The transition
is made from the bustle and buzz of middle class Bangalore to a quieter older India more related to the village. The facilities are very good, accommodation, class
rooms, library etc. The original ministry began by John and Leone Garrison of Interserve has grown but the basics remain the same with the objective of giving
orientation to the new group of missionaries going out into various tribal and other ministries. Facilities are also available for refresher courses and updates for older
more experienced workers.
The group of 23 new workers come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic groupings. Of the 21 - 8 are from NE India; 3 with tribal linkages from Orissa and
Chattisgarh States, others from the more mainstream mass movement Christians of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Some married and with children of
their own.
The change is not only from the hurly burly of a post modern India but also to a much more traditional patriarchal and authoritarian India. The regimen is demanding
with a rising bell at 05.30 followed by personal devotions, breakfast at 8.00; morning chapel at 08.30 then classes through until 13.00.
The day finally ends with lights out at 22.30. Both of us are asked to give our 'testimonies' as to how we entered Christian service as a form of inspiration and
information to these new missionaries.
Janette has a morning class from 09.00 to 10.00 then Colin classes from 10.00 to 13.00. Followed by another session 14.30-15.30 with four
older more experienced workers.
Later in the evening we showed videos to back up the course material.
The challenge as ever is to get these people out of themselves into sharing with one another. It takes real time to get them accustomed to you and
then ready to participate.
