"LET YOUR LAMP SHINE"
National Writers Workshop 2023 was held from August 31st to September 2nd, 2023 at the Red Shield Guest House in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, situated on the seashore of Kovalam Beach. The seminar was conducted by the National Office Kolkata, under the leadership of Colonel S. P. Simon and Colonel Annamma Simon, National Executive Officer and Secretary for Women’s Development, respectively, with the support of Major Evama Shaijuraj, Editor of “The War Cry”. The workshop was comprised of 24 delegates who were officers and soldiers from three territories of India South-Western, India South-Eastern, and India Central.
On August 31st, 2023, morning, Colonel P. John William, Territorial Commander of ISWT, inaugurated the workshop in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In his keynote address, the Territorial Commander emphasized the importance of writing ministry in the Salvation Army and encouraged the delegates to write regularly. Colonel P. Ratna Sundari, TPWM, offered the closing prayer and benediction, thereby ending the inauguration session.
Colonel S. P. Simon, National Executive Officer, welcomed all the resource persons and delegates and lectured on “The Salvation Army Publications, its values & Writers”. Mr. Winston Thambi talked about “Writing Ministry and the Digital Media Practical”, and Lt Colonel Daniel J. Raj presented on “Methods for Christian Writers in a Biblical Perspective”.
On September 1st, 2023, morning, Colonel Annamma Simon, Secretary for Women's Development, conducted the morning devotion on the subject, “Why Should We Give Thanks to God”. Following this, Rev Dr. Joseph Matthew, President of “Light the World Missions,” lectured on “The Importance of Selection of Topic, Writing and Editing in Christian Writing”. Then Major Evama Shaijuraj, National Editor, lectured on “The Salvation Army Writing Ministry and Challenges”. After the outing, the delegates joined for the cultural night and presented their performances.
On September 2nd, 2023, Major Shaijuraj Lalas, Chief Finance Officer of India National Office, led the morning devotion and inspired the attendees through the word of God. Then Colonel Annamma Simon, Secretary for Women's Development, lectured on “Communications Making Relationships.” And followed by Mr. Buddha Dev, IT Manager, and Graphics Designer, who presented on “Social Media and Evangelism.” Closing meeting was led by Major Evama Shaijuraj. Colonel S. P. Simon delivered the word of God and motivated the delegates to write better-quality writings. During the reflections, the attendees expressed that they learned more about writing and decided to contribute to the periodicals. Finally, the editor expressed gratitude to the national officers, resource persons, and delegates for making the workshop a success.
The delegates benefited greatly from this workshop, and it will prove to be very helpful for them in the future. They are very thankful to their beloved leaders and give all glory to God.
Reported by Major C. Dani Samuel Raju, Editor, India Central Territory
