Koinonia Medical Clinic Operating in Full Swing
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| Dr. Narmrata prepares swine flu vaccine |
The Koinonia Medical Clinic in Pune is currently having an amazing impact on the nearby population and Indian community. It has recently been reported that the Koinonia Medical Clinic ("KMC") is now considered one of the main participants for diagnosis and disease control in the neighborhood and nearby Pune district. We are learning that the government of India is urgently trying to control pockets of the swine flu epidemic that has sprung up again, and has issued 1500 vials of vaccine to be administered by the KMC for the general population. Although the Clinic needed to purchase the limited supply, it was selected based on the integrity and high standards of operation. We were informed that some nearby clinics have been charging extremely high fees for this vaccine, thus excluding the poor and underserved families. Pastor Joseph said the flu vaccinations will be given this month "free of charge" to all those who cannot afford it. Praise The Lord!!!
In addition, a government inspector observed the love and compassion and quality of services provided at the KMC and offered to hold a "Free Blood Testing Camp" in August. This valuable diagnostic marker can identify many common illnesses and diseases that would go otherwise undetected. Dr. Namarta and Sister Vishranti, RN, oversaw this new medical screening clinic by direct one-on- one patient contact and drawing blood, securing the safe handling, labeling, and packaging of each and every vial. Pastor Ben mentioned that as many as three thousand may be participating in this vitally needed medical intervention. Yes, we are seeing today the mighty hand and work of the LORD in action!
Reflecting back just one year ago, there was just an empty building and no clinic, and now by the grace of God, it’s being used day by day for the glory of the Lord! As the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20-21: "Now onto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory… Amen."
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Progress made towards KSOM accreditation
by Dr. Andrew D. Sargent, PhD.
The new school year for the Koinonia School of Ministry began only 2 months ago in June, but already much has been tackled and accomplished by the grace of God through His Spirit and His saints.
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New KSOM students in Hebrew class
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Each year, John Donnelly and I travel to India and take deliberate steps toward the Koinonia School of Ministry's goal of becoming a fully functioning Bible College, built on biblical languages, biblical theology, and solid interpretive methodology, that promotes Global, Cultural, Biblical and Christian literacy, affords the opportunity for developing practical skills in all areas of ministry, and offers accredited degrees on both the Bachelors and Masters level.
This year KSOM expanded its faculty to six. John and I had an intense month of interaction with these professors, acclimating them to the vision of the program as I taught Biblical Hebrew Language, Conceptual Backgrounds to Biblical Theology, the New Testament's use of the Old Testament, and did a four part series on Gospels as Theology. John labored hard teaching the student body all things necessary for the foundations of biblical interpretation. The faculty is a bright group, who seem eager to begin the official establishment of the Bachelors of Theology one year from now. Their articulate input into the design of the program was invaluable.
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Current KSOM building
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We also have initiated the process of accreditation through the Asian Theological Association (ATA). We have many steps to take before meeting their full requirements, but this is an important step away from theoretical planning toward practical establishment. The building of the new planned KSOM facility, which will include library space, a dining common and kitchen facilities, appropriate dorm space, multiple properly-designed classrooms, official computer labs, and more, will do much to meet ATA demands. Please prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to this exciting project!
On John's and my part, we must concern ourselves with the following: 1. Finalizing the design of the Bachelors Program, and helping the faculty prepare for the first year of that program by the start of school 2011; and, 2. Gathering and shipping a specific collection of library materials, both bound and electronic, numbering about 5,000, as set by the ATA.
It has always been my dream to design and establish a biblical studies curriculum that fosters the highest educational experience for future ministers from the very beginning. John and I met with one of the Old Testament professors from the main seminary in Pune and talked at length about our program. He was very excited that we planned to establish our program on biblical languages, biblical theology, and interpretive methodology, recognizing it for the necessary, but unique, endeavor that it is. If we are successful, we will establish the strongest biblical studies program in India and may very well bring about a shift in the paradigm for other bible colleges there as well.
Remember, through your prayers and financial support, you too have a vital part in the LORD’s work in India!
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Teaching English as a Second Language
By Christine Salisbury
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Sarah and Christine with KSOM students
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We have arrived back safely after 19 days in India teaching English to the KSOM students. During our first visit to the school, we completed an assessment of each of the 11 students. It was decided that we would teach all the students, both first and second year, and soon realized that their skills at reading, speaking, and comprehending English varied greatly. Three or four had had little or no English education, and others had gone far beyond what they call "standard 10", which would be comparable to a 10th grade education here in the States.
I learned that India’s educational system is structured in a teacher lecturing / students taking notes format. Rarely would students be asked questions, and even more rarely would they ask a question of their teacher for clarification. So there is little chance for the students to actually practice speaking English, if they study English at all. Since this format is what the students are accustomed to, our approach was quite different for them.
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This Trip Changed my Life
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2010-11 KSOM Students
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By Sarah Farnand
After being in India for 19 days, I must say that my whole life has changed. God did so many wonderful things on our trip and His love was displayed in many different ways. Going to India was a surreal experience, as it had been a dream of mine to serve the Lord there for about four years.
After getting acclimated with our new surroundings, we evaluated the students’ abilities by assessing their verbal communi-cation skills. Our main goal was to teach the students with the resources we brought how to effectively communicate with others in English. We used many different approaches to teach conversational English, such as working on vocabulary skills, skits, dialogues and creating scenarios. Throughout the two weeks the students also completed various projects, including a pamphlet about their favorite place in India. The students were not used to speaking in front of others, let alone their peers, so when we asked them to present their projects in front of the class, they were a bit timid at first, but the Lord stretched them!
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