graduation ceremony for the Tenth batch

HBTC Surkhet Principal Suresh Prasad Koiral says:
By the grace of God and by your continuous prayers and support, HBTC Surkhet had its 10th graduation ceremony at Itram Church with 100 plus invited local pastors and leaders. In July, we had taken 16 participants from 10 districts of the mid west and far west regions of Nepal. Except for one brother from the far west, 15 of them have successfully completed their training and we had the wonderful privilege of equipping and empowering them for effective future ministry.

One week Long Outreach Program
In the 10th batch we taught altogether 25 subjects in order to equip them in the knowledge of the word of God. According to our curriculum, for practical experience, HBTC Surkhet had sent them for outreach in three groups for one week each. This time, we had an opportunity to visit and share the good news in two districts. Two groups went to Surkhet and one to Kailali district. During this mission trip, four people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They also distributed 100 Bibles and 7500 gospel tracts. We thank God that local Churches hosted our participants for a week and provided accommodation. They also participated with the team. Our participants were encouraged by their hospitality and godly behaviour. All of them were very encouraged and blessed by this outreach because they could practice what they had learned in classes. Most of them had the privilege of preaching in local church services and had opportunity to share their life testimonies.

Testimonies from Graduates
Three participants shared their training experience. Mr. Tanka Bdr Rana from Itram church, shared that he could learn 'how to study and preach from the pulpit'. Being a deacon of the church, he was not able to preach easily before; now, he is well equipped and excited to do this ministry effectively.
Mrs. Khima Rana from Doti committed her life to serve Christ in the unreached remote area of Doti.
Mr. Omprakash from Tulsipur Dang wants to serve with his pastor in the local church. He is a physically disabled person, but spiritually strong and committed to win his people in Dang district.
Mr. Shambhu Tharu sadly lost his father at the end of this training. His father was a pastor and suddenly got ill and died. It was very hard time for him, but God comforted him and strengthened him so he could complete the training. Now Mr. Shambhu will be going back to take responsibility for his father's church as the new pastor.



Graduation Ceremony
By the grace of God, we had a privilege to invite Mrs. Ann Townsend as the chief guest of our graduation ceremony. She has been serving as a teacher in INF Surkhet. She encouraged the graduating students and invited guests, emphasizing that our ministry is based on 'LOVE'. We have to love our people as our God loved us, by paying a great price.
The graduation program was led by Ps Suresh Koirala (Principal) who presented a report of the last five months. It was formally opened in prayer by Pastor Navin Darlami (Vice President). INF Surkhet program manager John Narayan Rai led a prayer of dedication. Graduating students also presented a 'commitment song' that reflected what they will be doing for the Lord in the future: "where you will lead us we will go, what you want us to do, we will humbly obey and follow…" HBSA executive director Yam Tamang conveyed a vote of thanks and word of encouragement to all who cooperated in many ways to achieve the goals of HBTC. Every local board member was able to be involved in this graduation programme. Last but not least, Padam Gaire, president of the local board, concluded the ceremony with a benediction prayer.

Testimony from 7th Batch Student (Alumni)
Mr. Purna Bardewa shared how he was blessed and equipped in HBTC as part of the seventh Batch. Immediately after completing training he began serving as a pastor in Tatapani, Surkhet. He was an active student and now he is responsible for multiple ministries in Surkhet. He is also running Atmik Yatra Radion, a weekly teaching program in Surkhet. Besides this, he runs a tuition center in Surkhet. His HBTC training has enabled him to confidently share in the graduation ceremony.

Thank God for His grace and mercy to equip, empower and mobilize the workers of God into His Vineyard in order to reap the harvest. On behalf of the HBTC Surkhet family I would like to express my deep thankfulness to Dr. Rod and his family and other partners as well for joining us and extending helping hands in this glorious ministry. Kindly pray for the 11th Session which is already underway. Thank you, Suresh.