Press On Towards Purpose
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
— Philippians 3:12-14
A new year is an opportunity to reset and renew our commitment towards God’s purpose. Just as Paul’s journey of faith exemplifies perseverance, we too are called to focus on Christ and press on toward our unique calling. Each year brings its own challenges and opportunities, but with God’s guidance, we can grow and make a lasting impact.
Paul reminds us to forget what is behind and focus on what lies ahead. While the past holds valuable lessons, it should not define our future. Growth comes from letting go of regrets, celebrating God’s faithfulness, and trusting Him to lead us forward.
Challenge: Identify one area where you feel stuck—whether it’s a mistake, fear, or even a past success that’s become a comfort zone. Take time to surrender it to God, asking Him for the courage to move forward.
Example: Reflect on the story of Peter. Despite denying Christ three times, Peter found redemption and became a pillar of the early church. Like Peter, we can rise from our failures and embrace God’s plan.
Setting goals provides direction, but they must align with God’s purpose. Paul’s purpose was to know Christ and fulfill the mission He entrusted to him. As part of God’s kingdom, our goals should reflect His greater plan for our lives.
Action Step: Pray for clarity on what God wants you to pursue this year. Write down specific goals that align with your spiritual growth, relationships, and personal development. Remember, God delights in guiding His children.
Illustration: Think of Joseph. Despite the detours and hardships, Joseph’s unwavering faith in God’s purpose allowed him to rise to a position of influence and fulfill God’s promise to his family.
Pressing on requires determination and faith. Challenges and distractions are inevitable, but our focus must remain on Christ. Like a runner in a race, we must fix our eyes on the ultimate prize, drawing strength from God to endure.
Encouragement: Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to throw off everything that hinders us and run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Practical Tip: Break your goals into smaller steps and celebrate each milestone as evidence of God’s work in your life.
Paul’s prize was not earthly recognition but the joy of knowing Christ and fulfilling His calling. This perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters. Temporal achievements can be meaningful, but they should ultimately serve an eternal purpose.
Reflection: Are you investing your time and energy in pursuits that honor God and bless others? Take a moment to evaluate your priorities and make adjustments as needed.
Illustration: Consider the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The servants who invested their talents wisely were commended, while the one who buried his talent missed the opportunity to glorify his master. Let’s strive to use our gifts for God’s glory.
This year, commit to setting three types of goals that reflect God’s purpose for your life:
- Spiritual Goal: Deepen your relationship with God through daily prayer, Bible study, or participating in a small group.
- Relational Goal: Invest in meaningful connections by mentoring, encouraging others, or resolving conflicts in love.
- Personal Goal: Develop a skill or pursue a passion that can be used to serve others and glorify God.
- Community Involvement: Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor for accountability and encouragement.
Father, thank You for the gift of a new year. Help us to let go of the past, align our goals with Your purpose, and press on with perseverance. Strengthen us to prioritize what matters most and glorify You in all we do. May our lives reflect Your love and truth, impacting others for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Ministry
SPONSORSHIP
We are truly thankful for the opportunity to assist students in their educational journey and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
- Muskan: Muskan is currently preparing for her Formative Assessment-3 exams with dedication and focus. She has been attending her classes regularly and working hard to perform her best. Thanks to the support from our organization, she is able to concentrate on her studies without added financial stress. We are confident that her efforts will lead to success, and we deeply appreciate the contributions that make this possible.
- Naga Prabha: Nagaprabha is showing great dedication in preparing for her JEE and EAMCET exams while also focusing on her pre-finals, which began on December 24, 2024. With a total fee of ₹30,000, ₹10,000 has already been paid, and the remaining balance of ₹20,000 is being worked on. The support from the organization continues to empower her to stay focused on her academic goals without the burden of financial stress. Her hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we believe she is on the right path to achieving her dreams.
- Ashok: His strong work ethic and balanced approach to his studies and family responsibilities have a positive impact on his academic progress. The financial support allows him to focus on his ECET Exam preparation without the stress of financial burdens. The total fee for the academic year is ₹24,230, with ₹14,000 already paid, leaving a remaining balance of ₹10,230 to be raised. This support ensures that Ashok can continue to pursue his academic goals and be on track to performing well in his exams, further strengthening his academic foundation and paving the way for a successful future.
We sincerely appreciate your invaluable support, which has been instrumental in the academic success of our scholarship students. Your generosity has made a lasting impact. If you would like more information or updates, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d be delighted to connect with you!
SEMINAR
Conscientia
The tenth Conscientia seminar focused on “Balanced Self-Esteem,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a harmonious blend of humility and confidence while avoiding extremes of submissiveness and arrogance. Led by Dr. Indla Mounika (MBBS, M.S. Ortho, FIJR), a consultant at Ambajipet Women’s Hospital, the session explored topics like the factors influencing self-esteem, types of self-esteem, self-esteem vs. narcissism, and self-care tips for enhancing confidence. Drawing from Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Dr. Mounika highlighted self-esteem as a key component of personal growth. Participants engaged in introspective activities, identifying their own self-esteem patterns and areas for improvement. Testimonials praised the session for its depth, practical insights, and the facilitator’s thoughtful guidance. With an average attendance of 22, the seminar proved meaningful and impactful, equipping attendees with strategies to nurture balanced self-worth as they approach the year’s end.
SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups
In December, the group Chosen Ones hosted a seminar on Balanced Self-Esteem, addressing the need for young people to balance humility and confidence. The session was led by Dr. Indla Mounika, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Ambajipet Women’s Hospital.
They continued their Friday prayer gatherings and conducted a physical group reading of the Personality chapter from the book ‘SHAPE’, engaging in meaningful discussions. Some of their learning points were:
- Embrace healthy conflict for growth
- Stay authentic to your unique personality
- Collaborate for greater impact
They also had a one-day retreat on 14th December to plan Conscientia seminars for the year 2025 and simultaneously, they discussed and shared the various roles and responsibilities.
This month, we explored the topic Confidence with God’s Help based on the book ‘Confidence Woman’ and reflected on Esther 4:14. The discussion encouraged us to identify areas where fear might be holding us back and to replace that fear with confidence in God’s power. Esther’s story reminded us that confidence is not just an emotion but a choice to trust in God’s strength. By stepping out in faith, we can move forward with assurance, knowing that just as God was with Esther, He is with us in our journey.
On behalf of the Kadosh Sarang team, we wish you a blessed and fruitful New Year! May you continue to experience the hope and purpose found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Recently, we’ve been reflecting on lessons from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that have inspired and enriched our journey:
- Be proactive, not reactive – Encouraging us to take ownership of our attitudes and actions.
- Begin with the end in mind – Reminding us to focus on our ultimate purpose and goals.
- Put first things first – Teaching us to prioritize what truly matters for a balanced and intentional life.
These timeless principles have guided us to be more productive, purposeful, and grounded in our daily lives and long-term aspirations.
As we step into the New Year, we are excited to continue growing together, striving for transformation and meaningful impact in all we do.
PBYP Small groups Gathering for Introduction Session
On December 28, 2024, the PBYP (Prepare Before You Promise) gathering, led by Mr. John Srikanth, introduced new groups to the program. Facilitators—Mr. Phani, Mrs. Roja, and Mrs. Christa—were introduced, and participants shared their current pursuits. Dr. Hepsibha shared her testimony emphasizing the workbook journey as a transformative process of self-discovery and growth.
The session outlined the program’s purpose, emphasizing holistic development through weekly one-hour meetings over 3-4 months, supplemented by two physical gatherings. Participants were encouraged to engage fully, complete workbook sections in advance, and share insights in group discussions. Groups were then formed: a men’s group led by Mr. Phani and two women’s groups led by Mrs. Christa and Mrs. Roja. The session concluded on a positive and empowering note, with everyone ready to embark on the upcoming journey.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
| Sl No. | Name of Program | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Strategic Planning for the Next 5 Years |
4th January 2025 |
Stewards of Nations, Training Hall. |
|
2 |
Board meeting |
18th January 2025 |
Stewards of Nations, Training Hall, Malkajgiri |
|
3 |
Conscientia |
25th January 2025 |
Zoom(Online) |
ADMINISTRATION
Planning and Strategy
In December, the primary focus was on preparing for the five-year strategic plan meet scheduled to be on January 4th. The Director has been working diligently on finalizing the Annual Report for 2024, which will provide a comprehensive review of the organization’s progress and challenges over the past year. This report will be shared with the Board members to guide discussions during the upcoming strategic planning session.
Finance
| Sl No. | Description | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Administration: Office Rent (10,000), Salaries (13,000), Bills and Payments (2,500), Printing & Stationery (500) and Website – Hosting renewal(5000) |
31,000 |
|
2 |
Strategic Planning: Food & Refreshments |
3000 |
|
3 |
Educational Scholarship |
21,1500 |
|
|
TOTAL |
55,150 |
Total Expenses for the month of January 2025 – Rs.55,150/-
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 our students’ resilience and clarity to achieve their goals, and for peace and support for their families in managing financial challenges. Ask for a strong network to provide them encouragement and guidance.
Pray for wisdom in decision-making, for open hearts that learn and grow together, and for resilience in facing challenges. Ask for opportunities to extend our fellowship and for renewed passion to serve with compassion and love.
Pray that participants remain eager to learn, engage actively in discussions, and apply lessons on communication and conflict resolution. Ask for positive transformation in their attitudes, habits, and relationships, and for a lasting impact when preparing them for purpose-driven lives.
Pray for guidance for our leaders, strong partnerships, protection for all, and greater impact. Request dedicated volunteers, sustainable resources, blessings on our supporters, and expansion of our mission.
Thanksgiving
Thank you, Lord, for providing the necessary funds to meet last year. We are also grateful for the facilitators of the PBYP Small Group and for the opportunity to begin this important work. Thank you, God, for your continued guidance and provision.