A True Story of Faith and Obedience
Have you ever wondered what makes Christmas truly meaningful? Christmas is more than a festive season—it’s a powerful reminder of love and the transformative obedience of two ordinary people: Mary and Joseph. Their unwavering faith and willingness to embrace a higher call demonstrate how trust and surrender can lead to extraordinary outcomes, as seen when Mary accepted her role as the mother of Jesus despite the societal risks, and Joseph obediently fled to Egypt to protect his family from danger.
Mary, a humble young girl, was chosen to carry the Messiah. Imagine her fear and uncertainty as she faced a future filled with unknowns. Yet, her response was simple and profound: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38).
Joseph, a righteous and faithful man, was entrusted with the unique responsibility of protecting and raising the Son of God. Despite the societal judgment and personal sacrifices, he faced, Joseph obeyed God’s direction at every turn—whether it was taking Mary as his wife, fleeing to Egypt, or settling in Nazareth (Matthew 1:24, 2:13–15, 2:19–23).
Both Mary and Joseph encountered rejection, danger, and uncertainty, yet their lives reveal timeless lessons about faith and obedience that resonate today.
As we reflect on the story of Mary and Joseph, we see that their obedience was not just an act of duty but a demonstration of unwavering faith. The obedience of Mary and Joseph offers valuable lessons for our own personal and spiritual journey:
Mary trusted God’s plan, even when it seemed impossible. Similarly, we are called to trust God, especially when His call seems unclear or the challenges overwhelming.
Joseph acted immediately when God spoke, even when obedience required courage and personal sacrifice. We, too, are invited to respond to God’s guidance without hesitation.
Mary surrendered her life, reputation, and future to God’s will. This Christmas, we are called to let go of our own plans and align our lives with God’s purpose.
Joseph’s courage in leading his family reminds us to lead boldly in our own spheres of influence, guided by faith, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Both Mary and Joseph overcame their fears by trusting in God’s promises. Let this Christmas be a time to choose faith over fear, knowing that God’s plans are always good.
How can we follow the example of Mary and Joseph this Christmas to bring about positive change? Perhaps by committing to one act of kindness each day, offering support to someone in need, or choosing to forgive and reconcile broken relationships.
- Spend Time in Prayer: Seek God’s guidance and direction for your life.
- Take Steps of Faith: Trust God, even when the path ahead is uncertain or the cost is high.
- Encourage Others: Inspire those around you in their spiritual journey through words and actions.
- Surrender More Fully: Reflect on areas where you need to yield control and align with God’s purpose.
Lord, thank You for the inspiring example of Mary and Joseph. Help us to trust You like Mary and obey like Joseph. Give us the courage to say yes to Your call, even when it’s challenging. Use our lives for Your greater purpose. Amen.
This Christmas, let’s choose faith over fear, trust over doubt, and obedience over hesitation—because a single ‘yes’ can change everything. Remember, those who answer the call are not always the most qualified—but they are qualified as they obey. Your “yes” might not only transform your own life but also bring blessings to countless others.
Ministry
SPONSORSHIP
We are grateful for the opportunity to support students in achieving their academic success.
- Muskan: She has consistent dedication and strong academic performance, demonstrated by her impressive 96% in the Summative Assignment-1 exams, highlight her unwavering commitment to her studies. The generous support from a donor has alleviated any financial concerns, enabling her to focus entirely on her education. This assistance has not only allowed her to excel academically but also provided her with the freedom to continue her studies without financial stress, ensuring her ongoing success and motivation throughout her educational journey.
- Naga Prabha: She has shown great dedication to her studies, performing well in her pre-final exams and actively preparing for her final exams. However, there is an urgent need for ₹20,000 to complete her college fees, as the college requires 80% of the fees to be paid by December 15th for the final exam processing. Without this payment, she may not be able to sit for her exams, which could delay her academic progress. We are grateful for the support she has received so far and kindly request continued prayers and financial assistance to help meet this critical need, ensuring Nagaprabha can continue her education without any hindrances.
- Ashok: He has performed well in his Semester 5 exams and is expecting results above 90%. Despite facing challenges with an internship due to age restrictions, he remains focused on preparing for the ECET exam. Regarding his college fees, ₹14,000 has already been paid, with a remaining balance of ₹10,230 still to be raised. Your continued support is crucial in helping cover this balance, ensuring he can complete his education and progress with his career aspirations.
The current balance stands at ₹7,350, while the amount still needed to clear the fees is ₹22,880, bringing the total required to ₹30,230. We are deeply grateful to every donor who has generously committed to supporting our students and continues to honor their pledges. Your ongoing contributions are greatly appreciated. However, given the urgency of the students’ situations and the pressure from educational institutions, we humbly request additional support to help clear the remaining fees. Your continued generosity ensures that our students can pursue their education without disruption. Thank you once again for your commitment and unwavering support.
SEMINAR
Conscientia
The ninth Conscientia seminar on “Basics of Menstruation and PCOD” aimed to raise awareness about women’s health. The session was led by Dr. Sharon Clara, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist from Aashakiran Hospital, Orissa, who provided a comprehensive explanation of the female reproductive system, the phases of the menstrual cycle, and the distinctions between normal and abnormal cycles. Practical self-care tips on nutrition, mental well-being, and hygiene were also shared, along with insights into PCOD, including its causes, effects, and impact on women’s health. The seminar proved to be highly beneficial for women, helping them gain a deeper understanding of menstrual health and personal hygiene. It concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants clarified their doubts and shared their insights. The 16 participants found the seminar insightful, leaving with valuable knowledge on menstruation and PCOD.
PBYP Seminar
The Prepare Before You Promise (PBYP) seminar, held from 14th to 16th November 2024 at Ashirwad Global Learning Centre, equipped 36 young adults with Biblical principles and practical tools to prepare for strong, Christ-centered marriages. Over three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions led by experienced speakers, covering topics like marriage as God designed, roles and responsibilities, communication, expectations, and spiritual growth. Activities, discussions, and devotions emphasized self-preparation and aligning life choices with God’s purpose. The event concluded with testimonies reflecting transformative experiences, clarity in understanding God’s design for marriage, and commitments to personal growth. 18 participants expressed interest in continuing their journey through small group mentorship, making the seminar a meaningful step toward building lifelong relationships.
SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups
In November, the group Chosen Ones conducted their monthly seminar on the topic Basics of Menstruation and PCOD. Recognizing the alarming lack of awareness—even among women—about the menstrual cycle and related issues, despite advancements in education, the group decided to address this gap. The session was facilitated by an experienced gynecologist, who provided a thorough overview of the basics on the topic.
In addition to the seminar, the group continued their Friday prayer gatherings and held an endearingly sharing session on the fourth Tuesday of the month. During this session, members shared updates about their lives to foster deeper connections and support one another. They also continued their Book Reading session, exploring themes of discovering one’s life purpose.
This month, they gathered online to discuss chapters 10 and 11 of 1st Kings from the Confident Women book, focusing on “The Heart of a King.” They reflected on Solomon’s journey from success to struggle, learning the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations. His story reminded them that even the wisest face challenges, and their response to them matters. They concluded by praying for one another and sharing personal prayer requests.
The group members couldn’t meet as often as possible due to busy schedules, personal issues, and health problems in the family. Despite these challenges, they are all striving hard and growing both professionally and academically. After a gap of about a month, four of our group members gathered for a small time of fellowship and discussed further plans with Dr. Hepsibha, our current facilitator. As per the plan, they are now gaining insights from the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
PBYP Groups
We are planning to start a new PBYP small group initiative, consisting of one men’s group and two women’s groups, making a total of three groups. According to God’s gracious will, we hope to begin this in the month of December 2024.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
| Sl No. | Name of Program | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Retreat – Chosen Ones |
14th December 2024 |
Stewards of Nations, Training Hall. |
|
2 |
Conscientia: Balanced Self – Esteem |
27th December 2024 |
Zoom(Online) |
|
3 |
PBYP New groups Gathering |
December last Week |
Zoom(Online) |
ADMINISTRATION
Board Meeting
On the evening of Saturday, November 30, 2024, a board meeting was held, attended by all board members and four invitees. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from the Vice-President, followed by a reflection on the Word of God, led by Mr. Vignan. The Director presented comprehensive updates on the organization, covering the progress of sponsored students, a summary of recent seminars, activities of small groups, and plans for the next four months. The Treasurer provided a detailed financial report, outlining the current financial status and expenditures. Updates on staff training and governance matters were also shared, including the progress of the Registration of Societies (RoS) documentation process and a proposal to change board members. The board discussed the invitation for Mr. Vignan and Dr. Dean to join as new members. Two key policy updates were proposed: the development of a leave policy and the initiation of a board manual, both of which are expected to be finalized at the next board meeting. The Director presented strategies for resource mobilization, highlighting potential support from PBYP small groups and TAFTEE. The meeting concluded with an agreement to reconvene in 45 days.
Finance
| Sl No. | Description | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Administration:Office Rent (10,000), Salaries (13,000), Refreshments (500), Stationery (500) and Bill Payments (Mobile Recharge, Power, internet etc) – 3000 |
27,000 |
|
2 |
Educational Scholarship: Nagaprabha (20000), Ashok (10230) Received 7350 out of 30230, Balance amount to pay: |
22,880 |
|
|
TOTAL |
49,880 |
Total Expenses for the month of December 2024 – Rs.49,880/-
Please pray for the amount and if God inspires you then feel free to support, every rupee is important. Our UPI ID is 8886668052@hdfcbank
PRAYER NEEDS and THANKSGIVING
Prayer Needs
Pray for the health, strength, and academic success of our students, the financial stability of their families, and the well-being of our generous sponsors who support their educational journeys.
- Pray for unity, cooperation, and encouragement among us, a deep and lasting connection with Christ for every member, spiritual growth and strength for our small group leaders, and the overall faith, emotional well-being, and inner peace of each member.
- Pray for the successful formation of a new PBYP small groups, fostering strong connections among participants. Seek guidance and wisdom for facilitators as they support the group and clarity in identifying new facilitators.
Pray for the growth and expansion of our organization, financial provision and stability to meet our needs, and divine guidance for the success of our plans.
Thanksgiving
- We thank God for the successful PBYP Seminar, the active participation and insights shared by attendees, the dedication of facilitators and volunteers, the safety and well-being of everyone involved, and the personal and spiritual growth experienced by participants.
- We thank God for the volunteers and generous individuals who are actively contributing to the expansion of God’s Kingdom through Stewards of Nations.