The Reformed Presbyterian Fellowship (RPF), an association of churches and organizations in the Reformed/Presbyterian tradition, held its fifth study conference in Kolkata, India during 26-29 January 2010. Over ninety delegates representing twenty different churches and organizations from twelve states in India and Nepal took part in this conference.
 
PTS Board Members,Faculty and Alumni have given leadership to RPF ever since its inception. Principal Dr. Mohan Chacko (President) and Vice-Principal, Rev. Roshyama Hrangchal (Secretary), Board Members, Rev. Ros Infimate and Rev. Paul Billy Arnold (Vice-President), and 26 alumni (in picture) took part in this conference on counseling.
 
RPF was formed nearly ten years ago to provide a forum for mutual encouragement, support and fellowship, and to share resources. In addition to India and Nepal, churches in Bangladesh and Myanmar also have participated in this fellowship. Providing training to numerous elders and lay leaders who minister regularly without the benefit of proper theological education has been identified as one of the common needs of this region. To that end, RPF has been organizing international, national as well as regional study conferences from time to time. One of the significant decisions at this Conference was to appoint a full time worker to plan and coordinate training seminars.

Book Release: Rev. Piet Houtman, former Faculty member (Theology) of PTS, authored a new book, This is Your God (Preaching Biblical History). The book, published by ISPCK, was released at PTS on 4th February 2010. This work of 279 pages goes beyond a discussion of principles and provides resources for Bible study and preaching. It will be a useful tool for pastors and theological students who wrestle with the text of the Bible. The book is available @ Rs. 225 plus postage charge.

Rev. Samit Mishra graduated from PTS in 2007, and is at present the Moderator of the Presbyterian Free Church (Central India). Historically, the church is linked with the ministry of the Free Church of Scotland since 1890.  Their congregations are in Chappara, Lakhnadon and Jabalpur. They hope to plant two more churches within the next two years. These churches minister in the midst of persecution, often facing false accusations of forced conversion, etc. Our prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Guests visiting PTS: Dr. Wolter Rose (Kampen University in the Netherlands), Rev Ron Steel and RE Charlie Troxell, from Presbyterian Church in America; Dr. Paul Cornelius of the Asia Theological Association; Rev. & Mrs. Ron Shaw of USA, Rev. Duncan Peters of Scotland, Rev. Dr. Lee Baas, Rev. Robert Heersprink (Back to God Ministries), Rev. David Bast (Words of Hope), Mr. Stephen Paul (Good Books, Ranchi), and Rev. and Mrs. Ron Shaw (USA), were among the many distinguished visitors to PTS during January-February. The Seminary community was greatly blessed by their ministry and presence. 
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PROJECTS
Student Support: There are several student candidates who are in need of support. Sponsor a student for 4 or 3 years by investing Rs. 55,000 or US $ 1,222 (M. Div), Rs. 45,000 or US $ 1000 (B.Th) per year as full support to cover tuition and boarding, or any amount as partial help.
Faculty Apartment Repair: The floor of one apartment sank in the living room and bedroom when there was earthquake few years ago. The floors need to be re-made with marble chips. The cost of the project is Rs. 60,000/-
A mini bus (tempo traveler): A mini bus is needed to be used for outreach ministries, class related and for official purposes. The cost is about Rs. 865,000. This is the main fundraising project for the 40th Anniversary of PTS.
Gifts and donations indicating its purpose can be sent to any of the following:
* Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Saving Bank Acct No. 306802010008768,
Union Bank of India, Dehradun. Swift Code No. UBININBBDER, IFSC: UBIN0530689.
* MTW, 1600 North Brown Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA.
* ARMA, 12964 N. Bellwood, Holland, MI 49424, USA.
PTS WEBSITE: Please make sure to visit us at www.ptsindia.com to learn more about us and send us the email address of those who may be interested to hear from us.
Roshyama, Editor
PTS E-Newsletter
revroshyama@ptsindia.com