Update on Gossner Seminary in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
From Rev. Dr. Manmasih and Neeraj Ekka, our missionaries:
Due to Covid-19, the seminary was closed (by government requirement) from March 2020 until October 2021. Seminary went online, and those students who lived in interior villages who could not get internet connections were asked to stay with their relatives or with pastors where they could get internet access. Some students were blessed to have good internet connection but most of them struggled. Some made tents (made up of sheets and plastic sheets) outside their homes and villages just to be able to attend online classes and do their homework and assignments in their smartphones.
Neeraj and I kept very close contact with each of our students. Lockdown gave us all a different perspective of ministry. Students struggled in their studies as they were challenged to manage studies, ministries, and household chores.
Classes resumed in November 2021, and students began their classes with much hope and excitement...but again, due to the Omicron variant, the government announced another lockdown in January 2022. Students were sent back home in January for another month. But since February 2022 all students are back on Campus.
At present, there are 26 students on campus. Seminary degree is for 4 years. Here is a breakdown of students by year:
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1st Year students - 6
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2nd Year - none (due to lockdown in 2020, school could not enroll students)
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3rd Year - 6
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4th Year - 10
- Evangelistic Training students (1 year program) - 4
In 2021, 10 students graduated and now serving in different churches in 7 different states of India.
We appreciate and thank God for your partnership, Hope Lutheran Church, and for your prayer and support for Ranchi Seminary since the birth of this seminary. Seminary began in July 2007. The late Rev. Dr. Duain Vierow and Donna Vierow, members of Hope Lutheran Church, were among those who were part of the visioning process. Your partnership has helped this seminary to equip many servants of God (both men and women) to fulfill the Great Commission. There are 90 pastors, 60 evangelists, and 6 missionaries who have graduated from Ranchi Seminary. There are 26 students, 8 full-time faculty, 1 part-time faculty member, and 5 non-teaching staffs.
Recently the affiliation Body completed their visit, all the official process is complete now, and the seminary will be granted affiliation from the next school session 2022-23. Just received a message that students are preparing for their final exams which is scheduled in early April 2022.
Some of the Blessings of Lockdown:
During lockdown while students were sent home, they had the opportunity to be part of ministry in their villages and churches. All had opportunity to serve people in need—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Many had opportunities to share the Gospel to those who have never heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ before.
Some students and graduates started online prayer meetings and have continued even after lockdown. Many students and graduates started serving the poor and the needy in local levels.
Neeraj and I appreciate your partnership to develop this seminary. This is indeed a Light House. We appreciate your prayers and support and assure you of our prayers. We have always felt your prayers in our daily lives. Thank you.
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