The theme 'Towards Excelling Training College Teaching Staff' six days conference for Training College Teaching Staff was held at The Salvation Army Conference Center at Coonoor under the leadership of Colonel John Kumar Dasari, National Executive Officer and Colonel Mani Kumari, Secretary for Women Development from 26th to 31st May 2019. The conference started with the introduction of National Executive Officer and the chief guest Colonel Daniel Raju Dasari, Territorial Commander, India Northern Territory had inaugurated the conference by lighting the candles. In his inaugural address, Territorial Commander said that the scripture is God breathed and it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training so we must thoroughly equipped from it (2 Timothy 3:17). The session was concluded by the closing song of Colonel Mani Kumari and followed the prayer & benediction of National Executive Officer. There were different ingredients included in the conference like lectures, discussions, power point presentations by seven training colleges, devotion, music & worship, cultural night, outing, etc.
The resource persons were Colonel John Kumar, Colonel Daniel Raju Dasari, Colonel Mani Kumari, Major Samson Macwan, Secretary for HRDI, Major John William, Divisional Commander, Chennai, ICT. They have handled the subjects such as Necessity of Theological Education, The need of Christian Management in College For Officer Training (CFOT), Strategic Planning, Accountability and Governance Movement, Training College as Workshop of the Holy Spirit, Significance Value Based Life Style, Mentoring Cadets, Need of Women Theologians in The Salvation Army (TSA) India, Journey of TSA Women's Ministries, Theology of Creativity, The overview of Revised CFOT Curriculum, Church History at a Glance, TSA Doctrine and Sacraments, Familiarizing with Contemporary Theologies, Evangelical Foundation in CFOT in India, and the importance of Ecumenism respectively. Daily devotions helped delegates to start their day in fellowship with Lord. Through the cultural night everyone came across various cultures of different states of India. The 'discovery of training college' the programme of introducing various service in training colleges were presented by seven training colleges. Honoring the training principals were a new experience and especially Lieutenant Colonels Nicolas & Flora Damor who are going to retire from their active service this month.
The conference has discussed various subjects to support the development of the training college, all delegates had actively participated in the programme and entrusted the matters to National Executive Officer for further procedures.
Last day, Colonel Mani Kumari led final session and message was delivered by National Executive Officer. Colonel pointed out that training Officers should build the personality, mind their ministry, make sure and flame the personal gifts, try to grow, the message was based on 1 Timothy 4:11-16. The delegates had taken parts in the meeting and rededicated themselves for better ministry, and the conclusion part, prayer and benediction have done by Colonel Daniel Raju Dasari while Major Samson Macwan shared the vote of thanks. There were twenty-nine training officers attended the conference from various training colleges in India.
Reported by Major Jose P. Matthew, Assistant Training Principal, India South Western Territory
