Practically Done!

By Dana Colbert

In February, I traveled to Pune, India with Pastor Randy Coblentz from Richmond, Virginia. By God's grace, we were both very blessed with good health and strength, and also by the loving hospitality of all the people there. We had huge prayer coverage and we felt the peace of the Lord.

Here is a living answer to prayer that I saw: On this trip I met Pallavi, the little girl who had heart surgery in December 2007. This 10-year old was running around, playing and smiling that big India smile we see in so many photos! Many people prayed and played a part in her having her surgery. What a blessing it was to see her living a vibrant life, giving glory to Jesus! Also, many of you may remember Miss Namrata Kadam, pastor Anil's daughter. Well, here is another answer to prayer. Several years ago, the word went out about her desire to become a doctor and to use her skills for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many people helped her financially to that end. Joseph, Pastor Randy and I went over to her home. Now she is an employed, successful doctor. She is married and lives in a small apartment.

Joseph seems to be really excited about what went on with the Medical Missions team in January, and he told me he has a vision for an all-volunteer Christian hospital to be created here in Pune. Namrata is very interested in doing that work full time. Joseph knows several other seasoned medical professionals who are also very interested in showing the love of Christ through this work.

Professor James and Randy

Please pray also for all who live and minister here day after day. I am so struck by their steadfast devotion to Jesus and their desire to see HIS will be done! Even though we were from the other side of the globe, it was a joy to be in the company of like-minded people and we saw Ephesians 4:3-6 lived out! “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Randy and I talked with Pastor Joseph about the KSOM (Koinonia School of Ministry) and future plans. For now, due to the economy, no construction is taking place on the land we purchased. The KSOM building is currently being rented. Now, there are sixteen students using that building every single day. Please pray for the Lord to grant wisdom, guidance and provision for the next steps in this exciting ministry!

The students are full of the Holy Spirit and are very nice and respectful. Pastor Randy and I "bonded" well with them. After two weeks, those who were quiet at first were speaking confidently in the classroom (and outside too). I was astonished to learn that many of these young people never spoke English prior to coming to the KSOM! That means they had all of seven months of English prior to our arrival... and they did very well.

Pastor Randy teaches 1st-year students

Pastor Randy taught for three hours a day; one hour to the first year students, one hour to the second year students and one hour to the combined classes. I taught "A Short Course in Electrical Technology." This is a two week crash course in practical Electrical Trades, covering the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical wiring and systems. I taught this to the combined classes for two hours each day. We really had a great time, getting familiar with tools and electrical testers and best of all, with the "Hands-On" practice.

Toward the end of my trip, Joseph took me to the electrical supply shop. Call me a geek, but I was very interested in seeing all of the different electrical items sold in another country. The staff at the shop seemed a bit amused at my picture taking and they were very accommodating. They even posed for a picture. We bought the pieces to build the students' final projects. Later that day, I administered the final written examination, then spoke to the students about matters of business, contracts, agreements, estimates and planning. They did fine with it all.

The final project consisted of a switchable junction box with a plug, socket, fuse, switch and light bulb/socket combination. This was all mounted to a plywood board for safety. It brought together many concepts taught during the two weeks of training. The schematic diagram and the component layout were drawn on the chalkboard. The students were required to assemble and wire the junction box using only the information on the chalkboard. They were so excited when they "saw the light" come from their projects!

Dana opens electrical panel in class

Mission Accomplished: They are now completely trained in the Electrical Trades. Now, the pastors-in-training should be able to troubleshoot and repair many common electrical problems encountered in day to day life. It is our hope and prayer that this uncommon skill will allow the graduates to earn some income as they pastor their churches.

We are always seeking people who are willing to go to India for two or three weeks to teach a course in many different Practical Trades (carpentry, masonry, computers, accounting, etc.). If the Lord calls us, He equips us. You may be surprised to know you may already be qualified to teach the students. If you're interested, please contact us if you would like to teach at the KSOM.

Thank you for your covering prayers on this very successful trip!