On February 10, WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, accompanied by Metropolitan Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa and Dr. Manoj Kurian, director of the WCC Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. KVK is a district-level agricultural institution established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and managed by the Christian Agency for Rural Development, the social service wing of the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
KVK plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between agricultural research organizations and local farming communities. The center facilitates the transfer of advanced agricultural technologies and aids entrepreneurs in adding value to agricultural products. It is noteworthy for being the only faith-based organization managing a national agricultural program at the district level. The dedication and commitment of KVK’s staff to community development were highlighted during the visit, underlining the role of faith-based initiatives in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and social transformation.
Later that day, Pillay and the delegation visited the Navajyothi School, which is part of the Mar Thoma Center for Rehabilitation and Development. This school specializes in providing care and training for children with mental challenges and currently serves 145 students. The school, supported by a dedicated team of 31 staff members, including specially trained teachers, therapists, caregivers, and social workers, offers both residential and daycare facilities. During their visit, the guests were warmly welcomed with an entertainment program and presented with handcrafted artworks created by the children, reflecting the school’s focus on nurturing and empowering students with special needs.
Bible Studies at Maramon Convention
Pillay’s visit also included participation in the Maramon Convention, Asia’s largest Christian gathering, where he led two Bible studies. The first session, held on February 10, was focused on the theme “The Kingdom of God and World Transformation.” Pillay explored the biblical concept of the Kingdom of God and its relevance to contemporary global issues. He emphasized that the world and its history are under the authority of God, with the church’s prophetic task being to challenge oppression, unjust laws, and systemic evil.
“The prophetic calling of the church enables it to stand against racism, xenophobia, ethnic violence, gender discrimination, and all forms of injustice,” Pillay said. “The focus on the Kingdom of God calls for a transformation and healing of our broken world.”
On February 11, Pillay led a second Bible study titled “Why I Need the Holy Spirit,” based on Ezekiel 37:1-10 and John 16:1-15. In his reflection, he underscored the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering Christians to confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ in a world filled with struggles and challenges. “The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to face the powers of evil and confess that Jesus is Lord,” he said. “Just as Jesus went into the wilderness with the power of the Spirit to face the devil, we too are called to face the challenges of the world with the Spirit’s power.”
Pillay’s visit to India was a significant affirmation of the role of faith-based initiatives in addressing both spiritual and social needs, highlighting the connection between faith, sustainable development, and holistic community transformation.
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