I Write, I am not a Writer
J.N. Manokaran

One day in 1992 I was summoned by the director of an organization, where I was working as a missionary.  The secretary warned me as I went inside that the boss was very furious and she also did not know the reason for his anger.  He blasted few minutes without telling me the reason for his outburst.  Then he questioned me, “How can you write in a magazine?”  (I was puzzled.  I did not know my article was published.)  Some people do not like your writing.”  I said, “I have just written the truth that is biblically sound.”  He stood up in his anger and said, “The issue is not the truth.  Some people are offended.  You cannot write.  If you write any more, you will be dismissed.”  I appreciate him for he kept his word; ultimately he dismissed me from that organization. 

Lord enabled me to write many articles and four books.  The first book, opened for me to speak in an International conference.  The boss who dismissed me was there just as a delegate and did not have courage to even greet me. 

This is how my journey as a person who writes, began. 

Encouragement   -   Light of Life

Then I sent one article to Light of Life.  I got a quick reply from Mr. P. Abraham, who invited me to participate in Writers’ Workshop in Bombay (Not Mumbai at that time).  It gave me encouragement, impetus and opportunity to write. 

Dr. Selwyn Ebenezer of Follow-Up Ministries, Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu was indeed the first one to suggest that I should write as he thought my letters to him was well written and organized.  I will thank these two men of God, just encouraged me to write. 

Am I a writer?

Many times I wonder, whether I am a writer?  Then I conclude, I write but not yet a writer.  I know I make several grammar mistakes in my articles.  My sentence structures are not good enough.  My thoughts are not deep enough.  Then how were my articles got published?  There was no competition.  Many times editors did not have option as they had to meet the deadlines. (In secular publications, editors choose only 10% material and reject 90%.  Christian editors do not have that luxury.) In fact, there are great thinkers, wonderful communicators, magnificent English scholars among Indian Christian community who could write ten or more times better than me.  But, sadly they do not write.  So, when I write, they are published. 

Writing is expensive

Writing many times do not bring rewards.  Only Light of Life editors pay writers for their contribution to encourage them.  Other Christian magazines may not pay the writers. When I began it was not easy rather expensive.  I had to write, then type it and then post the same. It costs time, energy and money.  You may not get even a reply for months and suddenly you may see your article in one of the issues.  The time spent in thinking, creating and writing; typing and posting and the cost involved is not adequately rewarded.  The email submission has made life easier. 

Christian Writers cannot survive by writing 

Another issue is that Christian Writers cannot become full time writers like Chetan Bhagat (Author of books like: Five Point Someone which became a movie 3 Idiots).  The reason is an unhealthy attitude of Christian community.  When I sell my books, they look at the price and say, ‘How much discount you can give?’  They do not ask the same question when they buy their dresses from a mall or pick up electronic gadgets.  One person said, ‘The printing of the book would cost just Rs. 40 per copy, why are you selling at Rs. 120?’  He does not value the writer’s labour, thoughts and ideas but just paper and ink.  I have written and published four books and have not got ‘royalty’ and great gifts for the same. 

Writing changes lives

I can boldly say that writing changes lives.  Not only the people who read, even the writer himself (herself).  Small articles, blogs, personal stories could change the lives of readers.  One article I sent by email helped a young girl to change her decision to end life by suicide.  Another article changed an organization leader’s life which was sliding into depression.  One of my books changed the perspective of a young missionary; he started a new ministry that brought great harvest into the Kingdom of God. 

Writing is a mission

It is important to understand that Christian writing is not hobby or career or profession but mission.  Christians are salt of the earth and light of the world.  So, we have a mandate to be change agents, trend setters, value imbibers, moral and spiritual leaders, and guide.  These can happen by writing, articulating the truth of God in the corrupted popular culture. 

Role of Christian publishers

Develop writers: Recently one of the readers of an article that I circulated through Internet wrote a very critical response.  I wrote back to him stating you response is highly appreciated, what is the use if only I read, why can’t you write as article and circulate it to wider audience.  He replied that he wanted to write but needed help.  I suggested that he should attend ‘Writers’ Vision Workshop’ I conducted.  He was there, got a vision and started writing.  He has got three good articles published in a National Weekly magazine.  My critic has become my competitor, which is better.

Develop readers:  The other important thing publishers should do is to develop the taste of readers.  Christians should learn to buy good literature, appreciate it and encourage such publications. 

No short cuts:  Many Christian publishers get a donation from foreign authors and publish with that capital their books in India.  But it is difficult to sell, so they give huge discounts.  But, how many read such books?  Instead, they should develop Indian Christian writers by conducting trainings,giving incentive and awards. 
Writers’ Vision Workshops

One of the ministries I do with few friends is to give vision to Christians to write.  We challenge them to write i.e. provide basis for writing and create a vision.  The second step is to provide skills – How to write?  Third, provide mentoring service for budding writers.  Four, - create platform for writers to write – magazines and web publications. Five, leading a network of writers that shares experiences, expertise and constructively help each other. 

Challenge

In the era of democratic media of Internet, each and every Christian has an opportunity to write for the Glory of God.  Will Christians take this challenge and be light for all literates in this country and beyond?

 Ahab King of Samaria wanted to expand his estate, to accommodate vegetable garden.  He found a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite close to his palace of Ahab king of Samaria. But Naboth was not willing to part with his vineyard to be converted to a vegetable garden.  Heeding the advise of his wife Jezebel, Naboth was murdered on false charges of cursing (blasphemy) God and king.  Ahab took possession of the vineyard. God sent Elijah to confront Aham and declare God’s punishment on him.  Ahab considered Elijah as his enemy.  (I Kings 21)  Similar incidents happen in India every day.  One prominent example, highlighted by media is Ruchika Girhotra episode. 

Ruchika Girhotra was traumatized, tormented was abetted to commit suicide by a so called gallant (who got an award) police officer who led the Haryana State police force as Director General of Police.  S.P.S. Rathore, who wanted to protect himself, proactively tormented the family members that they ran for life to another State – Himachal Pradesh.  After nineteen long years, the tortoise justice system awards only 6 months jail and Rs. 1000 as fine. And he comes out in bail the very same day. And this has shocked the conscience of right thinking people in this country. 

Civil society

The civil society has failed to give protection to the girl.  In a culture, where women are blamed for all that goes wrong, the teenager would have been blamed.  If there is a divorce or rape or harassment or molestation, it is the girl who is wrong not the perpetuators of atrocities.  Unless this attitude of the society is changed, there is no hope for India to be a Super power.  This attitude is developed in families, schools, institutions, media and society.  When girls become victim of incest in homes they should be quiet to protect the ‘family honour’, if at all there is any.  Many times even the family members do not believe the girl’s version.  Insufficient dowry leads to domestic violence and young brides are expected to suffer silently to keep the family honour intact.  Harassment and molestation in public places or in institutions or offices should be borne with fortitude and should not get exposed and bring shame to reputation of the family.  Keeping up with the social norms, police refuse to file complaints and even taunt those who come seeking help;  and courts do not take these crimes seriously. 

In what way Christian community is different?  Are Christians role models following biblical values?

Media

Media that should stand with conviction for truth is strange bedfellows with power today.  Reports are to make sensations and make sensitive to issues.  When power speaks, the truth becomes silent according to modern media professionals.  There is hope because of few, may be ten percent honest journalists who are for the truth.  Media creates superficial debates and does not take its good campaigns to logical conclusion.  So, politicians and bureaucrats nexus knows that the public memory is short, and media could be managed, not to rake up issues that could make them accountable.  Ruchika’s case did not draw attention nineteen years ago as it has today.

Media is supposed to play the role of prophet in a democracy.  But media in India is feeble that does not have courage like true prophets of Old Testament.  The reason is:  Christians are not entering media with a mission to establish justice in the country. 

School

School is a great institution in the lives of children.  They are inspired and shaped by the school.  Alas, Sacred Heart School (it is a shame for a Christian institution) did not bother to protect the student but became pan in the hands of an immoral police officer and victimized the hapless student.  How much students trust their teachers?  It was betrayal of the teenager’s trust.  School of institution should be a vanguard of justice especially for children.  Schools that should teach children to report abuse, but strangely this school harassed the girl.  Favouring Rathore’s daughter who studied in the same school, the school authorities dismissed her from the school giving flimsy reasons.  A reputed Christian school becomes willing tool of immoral police and dares to victimize the victim of oppression another time. 

Failure of Government institutions

Ruchika parents ran from pillar to post asking support and protection.  The Home Secretary in the Haryana Government was not at home in his job, he said he was ‘helpless’.  He failed to use his moral courage and legitimate power provided by the Government.  He had the power and capacity to do something, but refused to do to get favour with his political masters and bureaucratic peers.  The politicians favoured immoral and corrupt police officer instead of siding with justice. 

Government in British Raj Mould

The British Raj had laws to protect the bureaucrats.  So, no case could be filed against Government executives unless the Government gave permission.  The Haryana State Government that had three or four Chief Ministers did not give permission to charge sheet the shameless official.  And one Chief Minister even promoted him to make a law breaker the Director General of Police of Haryana.  Politicians and bureaucrats serve power and not people. 

Court

Indian judicial system moves in snail’s speed.  There is no sense of urgency in providing justice to victims of oppression and exploitation.  Lawyers can drag the cases as long as they want.  And this case came to a conclusion after nineteen years of the crime.  Victims who wait for such a long time consider this as living death.  As in British times, the courts close for summer vacation which is not warranted.  (Millions of Indians toil under direct sun in India) There is no time frame for closure of criminal cases. 

Victimization of justice seekers

The bureaucrats and politicians can shamelessly victimize the justice seekers.  Whistle blowers also could face torment for having courage and guts.  Ruchika’s brother Ashu was hounded by police sent by Rathore.  They behaved like goons rather than protector of law.  Ashu states he was treated like a dog and tortured under the direct supervision of Rathore.  He was just 17 years old.  They filed nineteen cases against the young man, arrested and tortured in police stations.  Instead of keeping him in juvenile home, he was kept in police custody which is brazen violation of law of the land.  Like Ahab who made false charges and murdered Naboth; Rathore filed false charges against brother of Richika, Ashu.  It is a shame that none of the subordinates in the police force had sense of justice or courage to question Rathore’s atrocities.  The police officers acted like private army of Rathore rather than Government police force with the mandate to protect the citizens.  They were all willing tools in Rathore’s hands. 

Crocodile tears

There is another news report that BJP Member of Parliament wrote a letter to the Haryana Chief Minister, Chautala requesting action against Rathore.  And this letter was shown to then the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the M.P. claimed that tears rolled from the P.M.’s eyes.  Is it a sentimental report for public consumption?  If the Prime Minister was concerned about justice, what action did he take?  He could have just called the Chief Minister and could have spoken to him to do justice.  Instead he wept like a child!  What kind of leaders this nation has?

Human rights

Even when the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India is denied to citizens, how can Indians aspire for human rights?  Richika’s right as citizen of India was not honoured.  She was not allowed to live with dignity.  Her brother was humiliated and his rights were violated.  Rathore holding legitimate position was using illegitimate means and methods to achieve his selfish interests.  In Global forums, India likes to show itself as Super Power concerned about human rights.  But, the majority of police personnel in India do not have even basis sense or idea about human rights. 

What should be done?
1.    The Prime Minister should initiate a law that would make it unnecessary to get permission from Government to prosecute errant officials.
2.    Human rights commissions should be filled with people with high reputation and those who have track records of fighting for human rights.  Human Rights Commission and Minority Commission should be given statutory status.
3.    There is a need for a law to ban Government officials and politicians (serving and retired) to hold posts in sports bodies.
4.    Judicial reforms should be initiated immediately.  Criminal cases should be closed within 18 months of registration of case. 
5.    The police officials who filed false cases against Ruchika’s brother should be dismissed, pensions withdrawn and criminal procedures against them should be initiated.
6.    Rathore should be tried again and the quantum of punishment should be increased.  The quantum of punishment for police officials should be doubled and so to the lawyers and politicians. 
7.    Civil society should be engaged and educated by using Television, Internet and print media.  Theses public cause advertisements should be mandatory during prime time and the Government need not pay for this public service. 
8.    Rathore’s pension should be stopped with immediate effect and pension money disbursed should be collected with retrospective effect.  His medal should be stripped immediately.  The case should be taken by Fast Track court in another state and justice should be done.
9.    All complaints in the police station should be First Information Report (FIR) and should be made available in the website of the State Police Department and the status should be updated every day so that public audit could be done. 
10.    CBI officials who favoured the oppressor and diluted the charges should be punished.

December 2009 – Family and Ministry Update

Dear prayer partners,

We Wish All Our Prayer Partners A Blessed, Productive and Prosperous New Year

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and your mails whole of the year 2009.  We trust to move forward with His grace and guidance. 

Writers’ Vision Workshop

God enabled us to conduct one more Writers’ Vision Workshop to challenge, motivate and mobilize people to write.  Ramanathan was resource person along with me. 

Christ and New Generation Youth

God was gracious to remove all road blocks and the book is in the printing press.  It would be available for distribution in the first week of January 2010.

National Prayer Network (NPN)

NPN leaders from many states in India gathered together to share what God is doing in various parts of this country and also to plan for next three years. 

Christmas programmes

Lord enabled me to open opportunities for me to share the Christmas message in various places.  I shared in the Mission Educational Books (MEB), Christian Assembly, Operation Harvest Hindi Outreach in two places and in Aasharaya  Christmas celebration.

Highlights of 2009
1. God enabled us to complete 25 years of ministry.  God also helped us to book a home and office flat in an upcoming building project in suburb Chennai.
2. School of leadership was conducted in Chandigarh, Chennai, Kolar Gold Fields, Chikaldara, Oddanchatram and Akola
3. Writers’ Vision Workshop is a new ministry that has been pioneered with Ramanathan. 
4. Chennai Insights:  God enabled Rajkumar, Ramanathan and myself to launch a new Christian urban monthly magazine from October 2009.
5. Christ and Missional Leaders:  My book was translated into Tamil and Hindi; printed and distributed among Christian leaders.
6. Hindi ministries in Chennai: God pioneered this innovative ministry in September 2008, now many organizations and churches has taken this challenge and there are over 20 worship groups in Chennai city.
7. Christ and New Generation Youth:  God enabled me to write the fourth major book that is being printed and would be released in the first week of January 2010. 
8. Rosy was able to visit US and Canada along with me. 
9. Hosanna had health set back, but God has healed her and she will go in January first week to Belarus to continue her study.  She had an opportunity to go to Singapore for the South Asia Connection conference.
10. Thambos visited US in April, preparing for his school final exam in 2010.  He is at cross roads to discern God’s will for his future career. 
11. God gave me the privilege to travel to US, Canada and Columbia to minister in various capacities. 
12. There were many articles that were published in various magazines, web publications and books. 

Partners

We need committed leaders to be our partners in the ministry.  We need volunteers to help us in our research, managing website and helping in preparation of study materials.  Volunteers need not be located in Chennai, they could be from any part of the world.  We also need donors and supporters for sustain our family and ministry. 

Please pray for our family finances.  Our support for the past seven years has remained the same, while the cost of living has raised much; with inflation.  We request you to pray and also support us regularly.  Also recommend our ministries to friends who could be our prayer partners and sponsors. 

You can send your contribution to any one of the accounts: J.N. Manokaran, HDFC Bank, Madipakkam Branch, Chennai: Account No: 011110000 30570   Or Rosia Selvi, ICICI Bank, Kilpauk, Chennai:  Account Number: 027801 500223  Or mail cheque in the name of one of the names to: J.N. Manokaran, 6B1 Doshi Flats, 59 Chetty street, Ayanavaram, Chennai  600023, India

Please visit the website:  http://glocalleadersnetwork.com/main/

Yours in His Vineyard,
J.N. Manokaran

Upcoming schedule

2010

3 January New India Christian Assembly, Chennai
4 -6  January Andaman visit with Saji Lukos
9  January CBSI, Chennai
11-15 January CARE Counseling Institute, Secunderabad
13 January Secunderabad Writers’ Vision Workshop
16 January National Prayer Network Board Meeting
23 January Missionary Conference, Jubilee Memorial Bible College
24 January Writers’ Vision Workshop, Ayanavaram, Chennai
26, 27 January Hyderabad, IMA Vision City
30 January Bangalore Writers’ Vision Workshop

1 February Power2Change, Chennai
2-5 February Nasik  School of Leadership
5,6 February Nasik  Professionals meet
7 February Nasik  Writers’ Vision Workshop?
12 February Urban India Ministries, Bangalore
17 February Ash Wednesday
19 February Plainsboro bible study
21 February Tamil Gospel church, New Jersey
24 February Church of Holy Spirit, Illinois
27 February Writers’ Vision Workshop, Chicago

4-11 April  London, Living Word Missionary Church
10-13 April  CFCC, Bangalore, Contemporary Missions
26-29   April  National Prayer Network conference, Theni

5-7 May  Colombo, GLOMOS
13-15 May  Kolkata, GLOMOS
17-19 May  Kalimpong, GLOMOS
24-28 May  Summer School of Leadership, Chennai

12-14 August  CFCC, Bangalore
4-8 October National – City leaders training, Chennai/Hyderabad
14-16 October IBL, 60th anniversary, National Conference
16-25 Oct  Third Lausanne Congress, Cape Town, South Africa
12 Nov  Mission India Board meeting, Nagpur
29 Nov-
5 December Centre For Contemporary Christianity, M.Th. Classes

Wonder, Worship and Witness

J.N. Manokaran

Christmas season is one of the great celebrations in the planet earth.  It is celebration around the world in various countries, cultures, languages, and races.  Sadly, a majority of the world population celebrate a ‘secular Christmas’; where Lord Jesus Christ is not the reason or centre.  For children Santa Claus is the centre of attraction.  For environmentalist tree is the centre of attraction.  For gluttons, it is the cake and goodies the major aspect for Christmas.  For musicians the carol is the thrilling aspect of Christmas.  For young adventurous, carol rounds in the cold night is ‘cool’.  Let me share what I think of Christmas.  I would sum it up in three words:  Wonder, Worship and Witness.

It is WONDER

I am awe struck to learn that God the Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to be born in an insignificant place – manger, in a cowshed, in a small town called Bethlehem (Luke 2:12).  God could have planned it well, allowing the incarnation to happen in some luxurious palace, in a great city.  But, the place was deliberately chosen so that even the marginalized humanity be comfortable to come to the Saviour.  A luxurious place would have turned off many poor and under-privileged people. 

Mary (Luke 1:29) and Joseph wondered too, how they were chosen.  A teen age girl became the vehicle of incarnation.  Not well educated, poor girl was chosen.  I also wonder how I was chosen to become child of God.  Do I deserve it?  His grace compelled the Son of God to be born in Bethlehem.  Christians are from all the spectrum, from least to greatest.  Foolish by world standards but wise by God’s standards (I Cor 1:20-22).
For shepherds, it was a wonder to see an angel delivering a great message (Luke 2:10,11).  Shepherds were considered as low in the social hierarchy and their profession is not highly rated.  God visits people irrespective of their social or economic or political status.  God intervened when they were doing their secular profession.  He speaks to us in our own work contexts.  God spoke when the shepherds were doing their night shift.  Society forgets those who serve in the nights:  watchmen, security personnel, drivers of trucks, trains, aeroplanes etc., nurses, doctors, BPO employees…etc. 

I get my self-worth by His love that He came in search of me.   

Call for WORSHIP

The response to Christmas or the birth of Christ is worship.  The shepherds heard the message from the angel.  They discussed among themselves and said, ‘let us go’ (Luke 2:15).  They went and worshiped him.  The Angel had said the child is: the Saviour, the Christ and the Lord (Luke 2:11).  The child was one day old baby but Son of God, Lamb of God who will die on the cross of Calvary for the sin of humanity and rise again.  So, He is the Saviour.  The Jews were looking for the Messiah – the anointed one.  In the Old Testament priests, prophets and kings were anointed.  But, here is the Messiah who is greater than priests or prophets or kings.  As creator God, the Son of God is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is sovereign ruler of the universe.  When we worship we acknowledge his sovereignty over our lives.  The Wise men from the East also worshiped the new born king (Matthew 2:1). 

Christmas is a call for me to acknowledge His Lordship and worship him.  That means my whole life becomes worship.  Whether I eat or drink, I have to do for the Glory of God. 

Worship is my life priority and life style. 

Mandate to WITNESS

After the shepherds worshipped, they spread the word (Luke 2:17).  People, who heard their testimony, were amazed (Luke 2:18).  It was spontaneous reaction to their Christmas experience.  They were not trained or not motivated by reward, but they responded enthusiastically by spreading the word.  The Christmas message of joy and peace was not just for the small audience of shepherds but for the whole humanity.  So, they should not keep it to themselves, they have explode the message.  That is what they did precisely. 

I have my job description, to be witness and to make disciples of all nations.  I am not supposed to keep silent.  I cannot demarcate boundaries, for the message has to break all cultural, national, class, race, gender, race, age, economic, social barriers and spread the whole world.  I have to become channel of that blessing.

Witness is my only life purpose. 

Challenge

This Christmas makes me wonder again and again to understand how God loves me.  It demands re-organization of my life – lifestyle of worship.  Christmas gives me mandate to witness and take the gospel to the uttermost part of this earth. 

 

Akola City Ministries ReportAkola School of LeadershipPastors and leaders from the city of Akola and from nearby districts came to Alliance Conference Centre on 17 November to participate in the unique school of leadership.  This was the first of its kind for the city leaders.  They came from various churches, mission agencies, and Non Government organizationa.    The delegates were from: Christian & Missionary Alliance, Agape Fellowship Foundation, Church of North India, Christian Believers Assembly, Believers Church, Green Pasture Ministries, India Every Home Crusade, Rays of Hope International Ministries, New India Church of God, Mission India (Nagpur), Church of Lord Jesus Christ, New Life Fellowship, Anugraha Ekathmik Gramin Vikas Sanstha, and several Independent churches.Dilip Sardar of Agape Fellowship Foundation organized this leadership training.  “I repent and ask forgiveness as I was like the Elder Son of Luke 15,” said one senior leader.  A senior pastor said, “I never realized that Evangelism as a process but just as a programme.”  The devotion about the slave girl inspired and challenged many leaders.  “Now I understood the levels of leadership.  I will raise leaders in the first and second level to grow the church.”  One leader thanked for including Spiritual warfare in the curriculum. “I learnt the method of bible study, which would change my life,” commented one lay leader.  “How to share the testimony was useful. I will teach my congregation to do that,” said one young church planter.  “I will not be just accountant but steward of God’s resources, commented one woman leader.  Rev. J.N. Manokaran and Rev. P. Joseph Ramanathan were the resource persons.  Dilip Sardar translated the teachings from English to Marathi.  On the last day (19 November)  certificates were awarded for all those who completed this training.  Professionals – Nurses Retreat (20 November 2009)Special retreat for nurses was organized on 20 November 2009 at Church of North India, Akola.  52 nurses, including twelve nurses who travelled from the city of Buldana (one hundred kilometers from Akola) and twenty other professionals gathered for this retreat.  It was organized by the Nurses Fellowship of Akola.  Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran and Rev. Ramanathan were the resource persons.  “The story of slave girl in Naaman household inspired me, and motivated me to be a spiritual leader n my work context,” said one senior nurse.  “I have the message of hope for the patients in the hospital,” said one young nurse.  Another nurse shared: “I will forgive and would refuse to take revenge.”“Methodological bible study guide was helpful to me,” was response of several nurses. Many were amazed to learn simple way of studying the Scripture.  “I will use the four steps guideline while making disciples,” was the response for the session in which the four step process of disciple making was taught.   The story of mid-wives in Exodus provoked many delegates to think. Some nurses commented that their thinking pattern changed after hearing this bible study.  “In the future, I will stand for truth and righteousness”. The study on spirit, soul and body helped many to understand the total human being.  “We are different than the world. We have our own values.  I can demonstrate those values through my life,”  was a bold decision by one of the delegates.Personality analysis was an eye-opener to many delegates.  “Now I can understand the patients and their needs well,” was the response of one of the delegates.  “I will not fight and keep grievance in my mind.  I will understand others.”Many echoed the sentiment:   “The time of seminar was short; it should be for at least two days.”  Some nurses said that it was a life changing experience.  Akola Youth Rally – 21 November 2009About 70 young people from various churches gathered in the Alliance Church on 21 November 2009.  The Youth Retreat was first of its kind in the history of Akola Christianity.  There were students from Junior college, professional colleges, young couples and few professionals.  Rev. J.N. Manokaran spoke on the life of David, who had courage to face Goliath.  The identity, faith and zeal of David were provoked by Goliath.  He responded by rejecting criticism, rejecting tradition and working out creative method to face and defeat Goliath.  Rev. Ramanathan spoke on discipleship from the Gospel of Mark.  In the afternoon the delegates were divided into five groups.  They discussed the passage in Luke 19:1-10.  (They were give five questions).  Later each group presented their findings and discussion.  Personality Analysis Seminar – 21 November 2009Many young people were eager to understand about their own personality.  About 25 college students gathered together for this special seminar.  They were taught on Body, Soul and spirit.  Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran taught them about the inner man.  Then, using a personality analysis tool, analysis was done for all the 25 students.  After they did the test, they were taught to understand the four types of personalities: Thinker (Cautious), Encourager (Supportive), Achiever (Dynamic) and Motivator (Inspire).  Then each personality style strengths and weakness were taught.  The Inter-personal skills based on the personality profile also were explained.  All the students felt they were empowered and benefitted.  Akola Writers’ Workshop – 22 November 2009The Akola Writers’ Workshop was held on 22 November at Church of North India, Akola.  Around forty delegates gathered with great eagerness to learn.  Rev. J.N. Manokaran spoke on Seven Mind Moulders and Writing as mission.  He gave several bible passages to help the delegates the importance of writing.  Rev. Joseph Ramanathan spoke how to interpret the bible to the present generation.  He provided insights for understanding the Scripture and interpreting in the Christian writings.  Then Rev. Manokaran led the session, “What next?”.  Many delegates responded well and shared.  “We have just started a new magazine, delegates could contribute Christmas messages for the magazine,” shared one editor.  “I will start writing poems,” said a woman leader.  “I have started a blog, and would write God’s miracles in that,” shared a young man.  “I will start a website,” shared another young man.  “I will register for a course on journalism,” shared one social worker.  Then it was proposed to start a Christian Marathi Magazine for nurses.  It was estimated that there were 4000 Christian nurses in Maharashtra.