The PBYP First Gathering was held on March 8, 2025, at the Stewards of Nations Training Hall. It was an enriching experience for the participants, bringing them together for learning, reflection, and fellowship. The session began with an interactive game, setting an engaging tone. Out of 16 participants, 10 attended, as per God’s plan. This was followed by a worship session, where each group sang, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
During group discussions, participants reflected on their PBYP lessons, misconceptions they unlearned, and how they plan to apply their insights. Key takeaways included viewing marriage as a partnership, understanding it as a God-ordained covenant, unlearning the misconception of one spouse being superior, and realizing that true personal growth in marriage starts with oneself while choosing a God-centered partner.
Following the discussions, Phani Anna & Roja Akka shared their testimony about their waiting period before marriage, emphasizing trust, patience, and faith. Their story was a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in preparing individuals for marriage. Dr. Christa Akka later delivered an impactful teaching on Challenges in Marriage alongside of providing biblical wisdom and practical guidance.
In her message, she spoke from John 15:1-11, where Jesus describes Himself as the True Vine. She highlighted the importance of abiding in Christ to bear fruit. She compared marriage to the pruning process, explaining that just as a plant is pruned for greater growth, challenges in marriage refine love, patience, and commitment. A marriage deeply rooted in Christ thrives and glorifies God.
The gathering concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. John, followed by a prayer, a group picture, and a fellowship dinner, allowing participants to continue their discussions in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The PBYP First Gathering was a memorable and transformative event, reinforcing the importance of wisdom, faith, and preparation for a God-centered marriage.
Testimonies
I am truly thankful to Stewards of Nations for organizing this PBYP program. This meeting once again reminded me how important preparation is, and it felt like a valuable revision of what I’ve learned before. I had a wonderful time with my mentors, where I could personally share what I’m going through, and it also helped me apply these lessons to other relationships, especially with my friends. One of the most impactful sessions was ‘True Vine and Branches’ by Christa Akka. I really enjoyed the session and learned how important it is to abide in Christ. It also reminded me of the need for continual communication with God and the willingness to be pruned for growth. Overall, this experience was truly enriching and meaningful.
Attending the PBYP offline gathering was truly an enriching experience. Meeting everyone in person after many online sessions brought me so much joy. The event was not just about fun and worship—it was a time of deep learning and reflection. Christa Akka’s message on abiding in the Lord was a powerful reminder of how essential it is to stay connected to Him in every season of life. I deeply appreciate Kausalya’s dedication in organizing everything so well. Roja Akka and Anna’s testimony was particularly impactful, showing me the importance of setting my priorities right and never compromising my faith regardless of the circumstances. This gathering left me feeling encouraged and strengthened in my faith. Seeing how Srikanth Anna, Hepsi Akka, Roja Akka and Anna, and Christa Akka are pouring into students and graduates to build Godly marriages and strong spiritual foundations, it has truly inspired me all the more to walk in faith with greater conviction.