, this verse refers not to the sacramental act in the upper room during 1
the Last Supper (as a gift to the communicants present there or just for the Israel), but refers to the very physical giving of His life on Calvary, for the whole world. As we read in Isa. 4:96, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Further, in verses 53&54, Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.” It is important to note that the usage 'Flesh and Blood' is a Hebrew idiom referring to the whole person. For example, in Matt. 16:17 Jesus says, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” And in 1 Cor. 15:50, it is said, “What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” Therefore, when Jesus says that one should eat His flesh and Blood, the implication is that the whole person ought to come into union with Him. In fact, it is not just about union, butcommunion, which is a subjective joyful
experience of that union that Jesus speaks according to John, 'Food' has got a Having said that 'feeding on Jesus' about. In verse 56, “Those who eat my flesh theological significance as in Jn. 4:34, means 'doing God's will', one should not and drink my blood abide in me, and I in where Jesus says, “My food is to do the will forget that God's will was to send His Son them.” it is this aspect of communion that is of him who sent me and to complete his as a 'missionary' to die, which includes referred to. The meaning of the greek word work.” The implication is that our kenosis (self-emptying) and nechrosis used for 'eat' no more means just communion or fellowship with Jesus at (Crucifixion). Therefore, discipleship consuming (Gk. towards mission implies the Phage) but commitment to empty Thus, discipleship is a call not just to share the ourselves, chewing (Gk. take up the 'Bread' and the 'Wine', but to become the 'Bread' and cross, even unto death. In Trogon -noisy feeding like the 'Wine'. Let our Eucharist table rejuvenate us this Lenten season, as a munch or Eucharistic Community, let towards carrying out His mission in 'communion' with us crunch); it submit ourselves to this Him where a constant fellowship is attained and will of God in order that we implies the very enjoyment maintained. It is a call for us as 'grains' to be battered carry out His mission as His while eating. and hammered to become the bread and as 'grapes' to disciples. And moreover, be crushed and squeezed to become the wine. it is no more the Thus, discipleship is a aorist tense call not just to share the that is used, but continuous tense. the Eucharist table should prompt each 'Bread' and the 'Wine', but to become the Therefore, in Eucharist, one ought to one of us to submit ourselves to the will of 'Bread' and the 'Wine'. Let our Eucharist continuously enjoy the union and it is then Christ. If it is by our own will that we go to table rejuvenate us towards carrying out that it becomes a communion, and hence a the Lord's Table, when we return from the His mission in 'communion' with Him constant fellowship is experienced. Lords Table, we should return as where a constant fellowship is attained disciples, submitting ourselves to the will and maintained. It is a call for us as As we move on to verse 57, “Just as of Christ to serve Him, to do His mission. 'grains' to be battered and hammered to the living Father sent me, and I live Thus, at Eucharist the fellowship turns become the bread and as 'grapes' to be because of the Father, so whoever eats me out to be a relation of discipleship as a crushed and squeezed to become the wine. will live because of me.”, we see a clear continuous experience. And it is this food, Yes, our Lord Jesus Himself allowed to be shift in terms of the objects of 'eating and that offers us the life eternal, that we are battered and crushed, in order to drinking'. What that is emphasized here is urged to eat; V. 58, “This is the bread that accomplish His Father's mission, and no more the eating and drinking of the came down from heaven, not like that therefore, He is our paradigm for Flesh and Blood of Jesus, but feeding on which your ancestors ate, and they died. discipleship towards carrying out mission Jesus Himself. In other words, Jesus But the one who eats this bread will live dei. . Himself becomes the food. In the Gospel forever.”
Meditation
Three 'C's of Lent - Rev. E. Paul Rev. E. Paul is the Ministerial Secretary of the CSI Karimnagar Diocese and the Vicar of St. Paul's CSI Church, Parkal
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he Christian calendar is a way by which the church first step that David took when prophet Nathan had pointed out has given purpose to worship over a twelve month the king's great mistake. He look a confessing attitude. He period. There are three major events in Christian admitted that the sin he had committed was against God(Ps 51:4). history which are important in this tradition. Christmas-Easter The prophetic role is to bring people to this cleansing call and Pentecost. of God. Fasting is a means for this cleansing. Isaiah speaks of this, Easter is the second major festival. It celebrates the “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet resurrection of Jesus after the death on the cross of Good Friday. declare to my people their transgression” (Is. 58:1) To get ready for Easter there is the season of Lent, which begins on 2. Creation Ash Wednesday. It is a time for penance and searching the way Creation follows cleansing. “Create in me a pure heart, O towards the forgiving and redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me" (Ps. 51:10), prays the Ash Wednesday Lenten preparation is on a more personal Psalmist. Through prophet Ezekiel, God promises the heart of level (Gen. 18:21, Job. 42:6, Psalm 51:1). The Prayer is “Have flesh in the place of the heart of the stone (Ezek. 11:19) mercy” on me, O God according to Your unfailing Love. According Creation of a new heart, a new attitude (Phil. 2:5) and a to Your great compassion bolt out my transgressions." new desire, are the ways to Live 'in Christ'. Yes we have to keep our The period between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday hearts pure always. (40Days+7 Sundays) are taken seriously for spiritual renewal. It 3. Consecration shall be appropriately called the fall before spring. As the trees have to drop the ripe leaves for the buds to sprout, we have to shed In the Mosaic Law, the person under Nazirite Vow is our sin for the spirit to shine upon us. We hope for a new separated for God (Num. 6:7). In the process of renewal, the person blessedness, in the Lenten has to fully consecrate himself at the season. Spiritual exercises like cross. David consecrated his whole prayer, fasting, devotion, In the days of Lent let us open personality and prayed for (i) willing worship etc… enrich our spirit (Ps 51:12), ii) singing tongue (Ps. ourselves for God to cleanse us, 51:14) and iii) praising mouth (Ps experience towards this. allow Him to create new hearts in 51:15). In Psalm 51 we see David, in his fallen state, us and consecrate ourselves for The man of God expresses this idea praying for God's mercy. From briefly in the famous hymn. His service. this song of penitence by David, Take my life, and let it be we learn the following Consecrated, Lord to Thee; 1. Cleansing Take my moments and my days, David, convinces of his sinfulness, cries for divine Let them flow in ceaseless praise. cleansing. "Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, During these days of Lent let us open ourselves for God to and I will be whiter then snow" (Ps. 51:7) are expressions of his cleanse us, allow Him to create new hearts in us and consecrate inner urge to be cleansed by the Lord. Confessing the sins is the ourselves for His service. 2
CSI BJM High SCHOOL
Feature
Greetings!
HEADING TOWARDS SILVER JUBILEE Year 2014 is very significant for the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese in general and Parkal -Deni Andrews Mission in particular. It is exactly 90 years ago Deni Andrews, from All Saints CSI Church, Etumanoor, teaches in the CSI BJM School, Kattrapalli that a young man by name K. E. Eapen came to the soil of Parkal to toil till his last breath for the What started as a small Primary J e e v a k i r e e t a m Glory of God, as a missionary. Today, as the Parkal Mission completes 90 years, we thank God School in 1990 with 65 students in the (1990-92), Sri A. for the ways in which God had been using men name of Bishop Late Rt. Rev. T. S. Joseph S a n j e e v a R e d d y and women to accomplish His mission. On Feb. of the CSI Diocese of Madhya Kerala, ( 1 9 9 2 - 9 4 ) , S r i T 22, 2014, we had a thanksgiving service at today, with a strength of 296 students, is Rajaiah (1994-96), Nadikkuda CSI Church, which is the first Church on its way to the Silver Jubilee Year. Sri G. Papaiah (1996in Parkal Mission, dedicated on Feb. 22, 1934. Looking back, the school has contributed 98), Sri M. Yadagiri And on Feb. 23, 2014, we had special immensely in becoming a channel of ( 1 9 9 8 - 2 0 1 0 ) a n d thanksgiving service at the St. Paul's CSI Church, God's love by engaging in the ministry of Smt. Rijumol George Parkal, commemorating 90 years of our education. Though the School was (2010 - ) Currently missiological journey in faith, hope and love. inaugurated only on June 27, 1990, there are 11 teachers working in this school. The students are In this new decade 2014-2024, in view of encouraged to participate in all extratriggering a qualitative and quantitative growth curricular activities along with Classhere, we plan to organize a Spiritual Revival Room education. During the Talent Test Meeting and Mission Festival during May 30, 31 Exams conducted in the Mandal Level and June 01, 2014. We request your prayers and and District Level our Students got 10th support toward the same, particularly for the rank and the certificates and Mementos preachers as well as for the believers, so that, as they hear God's word would be touched by the were received from Sri. Chukka Ramaiah Holy Spirit and be empowered to become God's the best Scholar in AP. channels of grace. Also, we request your Since it is very difficult for the prayerful support for AKSHARA - 2014, a joint villagers to afford the educational initiative of the CMS College English Department during the tenure of Rev. Jacob Daniel, expenses, we collect very meager amount (Kottayam) and CSI Parkal Mission to train our the then Missionary-in-Charge of CSI as fees. However, all these years the children (between the age of 10 and 15) in Parkal Mission, the ministry of education communicative English. This will be held during had started many years before that. The Almighty helped us to run the school with May 01-28, 2014. We thank the faculty and first missionaries Rev K. E. Eapen and the support of many friends, well-wishers students of the CMS College English Department Rev. T. M. Thomas worked hard in and Pastorates from the CSI Madhya for taking up this challenge and we assure them Katrapally and adjacent villages. Sr. Mary Kerala Diocese and we are very thankful all our support and prayers. Both these Thomas , Sr. Aleyamma Thomas, Sr. to them. Recently, four Computers were programmes would need large amount of money, Thankamma Sathyanandhan and Sr. p r e s e n t e d b y t h e M a l a y a l a m but we trust in God that He would provide the Saramma John helped immensely in Congregation Dubai and thus we could required resources. imparting education in Katrapally The CSI Parkal Mission is all set to form a particularly during the infant stages of Youth Gospel Team, with the help of our youth the School. from the local churches. We are really moved to The Primary School building was witness their spiritual frequency that often sanctioned by the CORPED society from challenges us and we thank God for the CSI Synod and the foundation stone was missionaries and evangelists who had served in Parkal Mission, for moulding their spiritual laid by Sri. Madatti Narasimha Rao, outlooks. It will be with the help of this Youth Minister Andhra Pradesh on June 15, Gospel Team that we would be carrying out 1992 in the presence of many leaders Suvartha Sevas (Preaching the Good News) in the including the then Warangal District start a Computer center in this remote villages. Kindly remember this endevour and we Collector Sri. B. P. Acharya. The School village. The local people too support the would be happy if some of you could help us in was upgraded as High School in 2003, needs of this school, one example being terms of purchasing the logistic requirements during the time of Rev. Mathews P. Oommen. A new building with five class the Pump Set for the Bore Well arranged and paraphernalia toward the same. rooms was constructed with the help of by Sri. Garna Venkata Ramana Reddy, We are into the Lenten Season, which is a C S I H o l y T r i n i t y M a l a y a l a m MLA Bhupalapalli. time of penitence, prayer, fasting, and Congregation, Chennai and the new The School is in need of a Day almsgiving. The Parkal Mission proposes to building was jointly inaugurated by the Care Centre for poor children, New organize chain prayers during this season, with Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Surya Prakash, Bishop in Building for English Medium Section, the involvement of our well wishers and prayerKarimnagar and the Rt. Rev. Thomas Library Books, Laboratories, Vehicle for partners. Kindly spend time to pray with us as we approach you for your choices of prayer-slots. If Samuel, Bishop in Madhya Kerala on transportation of children from the anyone among you would like to volunteer, kindly March 23, 2009. Both Rev. Mathews P. villages, Salary enhancement of contact us. Further, we would like to organize a Oommen and Rev. Binju Varghese Teachers, Electricity Supply and Toilets fellowship of 'Friends of Parkal' in Kottayam, Kuruvilla, the Missionaries-in-charge, for Boys and Girls. probably after Easter, during which we hope to Parkal during that period gave valuable We thank God for all who have meet all of you in person. We request your prayers guidance toward the same. During the been a source of support and prayer for year 2011-12, when Rev. Bejoy Mathew for the same. the school. We request your continuing Scaria and Rev. Saji Cheriyan Mammen prayerful support, especially for the 9th as Missionaries in Parkal, an English Batch of SSC (10th) student, who are Medium Section with two classes was getting ready for their exams. started. March 01, 2014
Since its inception, the Principals who have served in BJMHS are Smt. B. 3
Perspectives
MOULDING MINDS:
MISSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION - Sr. Anna John Sr. Anna John serves as the Principal of Sister Edith Neve English Medium High School, Gandhinagar, Parkal
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hen I decided to join Parkal Mission as a Missionary Teacher in 1991, among the many criticisms for leaving a lucrative job and coming to the mission field, one was “Is school a mission? Why should I leave a job and come as a teacher, that too in an English medium school? In fact that was a question that I had been asking myself. Though I didn't get the answers, I came to Parkal, without questioning God, as I was convinced that it was a compulsion from the Lord. Now, after serving the education field for more than twenty years, I can say how important education is in carrying God's mission and therefore, I believe that the Lord who had called me has brought me here with the same great purpose. Had I been in Baba Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, by now, I may have become a great scientist doing my research, but I would have been struggling to find the answer to an existential question, “How can I attain fulfillment in life?” If mission is understood as 'reaching the unreached', then it also means 'reaching the underdeveloped', because most of the unreached v i l l a g e s a r e underdeveloped too. When we go to an under developed village or place, it is our responsibility to fulfill the basic needs of the society, which the founder of Salvation Army, Rev. WilliamBooth, refers as 'Soup, Soap, Salvation' etc. However, one should not forget that education too is very much a basic need, as it wipes out ignorance, superstitions and immorality. It is like a Chinese saying, “teaching a person to fish is better than giving him a fish.” Here in Parkal, we have seen the poor people living in complete ignorance being exploited by the government officials, landlords, politicians, some village gods, sorcerers and occultists who practice witchcraft and even by doctors in hospitals. The challenge here is how to make the local people aware about this? Organizing a class or awareness program often will not bring in the expected transformation. Another area we need to focus is health care since the villagers give least importance in taking care of their health. because there is lack of hygiene and cleanliness, people suffer from various sickness. Further, drinking the water here, which is fluoride contaminated, causes bone tenderness and even fractures. Moreover, the over usage of chilli powder seem to be one of the causes for ulcers. All these point toward the need for awareness programmes. However, the question still remains, “Does awareness alone result in the sufficient
change? In addition, there are people who live in utter poverty, whom we often help financially. We help the children and often give loan for petty shops and agriculture etc. Of course through all these we express the unconditional love of our Lord and as a result, their income increases. But still, the reality that they have to spend most of their income as 'offerings' for local gods to do witchcraft, as bribery to politicians and government officials to get certificates and other things done, as excessive consultation fees for doctors and as money for buying unnecessary medicine do not change.
citizens. It is very difficult to make a creeper, climb on to a support, after it is grown as a plant, but if the support is given at the right time, i.e., when the plant is a sapling, we can make it climb in the way we like. In the same way, we could mould them in the right way and thus build up a new generation with good morals and Christian values.
Among them, obviously there are people who accept Jesus Christ as their savior. They find a great relief in Jesus who loves them unconditionally. For them He is a God who provides them everything, comforts them and loves them. But unfortunately, even in such cases, the Christian values seem to be missing. Only their gods change, but not their life style. To make them true Christians, they should be literate, so as to read, understand and follow the biblical truths.
School is a place where we can have a good rapport among hundreds of parents. There are many issues that children face at home, some of which could be family quarrels, alcoholism of the father, mother's negligence in managing homes, physical illness, financial problems due to ignorance etc. These are the situations where we can show Christ's love and help them overcome it. This way of spreading the gospel is more effective than a street preaching or house to house visit to the unknown people.
It is here that we find a significant role for the Christian educational institutions. To teach the students and show them from the very child hood who Christ is and what Christianity is becomes a real mission mandate. Is Jesus one among many gods? Is Christianity an easy way that demands nothing? Will Jesus provide whatever we ask for, be it good or bad, as a blessing? Is He just a God who does some miracles and attracts people?
However, to make this possible we need to stick on to Christian values and we need to have disciplined dedicated Christian teachers. That is what we from Kerala, have imbibed from our missionaries and mission schools. What a difference will it make, if we have well qualified sisters and pastors in our schools and colleges to interact, counsel and spread the gospel among the students and the parents! Yes, our schools are 'moulds' where, founding on the Christian values, we mould generations, physically healthy, morally rich and spiritually sound.
In fact, our children are good not only in obeying, but also in making the parents do according to the advice of the teachers. For example, there was a time when all the parents including the rich used to send only pickles inside the lunch-box, along with the lunch. Now very few (that too not always) A l s o , w e a r e w o r r i e d a b o u t bring pickles. It is much easier to make the corruption. From the age of three they are children aware of their health than to have introduced to corruption and soon it health awareness classes. Once a becomes a 'routine'. Mass copying, bribing government teacher met me and told me an the government officials, getting fake incident. During the board exam one of the certificates, building houses in somebody's invigilators with his 'love and care' for the name, trying to get a job by changing the students, wrote all the one word answers on name etc. are some of the examples. The a paper and gave it to the student who was people say that these are made possible by sitting in front to write and pass on to others. This happened to be our During the board exam one of the invigilators with sa c bho yo of r lo m . H e his 'love and care' for the students, wrote all the one immediately said, word answers on a paper and gave it to the student “Sir, we don't want. Our sister has told us who was sitting in front to write and pass on to not to copy.” Now this others. This happened to be a boy from our school. s t u d e n t is an He immediately said, “Sir, we don't want. Our sister engineer in Pune and is a Christian. There has told us not to copy.” Now this student is an are many incidences like this. School is engineer in Pune and is a Christian. the place where we can inculcate a lot of their gods or through their money. morals, Christian values and general Unfortunately, the Christians say, even awareness in the children. To invest more to when their 'ends' are accomplished through mould our future generation, than to change 'illegal means', that all these as blessings the mindset of our elders seems to be a better and easier option. from Jesus.
Today's children are tomorrow's
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Testimony
WHEN GOD TOUCHED ME … -Subin Raju
Subin Raju, from Holy Trinity Church, North Chengalam, Kottyam, serves in the Parkal Mission, as a teacher in the BJM School, Katrappally
Glory be to the God!
for calling me for His ministry.
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Mammen achen and with the teachers here. I feel very much at home and I am really thankful to God for availing me this opening.
t the very outset, I thank My initial assignment was to serve God for giving me an in Andhra Mission to work with the Late opportunity to share my Rev. Varghese Mathew, who was the then testimony with you through this issue of Missionary-in-Charge there. The moments However, a few weeks later I had the 'Parkal Pathrika'. Also I thank God for I served in the Mogulapally Mission, along developed a severe pain for my leg and the ways in which the Almighty has been with dear Reji achen are unforgettable. could not move even a foot. Those nights blessing me and using me from the first day Achen's demise was a real loss to Parkal & were really painful. But, today when I look of my joining here in back, I can say, God has That very moment I sat there and prayed, “God, allowed such pains in Parkal Mission. personally I may not go and tell anyone that I am my life so that my faith Currently I am serving as a teacher at the ready to go as a missionary. But, if I am asked by i n G o d h a d b e e n Bishop Joseph someone, then I will believe that it is You who had reinforced. I could feel Memorial School, made him/her ask me, and I will say, “YES, MY LORD”” the healing touch of God Kattrapally. . After that meeting, when I came out many who and I have no words to thank Him for His love Though from attended that meeting along with me asked me, and grace that I have my very child hood I “Subin, why don't you commit yourself?”. I said, “Yes” b e e n e x p e r i e n c i n g had decided to become and therefore, I am here today. during those days and a full time minister of afterwards. my God, I had no plans Mogulapally and personally to me. It is with to become a missionary. It was during a much difficulty that I had overcome the The work here as a missionary has youth meeting when I heard about the trauma following his demise. brought in a number of changes in my life. ministries in the mission field, that for the After seeing the life of many people here, After coming here, I realized that their pains and pathos, I feel that my pains first time I felt an inclination to the missionary work. That very moment I sat the life here was totally different and are really small. My faith has become so there and prayed, “God, personally I may difficult. The climate, the language, the strong that now I am ready to face any not go and tell anyone that I am ready to go food habits, the culture, the attitudes, the challenges in my life. I have realized that no as a missionary. But, if I am asked by landscape and everything seem to be a new challenges or problems that befall upon me someone, then I will believe that it is You experience for me. But, my loving Lord, should hinder my work here. But, for this, I who had made him/her ask me, and I will who had sent me here, gave me the need your prayers. Therefore I request your say, “YES, MY LORD”” . After that meeting, strength to adapt with all those unfamiliar ardent prayers for me as well as for my when I came out many who attended that situations. Just a month after I joined colleagues here, to serve for the Glory of the meeting along with me asked me, “Subin, Mogulapally Mission, I was appointed as a one who has called us. why don't you commit yourself?”. I said, teacher at Kattrapally School, which comes May God bless all of us! “Yes” and therefore, I am here today. It is under the jurisdiction of Parkal. It was a God's working, and I am thankful to Him blessing for me to work with Saji Cheriyam
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT PARKAL MISSION
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he Christmas Celebration at the CSI Parkal Mission was held on Dec. 16, 2013 during which Rev. George Jacob, Ass. Presbyter, CSI East Parade Malayalam Congregation, delivered the Christmas Message. Carols, Dances and Skits were performed by the students of St. Thomas English Medium High School, Sr. Edith Neve English Medium High School, Bishop Joseph Memorial School, Katrapally, Sr. Mary Thomas Day Care Centre, Sally Prabhudas Memorial Hostel , Bethel Home of Love - Girls, Parkal, St. Paul's CSI Church, Parkal, Youth, Bethel Home of Love -Boys, Gandhi Nagar, East Parade CSI Malayalam Congregation, Mogulapally Mission and various village congregations in Parkal. The Celebrations ended with Christmas Dinner for all those who attended the celebration. As part of the Celebrations, gifts were distributed to Bethel Home of Love (Parkal & Gandhi Nagar), Sr. Mary Thomas Day Care Centre, Sally Prabhudas Memorial Hostel, all the evangelists and teachers serving in the Mission Field. We extend our big thanks to the CSI East Parade Malayalam Congregation for sponsoring the gifts.
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THANKS TO THE VISITORS TO PARKAL
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uring the past three months we had the following visitors from abroad and from within India, visiting us and extending their prayerful support. CSI Parkal Mission thanks all of them and looks forward towards a meaningful partnership ahead. Rev. Mark Mills-Powell and Rev. Hugh Ellis from the Church of England, along with Rev. Bharath, Missionary in Nepal, visited Parkal Mission on Jan 23, 2014. Naomi Herbert (Director for International Programmes, United Society, UK) & Davidson Solanki (Programme Manager, United Society, UK) visited Gandhi Nagar, Mogulapalli & Parkal on Jan.17, 2014. Rev. George Jacob and team from the CSI East Parade
CSI Malayalam Congregation, visited, Parkal Mission during Dec. 16-17, 2013. Mrs. Gracy Joseph, D/O Late Rt. Rev. T. S. Joseph (Former Missionary, Parkal) and family, along with their friends, visited Parkal Mission during Feb. 15-16, 2014. Rev. Dr. Jacob Daniel and team from CSI Church, Puthuval, visited Parkal Mission during Feb. 20-24, 2014.
DEDICATION OF AGAPE UPPER-ROOM
New Staff
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S I P a r k a l M i s s i o n welcomes Mr. Thomson A. V, from CSI Christ Church, Alleppey, who joined the Mission Family in t h e m o n t h o f December, 2013. He helps the Parkal Mission, as the Worship-in-Charge (Parkal), a Part-time teacher and a Youth Volunteer. We wish him all the best and request your prayers.
he CSI Parkal Mission thanks God for the vision He gave to Dr. D. Zachariah, Member of CSI Church, Nallanikunnu, to initiate the construction of an Upper-Room on the top of Bethel Home of Love, Parkal. He, along with his family members contributed a major amount towards the construction of the same. Thanks also go to CSI Church Punnackad and other individuals who have supported the cause. The Agape Upper Room, which was constructed by our Youth Volunteers, Joby Joseph, Rajesh and Tinu Sam, who along with their friends toiled day and night, was jointly dedicated by the Rt. Rev. P. Surya Prakash and the Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen on Nov. 19, 2013.
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MEDICAL CAMPS & SUVARTHA SEVAS
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s part of the Navathy Year Projects, the CSI Parkal Mission made it a point to begin the year with Healing and Evangelistic Ministries. As part of the Healing Ministry, under the service of Dr. Jean Mathew Abraham and Dr. D. Zacharaiah, Medical Camps were organized in Raipurthy, Katrapally and Gandhi Nagar. Everyday an average
of 250 People attended the Medical Camps held from 8 AM to 8 PM. Further, as part of the Evangelistic Ministries, Suvartha Sevas were organized in Raipurthy, Katrapally and Damaranjanpally villages. We thank Dr. D. Zachariah, for his prayer and support in organizing these Medical Camps and Suvartha Sevas.
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elegates from CSI Parkal & Mogulapally Mission, Rev. Viji Varghese Eapen, Rev. Prethesh Babu Kurien, Sr. Anna John, Dr. Jean Mathew Abraham and Mrs. Santina Thomas, along with Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Deputy Moderator (CSI), Rt. Rev. G. Devakatacham, CSI Bishop, Diocese of Kanyakumari & Former Moderator (CSI), Rev. Christopher Vijayan, Director of Mission & Evangelism (CSI) and other Delegates of the CSI Synod Programme 'MARTURIA 2020' held in Kannyakumai during Feb. 4-8, 2014.
New ojector Pr
We have no words to thank Mr. Rajeev Abraham Michael, CSI Parsh Sharjah, for gifting CSI Parkal Mission an LCD Projector. This is a great help for us towards carrying our the evangelistic ministry.
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Mogulapally News Madhya Kerala Diocese Clergy Conference 2013
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n November 18, 2013, around 120 clergies from Madhya Kerala Diocese gathered at the mission fields of Parkal and Mogullapally to have their annual clergy conference. At Mogullapally, we were able to accommodate 20 members. The group was led by Rev Dr. Sabu K. Cherian, the former missionary in the Mogullappally Mission during the period of 1988 - 1996. The Rev. Thomas Mathew, the successor of Sabu Achen was also with us during these days, which was indeed a great
blessing to us to listen to their experience in the mission field. November 20, 2013 was an important day for the local people of Mogullapally. The 45-year old Mission Hospital had a facelift and Medical Laboratory was inaugurated by the local MLA Sri Gandra Venkata Rammana Reddy and blessed by Bishop The Rt. Rev Thomas K. Oommen. A warm welcome was given to all the clergies who visited the mission field.
Health Awareness Programs and Medical Camps
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he CSI Homeopathic Mission Hospital and Laboratory are functioning properly by the grace of God. The newly started Laboratory will by a blessing to surrounding 100 villages, around 30 km radius.
philanthropist. He along with the missionary doctor Dr Jean
and skits. The youth members from Madhya Kerala Diocese, Mr. Joby M Joseph (Chamavila), Mr Praveen Thomas (Chamavila), Mr. Tinu
Sam David (Chamavila), Mr. Ajin Kochukoshy (Mankuzhy), Mr Aneesh Joseph (Kuthattukulam) along with missionary couple Mr Ranjit Sadanandam and Mrs Lijitha Ranjith (Vaikom) made all the arrangements to make the program a grand success. On December 20, 2013, during the programme at Empaid a rural village, 35 kms away from our Centre, some RSS activitists disturbed our programme and did not allow to complete our programme there. On December 23, 2013, Jingle Bells, a mega show was organized at the Mogullapally Junction. Acharya Ravi Kumar (Sadseva Sadan) was the key note speaker.
Nirmala English Medium School
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On December 1, 2013, the World AIDS day, video shows Mathew Abraham conducted two medical camps in the mission field. The response was humungous when the camps extended up to late night, treating approximately 250 patients per day. Dr Zachariah
he Mission school is being a blessing to the local people here. On January 26, 2014, Republic Day Celebrations were held at the Mogullapally Centre as well as school premises. Both teachers and students actively participated in the celebrations, which made the event colorful. Following staff from kerala serve in the school. Rev Prethesh Babu Kurian M. Mrs Santeena Thomas Mr Aneesh P. Joseph Mr Ranjit Sadandandam Mrs Lijitha Ranjit Mr Ajin Kochukoshy
regarding AIDS prevention and awareness was shown at different centers in the mission fields. Local Sarpanch Smt. Bandari Nirmala inaugurated the meeting. The New Year was kick started by a series of medical camps, which were sponsored by Dr. D Zachariah, a veteran h o m e o p a t h a n d a
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rom December 12, 2013, CSI Mission along with St Thomas CSI Church Mogullapally were able to conduct Christmas programs at different villages nearby. Youth Movement led the program with songs, dances
expressed his desire to conduct yearly camps seeing the huge response, which was indeed a blessing for us.
HARVEST
School Correspondent Headmistress Teacher/Evangelist Teacher/Evangelist Teacher/Evangelist Teacher/Evangelist
The prayers and blessings of the well-wishers have been rejuvenating in the mission works. Our Lord has blessed us abundantly in all our needs. Please continue to uphold the evangelism work, hospital and school in your daily prayer. We too pray for you. Yours brother in Christ Rev Prethesh Babu Kurian M, Missionary-in-charge
ASTROPHELS PLAYS A UNIQUE NOTE OF LOVE
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t is not many months since they decided to come together as he CSI Parkal Mission had a 'ASTROPHELS' and sing for the glory of God. But, God had been fairly good harvest this using them in a manifold ways, soothing many souls and minds. year. The in-charge for the When Jacob George (M. Sc Physics, Madras Christian College), Jibin George (M. Agriculture of Paddy in 4 acres A. English, S. B. College, Sam George (M.A Sociology, CMS College), Aswin John was Mr. Prabhakaran, our staff. David (M.A English, CMS College, Nithin P, Itty (B.Sc. Physics, CMS College), Criz The youth volunteers were Daniel (B.A English, CMS College) and Bino Jacob involved during the harvest. We (M.A English, Madras Christian College) members thank God for His great mercies. of ASTROPHELS, a Christian Gospel Music Group, decided to sing for the glory of God, it became an ARKAL PATHRIKA SPONSORSHIP: We are offering to Him. They offered all the proceeds from thankful to Mr. Raja Singh (Mighty Rock the sale of their first Album, 'Heaven Joy Awaits' to Printers, Chennai) for partially sponsoring this support the education of the Bethel Home of Love issue of the 'Parkal Pathrika'. Those of you who would inmates. Yes, Parkal Mission thanks God for their like to sponsor the subsequent issues of the 'Parkal commitment to play this unique note of Love.
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Pathrika', kindly contact us at +91 97 0166 6807.
Edited by Viji Varghese Eapen & Saji Cheriyan Mammen. Published by Missionary-in-Charge, CSI Parkal Mission, CSI Mission Compund, Parkal, Warangal 506164. Printed by N. Raja Singh at Mighty Rock Printers, 52, Nair Varadha Pillai Street, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014