In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a profound depiction of Jesus’ empathy:
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)
This verse offers a window into the heart of Christ, revealing His deep concern for humanity’s struggles.
Understanding Jesus’ Compassion
The term “compassion” in this context is derived from the Greek word “ἐσπλαγχνίσθη” (esplanchnisthē), which conveys a profound, gut-wrenching empathy. Jesus wasn’t merely acknowledging the crowd’s difficulties; He was deeply moved by their plight. He perceived them as “harassed and helpless,” akin to sheep without a shepherd—vulnerable, directionless, and in dire need of guidance.
The Role of Stewards of Nations
At Stewards of Nations, we are committed to reflecting this same compassion in our mission. We recognize that many individuals today face challenges that leave them feeling lost and unsupported. Through mentorship, education, and financial assistance, we aim to guide these individuals toward discovering and fulfilling their life’s purpose.
Your Partnership in Compassion
Our efforts are made possible through the generous support of our donors. By partnering with us, you extend the compassion of Christ to those who are “harassed and helpless,” offering them hope, guidance, and a path to a brighter future.
By embodying the love and compassion of Jesus, we can make a Perceptible difference in the lives of those in need, guiding them toward their God-given purpose.
Ministry
SPONSORSHIP
Stewards of Nations’ attempt to reduce the barrier of lower economy to education
We are happy for your support as it enabled us to help students to move a step ahead in their education, and achieve what they were not able to with our support.
- Muskan: Muskan is eagerly awaiting the result of Formative Assessment-3, which she completed in the second week of January. She has been consistently performing well in her studies, showing great dedication and improvement. Muskan’s commitment to her academic growth is evident, as she continues to stay focused on her goals, demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude toward learning.
- Naga Prabha: Nagaprabha is doing well in her studies and has her practical exams starting from 1st February 2025. This month, we have paid ₹10,000 towards her fees, but there is still a remaining balance of ₹10,000 out of the total of ₹30,000 which we promised. The remaining amount needs to be cleared before her practical exams to ensure she can sit for them without any issues.
- Ashok: Ashok has shown exceptional dedication by achieving an impressive 95% in his Semester 5 exams. However, he encountered a setback when his application for training was rejected due to his age. Despite this challenge, Ashok remained resilient and joined a private company called HITACHI, while also preparing for the ECET. His commitment to both his career and academic goals remains steadfast. However, a remaining fee balance of ₹10,230 remains from his total fees of ₹24,230. Timely payment of this amount is crucial to support Ashok’s continued academic progress and to open doors for his future opportunities, ensuring that he can move forward without any hindrances.
Thank you for your invaluable support, which has greatly contributed to our scholarship students’ success. For updates or information, feel free to reach out—we’d love to connect.
SEMINAR
Conscientia
Teaching the untaught for the young
The first monthly seminar of 2025, under the banner Conscientia focused on ‘Smart Learning.’ This having aimed at students nearing the end of their academic year, it provided effective learning strategies. The speaker, Mr. Steven Paul Ponaganti, an MA in Literature, shared insights based on his experience as an assistant professor. He began by discussing the current state of education in India and introduced Howard Gardner’s theory of ‘multiple intelligences.’ The session covered the nine intelligences, their strengths, and strategies for effective learning. The session was well-received, with feedback highlighting its value in helping participants recognize their unique intelligence. We look forward to future sessions yielding similar success.
SMALL GROUPS
Small Groups
The Chosen Ones group came together with a strong sense of purpose to plan for the upcoming Conscientia seminars, yet, due to their work commitments, they could not meet for the SHAPE book reading. However, despite this, their commitment to prayer remains unwavering. Every Friday at 5:30 AM, they gather for intercessory prayers, fervently lifting up all the organization’s needs. This dedication to both their work and spiritual growth reflects their deep sense of responsibility, unity, and faith, ensuring that while some tasks may be postponed, their devotion to God’s guidance and support for one another continues to thrive.
This month, they delved into the topic “The Trap of Pride,” reflecting on the scripture Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). They learned the significance of humbly acknowledging that all their gifts and talents come from Christ and that without Him, they are nothing. The discussion also touched on the dangers of self-rejection and self-hatred, reminding them that it is God’s grace, not their own judgment, that defines their true worth. They emphasized among themselves the importance of recognizing their abilities and strengths as gifts from God, and not as reasons to feel superior to others. As they shared prayer points and prayed for each other, they also took a moment to lift up Gemini in special prayer as she celebrated her birthday on January 13th.
They sincerely thank Stewards of Nations for their steadfast prayers and unwavering support. Despite their hectic schedules at work and having their personal preoccupations, they managed to meet online twice this month. Though their time together was limited, they had meaningful moments of sharing and praying for one another. They are truly grateful to God for the opportunity to comfort each other through calls and being able to stay connected in spirit. The prayers of Stewards of Nations continue to uplift them, and they ask that they are remembered in prayers as they move forward.
PBYP Small Groups
Our PBYP groups have officially started, with the Men’s Group led by Mr. Phani and the Women’s Groups guided by Dr. Roja Phani and Dr. Christa John Based on their availability, they plan to meet once a week. Participants are actively learning through sharing and listening to one another’s experiences. Please pray that all members stay engaged, grow through this Journey, and complete the PBYP workbook on time. Below is an update on each group.
The PBYP Men’s Group, led by Mr. Phani Brother, completed one lesson this month, focusing on the importance of a strong relationship with God as the foundation for sustaining and strengthening marital life. Mr. Phani emphasized that depending on God is essential for building a fulfilling and imperturbable marriage. Following this, attendees shared their personal relationships with God, which deepened connections and fostered a strong sense of community among the group members.
The PBYP Women’s Group 1, led by Dr. Roja Phani, met three times in January 2025, completing three insightful lessons. In their first meeting, the group explored the personal relationship between God and individuals, emphasizing its importance as the foundation for a meaningful life. The second meeting focused on understanding marriage as a covenant, not a contract. They highlighted that true love in marriage requires unconditional commitment, effort, and sacrifice. The group was encouraged to maintain balance, set healthy boundaries, and fulfill God’s purpose in marriage, nurturing both joy and spiritual growth. In the third meeting, they discussed expectations in marriage, acknowledging that while expectations are natural, God should be the ultimate source of fulfillment. Participants shared their own expectations, reflecting on how to approach marriage with a deeper understanding and reliance on God’s plan.
The PBYP Women’s Group 2, led by Dr. Christa John, held three productive meetings in January 2025, completing two lessons focused on marriage principles, and also fostering deeper connections. In the first meeting, the group emphasized the importance of building a personal relationship with God through prayer and meditation as a foundation for a God-centered marriage. The following week, they explored the permanence of marriage, respect, family time, and the necessity of preparation and prayer, emphasizing that marriage is an unconditional covenant between, not a contract, and God’s purpose for marriage is to uphold dignity, provide companionship, build family, and maintain sexual purity. The third meeting focused on marriage expectations, highlighting that no partner is perfect and couples should work through differences and set realistic expectations. It was stressed that unspoken or unrealistic expectations can lead to conflicts, making pre-marital discussions essential for building strong, healthy relationships.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
| Sl No. | Name of Program | Date | Place |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
PBYP first Gathering |
23rd February 2025 |
Stewards of Nations, Training Hall. |
|
2 |
Conscientia |
22nd February 2025 |
Zoom(Online) |
ADMINISTRATION
Planning and Strategy
A strategic planning meeting was held on 4th January 2025 at the Stewards of Nations Training Hall to discuss the organization’s 5-year plan. The session, led by key stakeholders, focused on outlining the vision, goals, and programs for the upcoming years.
The meeting began with a spiritual reflection from Matthew 9:35-38 by Mr. John Srikanth, highlighting that God provides everything when we ask in His name. This set the tone for discussions on advancing the organization’s mission.
Key topics included the purpose and activities of Stewards of Nations, covering both secular and non-secular initiatives like half-day programs, discipleship, and TAFTEE projects. The 5-year plan emphasized several major initiatives for 2025:
- Conscientia Seminars (monthly, every fourth Saturday)
- Skopós Seminars (semi-annually)
- PBYP Seminars (semi-annually, with a focus on transformation)
- Annual Leadership, Discipleship, and TAFTEE Training Programs
- Formation of small groups, segregated by gender, for both long-term and short-term growth
Regarding educational support, Stewards of Nations is currently supporting three students with plans to expand in the future. The projected for 2025 is ₹17,94,000, covering administrative, program, and charitable outreach costs.
The meeting concluded with the finalization of the 5-year strategic plan, outlining clear goals to guide the organization’s growth and impact.
Board Meeting
The board meeting of Stewards of Nations was held on 18th January 2025, with both in-person and online participation. The previous meeting’s minutes were approved after being read by Dr. Vishal, and an ice-breaker session followed, where invitees introduced themselves. Key discussions included the proposed changes to the General Body and Executive Committee, with new roles being allocated to various members. Resignation letters were scheduled to be collected from several current members, in alignment with the Register of Society (RoS) rules, and it was decided that necessary documentation for the change of board members would be prepared for signatures. The process would be completed soon unless any objections are raised, in which case further correspondence would take action. The next board meeting is set for March 2025.
PRAYER NEEDS and THANKSGIVING
Prayer Needs
Please pray for our students as they prepare for their exams, that they be strengthened in both mind and body, stay focused, and maintain good health. Pray for their families, that they may receive support as they navigate financial challenges. We also ask for a strong, encouraging network to surround our students, offering guidance and motivation to help them succeed and perform well in their exams. Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated as they navigate us through this important time.
- Pray that the group grows in spiritual unity, fostering deep fellowship and understanding among one another, and that they are always ready to support and uplift each other, especially in times of need.
- Pray that each of them comes together for the class with a heart to learn and grow, seeking deeper understanding, and living faithfully according to God’s will in all areas of their lives.
- Please continue to keep these groups in prayer for ongoing engagement, spiritual growth, and completion of the PBYP workbook.
- Pray for divine guidance for our leaders, strong partnerships, and protection for all involved. Ask for dedicated volunteers, sustainable resources, and blessings on our donors. We seek the funds needed to sustain and expand our mission, making a lasting impact.
- Pray for the Registrar of Societies (ROS) certificate, as we are applying for it. May the process go smoothly without any issues.
Thanksgiving
Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with the funds needed to prepare this annual report. We are truly grateful for Your provision and support.