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Praise & Prayer: Praise God
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| Some of the special achievements of the TLA in the last semester are:
(1) The itinerant teaching and preaching ministry of AK (2) The training of Pastors and Christian workers in various aspects of the Ministry (3) The distribution of Bicycles and the selection of recipients of the Motorbikes. With God’s help and with your prayers, we have successfully carried out many activities in the last quarter. Besides ak’s busy engagement in helping CBCNEI to carry out various activities of its departments, institutions, and its member conventions, we want to draw your attention to few programs which TLA has sponsored and where ak was personally involved: 1.Training on Church Administration and Management (Sept 13-15): Siang Adi Baptist Association (SABA) hosted more than 250 pastors and other Church leaders for two and half day training on Church Administration and Management. The resource persons were Dr. A. K. Lama, Col Arun, and Pastor Lal Haokip. The program was jointly sponsored by TLA and CBCNEI. Many felt that due to lack of such training, Churches are facing many challenges. To see pictures please browse: https://picasaweb.google.com/105262708172256474990/LeadershipTrainingOnChurchAdministrationAndManagement?authkey=Gv1sRgCOWWp-GTuaXBZg 2.Leadership Training Program for ABCC (Sept 20-23): The Arunachal Baptist Church Council hosted a three days Leadership training program for leaders of 16 Associations under the state convention. The emphasis was on developing leadership virtues, ministries, and Church administration. The resource persons were Rev. Christ Horton, Rev Zhabu Terhuja, and Dr. A. K. Lama. The program was jointly sponsored by TLA and CBCNEI. To see pictures please browse: http://www.cbcnei.com/index.php/photo?unit=album&act=show&albumid=5791614670432634289 3.Training on Discipleship Making and Preaching (Sept 27-29): Meitei Baptist Churches Association (MBA) of Manipur hosted two and half day training program for 50 pastors and lay leaders. The resource persons were Rev. Chris Horton, Rev. Greg Morrison, Rev. A. K. Lama, and Dr. Lev Bragg. The program was fully sponsored by TLA. Most participants expressed their gratitude for such a program. They said that it was first of its kind which had addressed many practical issues of ministries. To see pictures please browse: https://picasaweb.google.com/105262708172256474990/MBALeadersTrainingOnExpositoryPreachingAndDiscipleship?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ3i2sKHz-i5vgE For other activities of ak, please visit www.cbcnei.com. -------------------- 1.AK could lead devotions in the Writers Workshop held from June 5-7, 2012 in Guwahati. 2. AK's active participation in the Asia Theological Association Consultation on the Scripture in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from June 18-21. He presented a paper which was well received. He also helped in drafting the KL Affirmation. 2. AK's two presentations in Baptist World Alliance Commission on Theological Education and Leadership formation in Santiago, Chile, from Aug 2-7. 3. AK's ministry of the Word of God and several students who surrendered themselves to the Lord during Revival Crusade organised by Campus Christian Fellowship in Kohima from July 27-29. 4. AK's teaching on Life and Ministry of a missionary in the Missionary Training Program in Guwahati from Aug 13-19. 5. AK's teaching on Expository Preaching at Antioch Seminary in August. 6. Gods' manifold provision for AK and his family -------------------- Following activities in the past months: 1. Biblical Preaching & Counseling (Aug 8-12): In partnership with NECTAR, Asangla and I conducted a training program on Biblical Preaching and Counseling in Shillong. 23 young leaders aspiring to become missionaries attended it. One of the participants, a new believer, was emotional on the last day. He said, I have been Christian for last six years but no one mentored me the way TLA has done it. One lady said, I have done Counseling degree but I have now learned how to counsel and what to counsel. We could also present Bible dictionaries, Commentaries, and Counseling books to some deserving participants. 2. The First Consultation (Sept 1-3): Theological education in the most seminaries in northeast has become an academic exercise. With the sponsorship from TLA and in partnership with the OCI, the Eastern Theological College of Jorhat hosted the first Consultation. The representatives from 8 seminaries (total 22) came to discuss the practical steps toward making the Theological Education relevant to the Churches. They resolved to meet next year to follow up their decision in bringing changes in their curriculum and teaching methods. 3. The Secretaries Retreat in Manipur (Sept 9-12): It was wonderful to see the secretaries from 29 Associations under Manipur Baptist Convention come together for three days in Longol Baptist Church to make necessary resolution. I had the privilege to encourage them spiritually every night ministering from the Word of God. 4. The India Mission Association Conference (Sept 16-18): It was a unique privilege for me to represent the Churches perspectives on Missions in the India Mission Association Conference. More than 200 para-church organizations met in Hyderabad to consider how to connect with the Church. Most mission works are done by para-church agencies in India, but the scenarios in the northeast India is different. The Churches in the northeast under CBCNEI are more mission minded. My paper was focused on the role of the para-church organizations in empowering the Churches for missions. 5. Arunachal Leaders Family Retreat (Sept 22-25): Asangla and I had wonderful time with the Arunachal Baptist Churches Council (ABCC) leaders and their families during the Family Retreat in Arunachal. About 20 families came to consider their family life in the light of the Word of God and also to spent time together in casting the vision for the Churches in Arunachal. 6. Biblical Preaching & Counseling (Sept 27-29): After the Family Retreat in Arunachal, we had only one day in between to do our laundry. The next day we were on the road for 8 hrs to Ampatigiri village where more than 70 pastors, deacons, women and youth leaders of KRIMA VI of Garo Baptist Convention were waiting to learn from us the art of Biblical Preaching and Counseling. We enjoyed our ministry with them for three days. One of the pastors commented, I wish I was taught in my seminary all these valuable practical lessons. I have been pastors for 18 years without such knowledge. Thank you for coming and teaching us. These types of comments give us lots of energy. We feel like hitting the road again and go to the rural area and strengthen our Churches with the Word of God. _____________________ Praise God the past events for enabling AK to minister and lead in the following activities: 1. UESI Triennial Conference, Patkai (Dec 26-Jan1) 2. Langham Preaching Seminar, Guwahati (Jan 10-14) 3. Consultation on Membership to CBCNEI, Guwahati (Jan 18) 4. CBCNEI Relief Works, Boko (Jan 22) 5. 125th Year Celebration of KRIMA VIII (Jan 28-30) 6. Special BIM Consultation for Mission Strategy, Kolkata (Jan 31) 7. 25th Years of Monsang Naga Baptist Churches Association, Chandel (Feb 4-6) 8. 137th years of Garo Baptist Convention, Rangsonkona (Feb 10-13) 9. Hostel Ministry Board Meeting, Guwahati (Feb 16) ___________________________ The 18th Triennial Conference (Feb 29-31, 2010) of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) ended with a great success. I had the privilege to minister four times to a very impressive gathering, close to 1000 delegates (probably). The Conference was hosted by the Sangtam Churches (USBLA). Rev. C. Lima and his team did excellent job. I am deeply impressed by their generous warm hospitality. In spite of their limited resources, they made every delegate feel at home. Dr. Anjo Keikung, the General Secretary of NBCC and his team also did a wonderful job in coordinating the whole program. During their business session, they took many important decisions to strengthen the Churches. The Mission Department (NMM) also commissioned NINE missionaries to foreign land. ___________________________ Ak led a two-days CONSULTATION to evaluate various aspects of the ministry of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India and recommend necessary CHANGES to strengthen the ministry. The participants found the meeting very timely and fruitful. AK ministered in a Leaders Convention of Adi Baptist Union held in Pasighat from Oct 2-4, 2009. More than 150 leaders came from the remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The theme was “Who will go for us? (Isa 1:8) In the Sunday Service, in spite of the rain, a huge crowd filled inside and outside premises of the Church with umbrella. Several made decisions to actively engage in evangelism and mission. ___________________________ Praise God for: 1. Farewell to Korean Law Internee In a staff farewell meeting on Aug 18, Dr. Lama prayed and bid a warm farewell to Kim and Narae, two law students from Korea who worked under Mr. Atungo Shitiri, Hon. Secretary Justice and Peace Department of CBCNEI, for 45 days to prepare a road map for the department. Their sacrificial work, humility, and love left a powerful impression on CBCNEI staff. 2. Missionary Training: A Missionary Training, with new emphases on Capacity Building, was held from Aug 10-18, 2009. The objective was to help missionaries, working in Arunachal and Assam, connect with the non-Christian farmers with the agricultural knowledge that would give them access to villagers. For four days, 12 evangelists were provided training on growing Mushroom, piggery, and Bee keeping. And for another four days they were trained on how to present the gospel through the practical training they received. Besides the Agricultural Trainers, Pastor Azizul Haque, Mr. Gibson Marak, Mr. Rolland Momin, Dr. Lama, and Dr. Asangla Ao were resource persons. Participants found the training to be unique and very helpful for their future ministry. They requested to organize more of such training for other evangelists. 2. A Training for Dibang Lohit Churches (DLBCA) Leaders, Arunachal Dr. Lama had a narrow escape from a shipwreck on his way to DLBCA program. A two days training for the leaders of DLBCA was held from Aug 22-23 in Roing. Originally, he comes from this association. This was his first visit to his own association after taking over as the General Secretary of CBCNEI. Around 200 pastors and lay leaders attended the program. Dr. Lama spoke on Virtues of a godly leader. Earlier in a special ceremony, the leaders recalled and thanked God for his past contribution and celebrated present honor as the General Secretary of CBCNEI. 3. Ministry in Imphal: On Aug 28, Dr. Lama visited secretaries and staffs of Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC). He was received with a very warm welcome. In a staff meeting, he had the opportunity to listen their dreams and aspiration for CBCNEI family. Please continue to pray for MBC and their ministry. Union of Tangkhul Baptist Churches in Imphal organized a two day training program from Aug. 29-30. Around 200 Pastors and lay leaders attended this program. Dr. Lama spoke on How to Nurture Relationship between Pastor and Lay leaders, Vision and Mission of the Church, and How to Study Bible. On Sunday, he spoke in two Churches, where several responded and made commitment to Christ. 5. NC Hills Relief: We are glad to inform you that CBCNEI released Rs 35000.00 to MBC to distribute relief medicines among affected refugees. Rev Solomon and Mr. Atungo Shitiri is constantly working to influence the leaders for peace in the region. Please continue to pray for the relief and peace initiative of CBCNEI. ___________________________ Praise God for: The training of 74 Christian pastors, leaders, and elders ended successfully here in Tsumeb. The group represented several tribes from Namibia and Angola speaking five different languages. I had to use three interpreters to teach and preach. The Lord blessed the training. Many told me that they were richly blessed. My Reflections: Most leaders who came for training had never been to seminary. Most delegated were attending such a training for the first time. They were using Bibles but their biblical knowledge was very poor. They told me that the Churches they represent suffer from confusion on the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Most Christians in the rural areas are influenced by the indigenous witchcraft. They need more biblical teaching, but they do not have teachers. A majority of the delegates were from Baptist Church of the north east region (Rundu). Praise God that those who came, their doubts were clarified. They returned with a clear biblical teachings. ___________________________ Praise God for forty students who attended the Patkai Discipleship camp. One student from Thailand accepted Christ. AK took Bible study on the Book of Jonah, taught Doctrines of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. He also preached challanging messages in the evening, which led several students to rededicate their lives. Asangla taught practical sessions and did pre-marital counselling for the girls. AK also had opportunity to bring two Christmas message in a different gathering in Dimapur. God made the trip to Patkai and Dimapur very meaningful. ___________________________ Praise God for the open air Christmas program organized by the United Christian Forum in Jorhat. AK was able to present the gospel to a gathering of more than 1500 people from other faith. ___________________________ Praise God for success of the TLA training program in the RRTC from 5-8 Nov, 2008. In spite of the Bomb blasts in Guwahati and the political strikes, we had 12 pastors and Christian workers who showed up. Rev. Eclov Lee,Pastor of Village Church of Lincolnshire, Mr. Scott Johnson, AK and Asangla were blessed to involve in teaching the delegate. ___________________________ Praise God for the three days EGF Conference in Kohima October 4-7, 2008. AK and Asangla were able to minister around 121 Graduates and students from all over Nagaland. God blessed the ocassion. ___________________________ Praise God for the three days Counseling Workshop from Oct 16-19 for 70 leaders of the Achik Churches Association from Krima IV. AK and Asangla were able to minister in this program. AK also preached in the local Churches and the students fellowship group. ___________________________ Praise God for the Counseling Workshop conducted by the Priscilla Ministries. Asangla was able to 20 women social workers in Biblical Counseling from Sept 20-23, 2008. ___________________________ Praise God for the Priscilla Training for 20 women volunteers held in RRTC from Sept 20-24. During this program Dr. Asangla conducted training on Biblical counselling. ______________________________ Praise God for Neema and Joshua's schooling in Kodaikanal International School. AK and Asangla travelled down south to drop Neema and Joshua in their new School from July 14-23. Neema is admitted in grade eleven and Joshua is in eighth. ______________________________ Praise God for the motorbikes given to 6 evangelists in a dedication service on July 12. These evangelists work in very remote areas of Himalaya. ______________________________ Praise God for AK and Asangla's ministry in the UESINE AGM meeting in Imphal from May 22-26, 2008. There were 132 delegates that represented seven states. The AGM was an annual business conference of UESINE. Asangla is the Zonal Secretary of this largest student and lay people's evangelistic movement in the northeast region. Asagnla took care of all the business sessions while AK took two Bible studies in morning and three evening devotions. Even though it was supposed to be a Christian gathering, AK gave an altar call every evening. Several (perhaps more than 15) accepted Jesus Christ publically and all most all of them re-dedicated their lives. Many said that this was the first time they had attended a business conference with so much of spiritual blessings. Praise the Lord! Thank you for your constant prayer for AK and Asangla's minsitry. ______________________________ For AK's preaching ministry in a Discipleship Camp from May 5-8, where more than 40 students made decision to be available to go for Missions. For two individuals who received Baptism on May 11. ______________________________ For AK and Asangla's ministry in Calcautta Bible College from April 12-13. ______________________________ For the ministry of the Word of God at the Shillong Baptist Church. On Palm Sunday, more than 15 individuals stood to make their committment to Christ. For Six individuals who come forward to recieve Baptism on April 6. ______________________________ For safe return of Jim and Eleanor. Their time in India was very demanding healthwise. They were sick and worn out after their long stay and active involvement in the TLA ministries in India, but we rejoice with them as they have returned safe. For the blessing of Dr. Stan Lewis, Pastor FBC, who enouraged them and invited them to give the ministry report to the First Baptist Church of Birmingam. ______________________________ For Jim and Eleanor as they have arrived in Shillong safe today dated Feb 16. They are doing well and looking forward to minister in the TLA Training Workshop 2008. They are sorry to learn about Brother Dan Riley, their fellow brother at First Baptist family, passing to glory. ______________________________ For 60 Christian workers who have registered to attend TLA Training Workshop 2008 beginning from Feb 18-23 at the RRTC Shillong. ______________________________ PRAY for Mr. Jim Thomason and Eleanor, as they travel to Shillong and teach in the Training Workshop. Pray also for the following other faculty members. 1. Mr. Richard Masih will teach Biblical Leadership 2. Rev. L. Malsawmma will teach Virtues of Godly men 3. Mrs. Asenla will teach Virtues of Godly women 4. Dr. Asangla will teach Biblical Counselling 5. Dr.A. K. Lama will teach Biblical Preaching. ________________________ Praise God for five individuals who recieved Baptism at Shillong Baptist Church by AK on Feb 4. ________________________ for Dibang Lohit Baptist Youth Conference held from Jan 3-6, 2008 at Meka village. AK led a team of 25 members from Shillong Baptist Church. 510 youths attended the conference and 52 youths from other faith accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. The trip to this remote part had many hurdled and obstacles but the Lord did miracles to help the team return with gratitude and joy. According to DLBCYA leaders, this conference was a blessing because many repented and turned to the Lord in tears. Praise God! ________________________ At the end of an excellent Christmas Pageant presented for the first time by shillong Baptist Church, AK had the previlege to present the simple good news of Christmas to nearly 400 invitess at the Naga Community Hall on Jan 21, 2008. ________________________ for AK was able to present Christmas message to more than 250 youth in the YWCA Advance Christmas Celebration Program on Nov 13. for AK's preaching in the cosecration service of Shillong South Evangelical Union on Nov 18. About 300 youth were present. for AK baptized 4 converts on Nov 25. Two comes from Hindu background. for Advance Christimas celebration by Shillong North Evangleical Union which had a gathering of 200 youth. AK deliverd a powerful Christmas message. _______________________ for AK and Asangla's ministry in the CMN Conference Delhi. for about 30 students who made commitment in the CMN Conference. for the opportunity for AK to teach Hebrew to 34 students at John Roberts Theological Seminary, Shillong. FOR PRAYER UPDATE, please scroll down. ______________________ * for AK's teaching and preaching ministry 1. in the NEHU EU Freshers' Meet on Oct 4. More than 150 students were present. 2. in a seminar organised by Shillong school of Leadership on Oct 6. 20 leaders attended. 3. in the Council of Baptist Churches Leaders Retreat. AK took three sessions. 20 leaders were present. 4. on Every Sunday preaching at Shillong Baptist Church. 250-300 attends the service. 5. through the Bible Study from the first letter of Corinthians on every Saturday 4-6 p.m.. 20-25 attends. 6. through the Bible Study from the Book of Romans every Thursday from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Northeastern Hill University Campus. Around 25-30 attends. _______________________ * for AK and Asangla have begun their ministry at the Shillong Baptist Church (SBC). AK preached last four Sundays and received encouraging response. _______________________ * AK and Asangla have begun their life in Shillong. The transition was very smooth. * AK ministered at the First Baptist Church of Birmingham on July 22. In the same service, his son Joshua recived Baptism. The family was consecrated for the ministry and given a warm reception at the end of the service. _______________________ Revival Conference at Immanuel Baptist Church * AK spoke in a four-day revival conference at Immanuel Baptist Church (July 15-18' 07), Pontotoc, MS. The Lord blessed his preaching exceedingly. Two persons responded to accept Christ for the first time and several re-dedicated their lives. The Pastor and deacons warmly encouraged the members to support the TLA ministry. AK and family were richly blessed. Many assured to pray for the family and the ministry. The Lord expanded the family of prayers warriors. Praise the Lord! ________________________ ODONVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH * God blessed AK's ministry at the Odonville Baptist Church on July 8. Please pray for Rev. Loren Aderhold, the Pastor, for his doctoral dissertation writing. ________________________ Praise God: for enabling TLA to equip, encourage, and empower several pastors and evangelists in northeast India. for enabling TLA to provide twelve motorbikes to native workers. for providing Scholarships for theological studies to three seminary students in India. | ||