Children Camp Tripura – 2011
A long cherished Children Camp was conducted at 5 different places of Tripura under the dynamic leadership of Arun Kochari who is popularly known as Mr. Fox during the camp. He arrived in Tripura on May 4, 2011 and a teachers/volunteers training was given on 5th May ’11 where 24 volunteers attended including staff. The Training was conducted at LTC/BBCC office, Kamalachhara, Ambassa which is the center of Tripura. The volunteers came from different parts of Tripura who were given necessary training/instructions for the success of the proposed camps. During the training, Arun mainly stressed on the area, ”The importance of Children Ministry” “Importance of SS/Teaching Children” “ Understanding Children” “Discipline & Punishment” “ Winning the Camper’s Affection”. The topics were found very much relevant in our situation today. Arun could win the hearts of the volunteers at the same time volunteers were very much benefited. Besides, half way travel fares were given to those who came from distance places plus free food and refreshments to all participants. The displayed items were very new to all of us which is the first time of its kind in Tripura. It was mainly meant for our fields and schools. However, as it is the first time, neighboring villages and school children were also invited in the camp. Many parents including non Christian tribals and Bengali also came and observed it. Meanwhile, apart from different items displayed, Mr. Fox took a special advantage to present the gospel. Many audience including non-christians raised their hands to believe and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It was a happy moment at every gathering. 8th May second Sunday fell on Mother’s Day. Mr. Arun presented a Mother’s Day Message at Ganganagar Baptist Church followed by distributing small gifts to both Christian and non-christian mothers. The first three days and three places were concentrated in Dhalai district whereas the last two days were shifted to the north district. Due to inconvenience in communication, the last day was played for half day only and went straight to Agartala and halted there at a hotel for an overnight.
Response from the audience:
It was found quite beneficial to the children. Therefore, parents and teachers requested Mr. Fox Kochari to come back again some other time. Mr. Fox also promised to come again without fail. People are so anxiously waiting for his next trip to Tripura.
Appreciation and commendable Remarks:
Mr. Fox is still young and energetic and the audience appreciated his tireless actions, movement and the way he shouted at the appropriate time. If the Lord takes him away suddenly, it will be hard to find such a talented person to replace his position. We want to enjoy more his God-given talents. Long live Mr. Fox, Foxy and little Foxy. Ugh…Ugh…Ugh…
He shared and left some games materials which will be useful on appropriate occasions particularly on school sports day. The staff appreciated for his kind concern and love towards the Tripura field.
Mr. Ecclesiast Kasar, Principal, Enlighten English school and his staff treated the visiting team for two meals with gift. We appreciate for his good hospitality and special initiation taken during the camp.
Mr. Damanjay Chorkhy, Executive Secretary, BBCC treated the visiting team for two refreshments before and after the camp at KK. School. We appreciate for his kind concern and good hospitality.
Rev. Armal Musahari received Mr. Arun Kochari from the Airport on the arrival day and Mr. P.P.Damanjay Chorkhy dropped him at the Airport on his departure day. We appreciate for their faithful service rendered to Mr. Fox on behalf of the staff.
Mrs. Lemila Vashi, the host mother took the whole responsibility to prepare food for the volunteers during the training and to host Arun Kochari. We appreciate for her tireless service.
Please find some relevant pictures which were taken during the camps are attached herewith: [There are many photos which will be posted separately in succeeding posts - Ed.]
Mayonsing Vashi
Praise Items from Tripura
Dear all, Let us praise together,
Praise Items:
Through your prayer and financial assistance, the dog bite couple have started taking injection. The couple is showing/indicating the portions of scratched and bit of the deceased son(please find in the attached picture). We have got opportunities to give them counseling and prayer. For them, it is a new experience that, they are getting prayer support and financial assistance with love and concern from unknown wel-wishers. Please continue to uphold them in your prayer for complete cure.
CGI sheet contribution from ONGC Agartala.
As informed earlier, we have received 70 sheets (10 bundles) of Tata from “All India Schedule Cast & Shedule Tribes Employee Welfare Assn. Tripura Asset, ONGC, Agartala. It was distributed on the 120 Birth Anniversary Celebration of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR on April 14, 2011 at 10:30 am. We staff representatives attended in the said function. On our request, they have arranged a vehicle for transportation from ONGC Complex to Ganganagar Anshu Academy (120 Km. approx.) They have given their maximum service and cooperation. Many beneficiaries like us attended in the function to receive different helps in kinds. We highly appreciate for their valuable services rendering to the needy and backward classes. Now, we are looking for roofing and completion of the construction works as early as possible followed by inauguration. Some relevant photographs taken with the Chief Guest (Vice Chancellor) and VIPs are attached here.
Guitar: Recently, we have got a long awaited guitar to be used in worship service which was inaugurated on its Evangelist Monthly Meeting on April 12, 2011.
Mayonsing Vashi & Lemila Vashi
Praise Item, Anshu Academy, Tripura
By FAITH, we have started 2 (two) English medium schools called “Anshu Academy” at Ganganagar and Jariksom, Dhalai district without budgets. Upon the request of the guardians, we were compelled to start the schools. Parents felt the need of sending their children to English medium schools in order to acquire quality education. A small school shed has been constructed at Jariksom with CGI sheet roofing through the generous contribution of Raj, the National Director ALPHA. For Ganganagar school, we approached to “All India Schedule Cast & Schedule Tribes Employee Welfare Association, Tripura Asset ONGC, Agartala, Tripura.” Upon our request, comprising of 6 members team of the said Association under the leadership of Ramesh Debbarma Chairman, and Shatkti Jamatia, Secretary Central Executive Commtt. Visited the Anshu Academy Ganganagar for a spot enquiry on April 1, 2011. After verification and seeing the pathetic conditions of the school, they have granted for 70 sheets (10 bundles-10 ft.) of Tata CGI sheet which will be distributed on the birth day of Dr. Ambedkar which falls on April 14. We highly appreciate for their helping hands towards the needs of its construction works. This organization is really helping to the poor and backward classes of Tripura. The officers/staff are all fellow tribals who have a great concern for the needy tribals. We are expecting more helps/materials from this Association in the years to come. At present, an old village market shed is used for class rooms which is not convenient for students to accommodate and is congested. Besides, there is an order from the government to dismantle the said deteriorated market shed. Therefore, we were compelled to construct a new school shed at an early date.
Conditions of School Construction:
Site for school complex is to be contributed by the locality.
Site leveling, pillars/posts and khanjis are to be borne by the locality.
LTC/BBCC have to find out ways and means for CGI sheet and other materials.
Completed works and next course of implementations:
Site leveling is completed by JCP mainly borne by the locality and partly borne by the office.
All materials such as pillars/posts/khanjis and other locally materials are got ready. Posts have been erected.
Roofing and other construction works will be completed very soon within April followed by inauguration of the new school shed.
A hostel/boarding is partly completed managed by some individuals in order to meet the need. Hostel/boarding is a high demand. Due to lack of accommodation and facilities, many students cannot come from far distances.
School Managing Board is prepared to pay Rs. 11,000/- (Rupees Eleven Thousand) only, to the previous land occupier. They have shown their great enthusiasm/zeal and concern in building up for next generations. We appreciate for their personal involvement and cooperation.
Commendable remarks:
Mrs. Risenti Riang and her husband( a Board member) contributed Rs. 7000/- for bamboo walling of the present market shed. Their contribution has been so precious to start this school. Ganganagar is a district town of the area and majority of the people are Riang/Bru. Chairmen of different departments are available here in this small town. Most of the Managing Board members are Chairmen of different government departments which is a great advantage of the school. Board members are strong and cooperative. A very interesting one is that, the school session was started in January, but still students keep on coming and taking admission which may continue till June.
Prayer Requests & Pressing NEEDS:
1.Furniture
2. Ring wells
3. Hostels
Present Status of Anshu Academy:
(Anshu is a sankrit word meaning,”Ray of Light”)
Sl.#
Name/School Location Student/strength Classes offered
1 Anshu Academy, Ganganagar – 110, KG to Class –I I
2 Anshu Academy, Jariksom – 60, KG to Class – I
TOTAL: 170
* One class is upgraded every year.
Note: The School is run by Bru Baptist Churches Council under the supervision of Leadership Training Center in consultation and cooperation of the Local Managing Board.
Special Thanks:
We express our high appreciation to Lovingson Thangal, Manager (RES) ONGC who introduced us AISCTEWA and initiated for the success of the aforesaid program.
Rev. Mayonsing Vashi, Associate Director, LTC, Tripura & Lemila Vashi, Volunteer Missionary to Tripura
Tripura Prayer Requests
Dear All,
We ask for your Prayers for the following special requests:
1. Fire Victims:
In October 1997, over 35,000 Bru had fled from Western Mizoram following fierce communal riots between Brus and Mizos in adjoining North Trioura. They were sheltered in six camps in Kanchanpur subdivision since then. Just before repatriation to Mizoram after a long negotiation, unexpectedly, a sudden fire broke out in one of the camps on March 19, which claimed 18 lives including five minors were charred to death and several others were injured. 2,500 huts were gutted rendering more than 15,000 people homeless. Tripura government, churches and well wishers are pouring in to give relief materials. On March 28, 2011, we LTC/BBCC staff also have visited the camp just to show our love and concern. Since, there is no budget for relief, we couldn’t help them except some used clothes, utensils and Rs. 1000/- in cash. At present, they are taking shelter in three places such as school, market shed and community hall which are very much congested to accommodate for 15,000 people. In fact, they are in pathetic condition. Besides, there has been rain with hail storm for the past two days. Please join us in prayer for these unfortunate refugees/fire victims.
2. Dog Bite:
Another sad incident is that, a boy of 6 years old was bitten by a mad dog in last January who expired on 18th March. He is the only child of a young couple(Mr.& Mrs. Chandra Riang). He scratched and bite his parents. Definitely, both of them will face the same fate after some months. I suggested them to go for necessary treatments. But when they consulted, the Doctor advised them to take 8 injections each which cost, Rs. 800/- per injection which comes up to Rs. 12,800/- (800 x 8 x 2). A pitiful condition is that, they are not in a position to afford the said amount. Therefore, they went back home without taking any injection/treatment rather, consulting with local physicians. I doubt that, this poisonous germs can be cured by jungle herbs. I have contributed some amount of money which cannot cover for treatment. They belong to one of the churches planted by our evangelist. The couple are new believers. They expressed with broken hearts that, for them there is no more hope. Out of frustration, many valuable items including a mobile set were buried with the boy. How sad!
Prayer Request: If our staffs and well wishers can contribute some amount of money and rescue the said unfortunate young couple, that will be a great testimony and unforgettable memory in their life. If anyone is willing to help, you may kindly send it to the given account.
MAYONSING VASHI
ACCT. NO. 20028339689
SBI AMBASSA BRANCH
DHALAI DIST. TRIPURA
3. Praise Item : Saving a precious soul on the sick bed.
Rev. Armal Musahari’s (one of the staff) grand pa had a B.P. stroke recently. Half of the body has been paralyzed. He has been bedridden for a few weeks. He is a non-believer old man (about 80 years old). God revealed him a wonderful scene in his dream. In his dream he saw Armal going to a road which led to heaven whereas he was going to a road leading to hell. As he expressed, the hell was horrible and un-imaginable. Immediately, he called Armal to come back home for necessary counseling. He expressed to armal that, “you will surely go to heaven, but for me, I will surely go to hell (norok), because I have seen already in my dream” Armal shared the gospel and he accepted Christ on his sick bed. He even asked for baptism before his death. He testified to the villagers that, “Armal’s God is the only God who can lead to heaven”. On the other hand many Hindus came and persuaded him to make puja (sacrifice to Hindu gods). Let us praise together and pray for this old man to be able to hold Christ till death. He is in comma stage.
Mayonsing Vashi & Lemila Vashi
Anshu Academies in Tripura, Part 4
Some recent photos of the completed site leveling for School and hostel construction at Ganganagar.
Lemila Vashi
Anshu Academies in Tripura, Part 3
This section deals with the current praise reports as well as prayer requests and needs in Tripura [Ed.].
The school shed is newly constructed at Jariksom through a generous contribution.
Praise Items:
Many donations, large and small, have been received which have helped us in many ways:
(Let us praise God together for the following Praise Items)
construction, furniture, bamboo walling at old bazaar shed, Ganganagar, contributions of pillars/post, khanji and other locally available materials, for a piece of land sold to us in 2010 but which the owner has graciously allowed us to pay for in January 2012.
Teachers-Parents meeting is held every month where interactions are taken up. It is a scene of parents at Ganganagar.
The Particulars of Tripura:
Total area: 10,491,69 Sq. km.
Population: 31,99,206 (2001 census)
By Religion: (2001 census)
Hindu : 27,39,310
Muslim : 2,54,442
Budhists : 98,922
Christians : 1,02,489
Sikhs : 1,182
Jains : 477
Other religions: 1,277
Prayer Requests:
Land: Please pray for Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand) only, to be paid for the cost of school land at Jariksom in next January 2012.
Furniture: Benches, desks, tables, chairs and Black Board etc. etc.
Hostels: Hostel constructions is a high demand and a pressing need. Many students cannot come due to lack of hostel accommodation . Neighboring villagers are waiting for new hostel constructions. Ganganagar is a small district town of the area. There is a bright future to get good number of students, if enough hostels are available.
2 Ring wells: Wells are badly needed for children hostel and teachers quarters. Iron content is very high in Tripura. A deep ring well is necessary to get a good quality of water.
Sanitation: Proper sanitation for children (temporary latrines/urinal & bath rooms etc.
Cemented floor.: Tripura is a sandy place. Class rooms are dusty and not hygienic. There is no means to subdue/control the dust except cementing the floor.
Poor Parents: Parents are daily wages earners, however, they have a thirst for their children education. Please pray for them to be able to support their children.
Jariksom Anshu Academy Managing Board Members with LTC/BBCC staff
Lemila Vashi & Mayonsing Vashi
Anshu Academies in Tripura, Part 2
This section deals with the current situation in Tripura [Ed.].
ANSHU is a Sanskrit word, meaning “Ray of Light”.
1. Anshu Academy Ganganagar:
It was started at an old market shed with bamboo walling. A well-wisher from the locality contributed Rs. 7,000/- for bamboo walling. Now there is an order from the government to dismantle the said old market shed. We are compelled to shift the place and construct a new one. The classes are from beginner to Class II with a strength of 105 students and 4 teachers. As the numbers of students are big, they cannot be accommodated. Some students are sitting on the mat in such a congested shed. Rev. Peter Kashung has contributed Rs. 30,000/- for combined benches and desks which is not enough for students.. They are in pitiful condition. By faith, the local Managing Board has taken a bold step to construct a new school shed. Site leveling has been started, but due to limitation of JCP, it is left unfinished which is expected to complete it very soon. The charges of site leveling pillars/posts and other locally available materials are borne by the local people as their local contributions whereas we staff are looking for CGI sheet 8 bundles for roofing. The cost of site leveling is borne partly by the local and partly by the office.
2. Anshu Academy Jariksom:
It was started last year 2010. A thatch roofing shed was constructed by its local people. From office we provided Rs. 1500/- to buy necessary stationary items to start the work. Later, an old house was purchased by Rs. 10,000/- to be used as teacher quarter. One class is upgraded every year. At present, there are 60 students (Beginner to Class I) with 3 teachers. Another old house has been purchased by Rs.15,000/- for teacher quarter. There is no benches nor desks. Children are sitting on planks. There is no water supply. Water sources are very poor. Stream water is not safe for drinking purpose. Last year two students passed away due to malaria attack. People are suffering from various Diseases like, dysentery, diarrhea, malaria, tuberculoses, gastric and other diseases which are counted to be developing countries’ diseases and are related to unsafe water. Moreover, parents from neighboring villages are urging for hostel. The school site measuring to 4 acres was purchased on a cheap price Rs. 50,000/- from a generous villager. With a great concern, he permits us to pay it in full in 2012. Now, we are looking for sources to pay back the money next year.
Mr. & Mrs. Pabanjoy, who sold a school land on reasonable price at Jariksom
We have an interaction with the parents, teachers and School Managing Board at the close of the year. It has been a valuable evaluation and feed back. Their comments and findings are shown below for your kind attention and prayer.
Comments from the Parents:
Our children have been shaped and molded like normal human beings through the help of the school. If not, they would have been like an untamed animal having no discipline and manner.
They have learnt so many new things within one year. While they were in Bangla medium schools, they couldn’t learn even Bangla alphabets. Now, they have learnt both English and Bangla alphabets properly.
Now children are more obedient, clean & tidy and well disciplined. Their minds are broaden and brightened. Great changes have been taken place within a year. We have a brighter hope in future.
A Riang mother who sells vegetables for children support.
Comments from School Board and Teachers:
Children are more regular in Sunday School attendance.
Even non-christian children also came to Sunday school from far and near.
By seeing children activities and performances, parents are more impressed and enthusiastic to construct for school extension.
Parents insisted teachers to commence a new academic session as early as possible in January next. However, since there is no readymade fund for school extension, the School Managing Board has extended till January 24, 2011.
Many parents are demanding for a hostel. At moment, there is no hostel facilities. Therefore, some parents from far villages are going to construct a small thatch roofing house for their children to stay for studies. Some villagers are willing to open children hostel by charging at the lowest rate ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 600/- per month for mess fee. But due to scarcity of water, they are not so courageous.
Many more non-believers are eager to attend on Advent Christmas next year.
Sad News:
One boy and one girl passed away due to lack of medical facilities in the area who were suffering from malaria. Both of them are lovely and good in studies. We miss them very much. The staff consoled the parents with prayer.
LTC/BBCC staff taking School text books/uniforms to the schools.
Lemila Vashi & Mayonsing Vashi
Anshu Academies in Tripura, Part 1
Human skulls are displayed at the residence of MR. RAIHAO, Chief of Hunphun/Ukhrul. Some 150 years ago, Tangkhul Nagas were head hunters. Through the coming of William Pettigrew, the first foreign Missionary to Manipur, evil practices in general and the practice of head hunting were given up and embraced the gospel. Those human skulls are still preserved for souvenir.
School a common Platform:
Majority of the inhabitants are unreached people. Christians/believers are very less in percentage. However, school becomes a common platform irrespective of creed and cast or political parties. In fact, it is a kind of binding force for all groups. Parents want to send their children at English medium schools for quality education. In the past, children were bound to study only in Bengali medium schools. The reason behind is that, majority of the people are Bengalis, and they want to impose Bengali culture and literature to the minority groups/tribals. Meanwhile, political leaders took another advantage that, the government job facilities would not be given to the candidates who come from non-Bengali medium schools. In fact, it has been another threat to the ignorant/illiterate parents. In such a way, minority poor tribals were suppressed and denied their freedom in general and in the field of education in particular. As a result, they have not been able to face in public competitive exams. Till date, English speaking people are very rare in the state. Some years back, English medium schools were introduced by Christian Missionaries in some pockets of Tripura. The products of these schools have been found very successful that, they could get white color jobs in central services. Besides, Bru Holy Bible and Bru Hymns Books are written in Roman scripts (English). With this realization, parents feel the need of sending their children in English medium schools.
A scene of Anshu Academy Ganganagar at a Market shed.
Foreign Missionaries, the eye openers in the North East India:
In the context of North East India, when the foreign missionaries came, they brought gospel with civilization and education and through which, the head hunters of north east India such as, Nagas, Mizos and Kukis could give up their social evil practices and were impressed to accept gospel, civilization and education. Wherever, the foreign missionaries landed earlier, the people could open their eyes earlier. These facts cannot be denied at all, rather it is a living testimony of the region. Now Bru/Riangs are placed under the category of Primitive Group of People (PGP) by the Indian government. Politically suppressed/oppressed and economically downtrodden They are still primitive in all areas who need to speed up to meet the standards and challenges of 21st century through getting quality education. Since last year 2010, we have started two English Medium schools with a humble beginning in remote areas. Upon the request of the parents, it has been started without a budget but just by simple faith.
Lemila Vashi & Mayonsing Vashi