|
Dear PtP Family,
Firstly,
thank you for praying for me, remembering me and being my
friends, brothers and sisters. I believe it is only because
of what Christ did for us, we are truly able to experience
His love, especially displayed through your life.
In
a week's time I will be finishing my fourth semester here
in Singapore Bible College, I primarily came to this college
to learn about theology and Christian Counselling, however,
having tasted a bit of understanding theology, I was tempted
to study a bit more, so I extended one more semester. I
should be done with the studies by May 2009. Though I realize,
learning is a life long process and I have just begun. I
am eagerly looking forward to come back and serve India.
As
I study Pastoral counseling here time and again I was reminded
of you all, I thank God for the vision of Samson anna, to
see the need for a counseling ministry. During the first
three semesters, my core subjects were in counseling. I
can tell you honestly the content and faculty of Person
to Person is Excellent. I would take the liberty to say
even better than my college (I am not exaggerating). Indeed,
I started my practicum (practical counseling hours) in June
2007 with a ministry called Helping Hand (a drug rehab centre),
which was too early in terms of my course requirement, as
most of my classmates and seniors only started after three
semesters. I believe the reason I was confident I can counsel
was because of the learning that I had with PtP. Thank you
for all your love, care and commitment in the ministry of
building people like me and many others.
Please
excuse me as I am not addressing any personal names as I
realize that there are many who are contributing for the
extension of this ministry and there are a few friends whom
I did not meet personally till now. I believe we are one
family. I wish and pray God would bless you abundantly for
your sacrificial and efficient work.
With Prayers,
Krishna
Singapore Bible College.
Moving
toward personal excellence- A special seminar for
the staff of Women's Christian College, Chennai
"
It is a little over two weeks since the program and I am
happy to notice some changes in my life. The two days of
soul searching and stock taking and setting SMART goals
has helped me move forward. I have taken a few steps forward
with courage and fortitude. I wanted to thank you for your
effective intervention in my life and probably in the lives
of many others" - D.Sumathi
SECUNDERABAD
COUNSELLING CENTRE
"Where
no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of
counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). This
scripture in the book of Proverbs has been the guiding force
and the mission statement of the Secunderabad Counselling
Centre. This vision was further sharpened by Person to Person,
Institute for Biblical Counselling (PTP) in Secunderabad.
An
Outreach Ministry
The Secunderabad Counselling Centre is an outreach ministry
of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) in Secunderabad. Samson
Gandhi, the Executive Director of PTP, was one of the first
friends that the WCG was privileged to have after the Church
had experienced reformation from its cultic past. Through
several associations via personal interactions, seminars,
and teaching assignments, Daniel Zachariah who is the pastor
of the Church, was challenged to take the vision that Samson
and PTP instilled in him further. S. C. C. is Born
Pastor
Zachariah could see the tremendous benefits that personal
counseling provided to his church members and his personal
friends in Secunderabad. One member of the church felt that
the counseling, pastoral care and the hours spent in counsel
energized him to move forward when life seemed to have come
to a standstill.
After
discussing these issues with some key members of the Church,
a decision was taken to start a counseling center that would
not only benefit the members of the church but also the
community at large. Thus the Secunderabad Counselling Centre
(SCC) was born. Services Provided
The
SCC is housed in the premises of the Church at Trimulgherry.
It operates under the overall registered structure of the
Church. It is staffed by volunteer members of the Church,
two principal volunteers being Franklin Paupens and James
Prithviranjan.
A
principal service that SCC provides is pre-marital and marital
counseling. Biblical foundations of marriage are emphasized
and a Personality test helps couples to know their strengths
and weaknesses and how that will impact their marital life.
Two couples that took these tests were amazed at how well
it described their personalities. They expressed satisfaction
for the readiness that the counsel had made them for the
marital relationship. Career counseling is also imparted
to school going and college students.
Aptitude tests that measure the extent of skill and gifting
an individual has in various fields are given. SCC is also
currently associated with the Institute of Psychological
& Education Measurement to undertake aptitude and achievement
tests for school and junior college students. The C. V.
Raman High School in Atmakur, A. P. had 40 of their children
take these tests. Not only were the children helped in confirming
their individual aptitudes but the school as a whole was
helped to understand where it lacked in their
coaching. Spiritual and relational counseling is also imparted.
SCC utilizes the
services of Dr. Randhir Deswal, Head of the Dept of Psychology,
Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab for psychiatric
enquiries and evaluations.
Association
with PTP: The SCC remains closely associated with PTP
for guidance and further training in Christian counseling.
Daniel Zachariah (Director, SCC), volunteers his time to
serve as a counselor for clients of PTP. Referrals are undertaken
from SCC to PTP whenever needed.
For
inquiries:
Plot No 16 Surya Enclave, Trimulgherry, Secunderabad, A.P.
500 015; Tel: 27790981, Director: 27112950, 9849591950
|
