“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” ~Psalm 40:5~
By Sarah F
Reunion with Auntie Vishranthi and Jyoti Hiwale!
This past month, I had the privilege of returning to Pune for the first time since my initial mission’s trip back in July 2010. Needless to say, after spending a long weekend with Pastor Joseph, his wife Vishranthi and their family, it was absolutely incredible to see what the Lord was doing in all of the various facets of the India Connection ministries!
Pune Center Update
During the first day of my visit, I received a loving welcome and had sweet fellowship with my Pune family as we shared stories of the past four years and reminisced about my first trip to India! Once again, I was treated to delicious home-cooked meals by Auntie Vishranthi (I have her to thank for first introducing me to what is now one of my favorite Indian dishes: mango chutney with chapatti)!
Building site for Pune Center during my last visit in July 2010
Pastor Joseph also took me on a tour of the Pune Center and I was beyond amazed at what I saw! Back in 2010, construction on the Pune Center hadn’t even begun. After teaching the KSOM students in a rented facility about 15 minutes away, it became evident that having the college building nearby would provide the students with more direct support and better facilities including bigger classrooms, separate offices for staff members and adequate space for student housing. With an increase in student enrollment and more degree programs being added to the KSOM institution over the past four years, this type of building would bless the students, faculty and local community members in endless ways.
Pune Center construction – August 2014
After dedicating much prayer to this project over the past several years, the Lord has answered the prayers of His faithful saints and now the Pune Center is nearly finished! Seeing the pictures of the building and hearing about the construction updates back in Rochester was inspiring, but traveling back to Pune and standing in front of this magnificent structure left me speechless!
During my tour I saw the new classrooms, offices and dorm rooms. I also had a chance to see the students using the Library and Computer Lab which are now in two separate rooms (unlike the previous facility which had everything in one room). It was so nice to see the students using the resources and enjoying the facility! By providing a comfortable learning environment for students with ample space to grow, the potential for this facility to impact future leaders and pastors is limitless. Pastor Joseph also showed me the kitchen and dining room as well as the multi-purpose room, which is now being used to hold church services, conferences, and Sunday school sessions until the final floor is completed.
Skyline view from the top floor of Pune Center
As we climbed up to the top floor and saw the city skyline, I was again left speechless. This view was unlike any other from the building- it served as a testimony of God’s goodness. As multiple ministries continue to use the building, it will provide a safe place for our brothers and sisters in Pune to grow in Christ for years to come! Through this whole construction process, God continues to get the glory which is why the ministry is thriving! Praise the Lord for His graciousness in providing this multi-purpose facility for the KSOM staff, students and Koinonia Fellowship church members to use on a daily basis!
To my fellow brothers and sisters back in America, I want to encourage each of you to continue to pray for the KSOM students, faculty, and Koinonia of Pune congregation members. Also, please pray that the Pune Center building project will be completed and furnished in a timely manner over the next few months so that the facility can be used to its full potential!
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
KSOM Students and Faculty – 2014
