Recent Blogs
- United in the Word By Rev. Shibu Cherian| 05/28/2011
- By Grace Alone By Leslie Verghese, LCSW| 11/3/2010
- Dating and Courtship By Leslie Verghese, LCSW| 03/6/2010
- Future of Indian Churches in North America By Thomas Idiculla, PhD| 07/15/2009
- Asian Indian Youth Survey By Agape Partners| 06/24/2009
- Sunday School: A Closer Look By Thomas Idiculla, PhD| 03/18/2009
- True Christianity By admin _| 03/12/2009
- The Bible Vision Video and Music By The GMnews| 03/12/2009
- Family, Parenting and Youth Seminars By Thomas Idiculla, PhD| 03/9/2009
- Indian Bible Study/Prayer Group in Boston? By Agape Partners| 01/25/2009
Recent News
Christian Counseling Survey 2012
- Published 01/25/2012
API is conducting an online survey to identify the perceived needs for Christian counseling in Indian Christian community. The survey allows us to hear from local church leaders about their perceived needs regarding Christian counseling. This survey findings will assist churches, ministries, and Pastors in strategically addressing counseling needs. When do Church leaders refer counseling to others? What are the most common counseling issues in Indian community? What role should the church have in the counseling process? What are the barriers in obtaining Christian counseling? You may complete this survey online at: API Counseling Survey 2012
Certificate in Christian Counseling Program
- Published 01/20/2012
» Read More
Phase one of the Agape Bhavan is completed
- Published 01/18/2012
Phase one of the Agape Bhavan in India is completed. This 3500 Square feet facility in a 2 Acre land is used for Children’s Home to 55 children and staff, Christian Education, Chapel, Youth Vocational Training, and Sickle Cell Anemia Education and Referral Services. The children's home will provide children with a quality education as well as a positive family environment.
L.T. Jeyachandran speaking in Waltham
- Published 01/15/2012
L. T. Jeyachandran, the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific branch of the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries will be speaking on the topic of "Trinity as the Basis of Relationships', on Jan 19, 2012 at 7PM at the IPAB, 1450 Trapelo Rd, Waltham, MA. Jeyachandran has a Masters degree in Structural Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chennai. He held various positions as an Engineer in several parts of India with the Central (Federal) Government. He discovered the meaning of new life in Christ Jesus during his undergraduate college days. He is a well known Bible expositor and conference speaker.For additional info, please contact us at: iipgne@gmail.com
» Read More
Bridging the Gap - Building the Future
- Published 01/8/2012
Philadelalphia, PA. A weekend family seminar titled "Bridging the Gap - Building the Future" will be held on January 13 and 14, 2012 at the Grace Pentecostal Church, 20 E. Church Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027. There will be separate sessions for youth and parents. This seminar presents challenges facing our generation and offers insight and practical solutions from a Christian perspective and also will empower participants to raise responsible, confident and godly famlies in a changing world. Dr. Thomas Idiculla and Leslie Verghese, LCSW will be the guest speakers at this seminar. This seminar is relevant for Indian parents of children of all ages and young people.
For additional info, please visit church website: http://www.gpcpa.org. or contact contact Rev Sabu Varghese: 215-379-1385 | 215-939-7512.
India Leadership Seminar Series 2011
- Published 10/26/2011
The social issues and the counseling needs among the Indian community have grown significantly in the last decade. “The leadership and family seminars will give an opportunity for us to interact with leaders in India and to respond to the issues confronting young people and families,” said Dr. Idiculla. Leadership seminars address challenges facing Indian community and effective ways to address these challenges using counseling. We have an unparalleled opportunity and potential to impact lives of families who are going through difficult situations by helping them wisely, humbly and effectively.
» Read More
2011 World Conference in Nashville, TN
- Published 10/12/2011
The 2011 World Conference on Christian Counseling was held from September 28 to October 21 in Nashville, Tennesse. Over 7000 counselors and christian leaders participated in this conference. Some of the plenary speakers include Luis Palau, Mike Huckabee, Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, Wess Stafford, Henry Cloud, Diane Langberg, Gary Smalley, Emerson Eggerichs. Dr. Thomas Idiculla and Rev. Leslie Verghese spoke on the topic of International & Global Issues specific to the Counseling Ministry among the South Asian Community.
The five million South Asians in the U.S. are seen as well-adjusted, as reflected in low rates of mental problems, domestic violence, divorce and high educational achievements. However, ignorance and stigma toward mental health issues, as well as a lack of culturally sensitive, competent Christian counseling resources, hinder counseling among South Asians. The presenters will offer their approach to overcoming these obstacles and their involvement in expanding the counseling ministry worldwide. The presentation will provide gain knowledge of the counseling needs of the South Asian community in the U.S. and address the need for culturally sensitive Christian counseling practice, second, explore strategic possibilities for American counselors to partner with the South Asian Diaspora in the areas of developing culturally relevant counseling models; and reveal opportunities for cross-cultural counseling ministry through research, training and mission trips to India.
Family Seminar in Chicago, IL
- Published 09/9/2011
A half-day family seminar was held on September 17, 2011 at the International Pentecostal Assembly, 6200 W FOSTER, Chicago, IL 60630. Dr. Thomas Idiculla was the guest speaker at this seminar. Several young people and couples attended this half day seminar. This seminar was organized by James K. Joseph. For additional info, click here
India Independence Day-Boston Outreach
- Published 08/16/2011
On August 14, 2011, thousands of Indians gathered in Boston Hatch Shell Center in Boston, MA to celebrate India's Independence Day. Agape Partners International sponsored a table with fellow Indian Christians and shared the counseling resources available through API ministries. The team represented from IT, Medicine and Counseling had a wonderful opportunity in sharing God's love and their testimonies. » Read More
Youth Retreat Held in Toah Nipi, NH
- Published 08/9/2011
Aug 1. A two day youth retreat was held at the beautiful Toah Nipi Intervarsity Retreat Center in Rindge, New Hampshire. This retreat was attended by over 100 participants. Attendees included teens and youths from Boston, Stamford, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Several young people given their life transforming experience during this retreat Participants enjoyed the messages, worship, interactive sessions and one to one counseling sessions. Participants’ feedbacks were overwhelming positive. Sr Jeby and Vinod George coordinated this meeting.
Health Awareness Seminar Held in Waltham
- Published 07/1/2011
Medical Awareness Seminar for South Asians: A Health and Medical Awareness Seminar focussing on South Asian Community was held on June 25 at the IPA Waltham Church, MA. Over 60 South Asians attended this health seminar. The purpose of this seminar was to create awareness on healthy life styles, preventive approach and to effectively deal with the most prevalent health related issues. The broad range of topics covered by the local physicians including cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, Women’s health and gynecology, depression and family issues, pain management, children’s health, nutrition and pharmacy issues. The expert panel included physicians and experts of Indian origin from the greater Boston area and the participants will have an opportunity to obtain individual consultation. The workshop also highlight, hands on training to do CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)-an essential life saving techniques, on the spot blood sugar (Diabetes) and blood pressure (Hypertension) checkup and classes for women on breast cancer-self examination. This event was sponsored by IPA Boston.
Family Seminar held in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA
- Published 06/20/2011
Charlottesville, VA. This seminar was held from June 4 to 5 at the Covenant Church of God, 1025 Rio Road East, Charlottesville, VA. This seminar presented challenges facing our generation and offered insight and practical solutions from a Christian perspective. Sr. Selin P. Oommen and Dr. Thomas Idiculla were the guest speakers at this seminar. .Click here for additional info.
Strangers in a Foreign Land: Revised Edition
- Published 05/9/2011
In 1998, Agape Partners International showcased its first publication venture-Strangers in a Foreign Land. This was essentially the first of its kind book in systematically identifying the struggles of survival and related issues of the Indian Christian Community in the United States edited by Dr. Thomas Idiculla.
» Read More
Family Seminar held in Irving, TX
- Published 04/2/2011
A Drowning Person has a Choice
- Published 02/2/2011
Labyrinth, authored and illustrated by Chantal Small is a story of a lonely teen sharply illustrated through vivid pictures and shares a solid biblical message to teens. This is a great Christian comic that was beautifully done. Kids and teens alike will find this story compelling. The book will be available on Agape Partners, as soon as it’s available for purchase. Meanwhile, here’s a sneak peek at the cover. » Read More
API Fourth Mission Trip Highlights
- Published 12/8/2010
Agape Partners conducted its fourth mission trip from November 18 to Dec 6. It covered 6 states/cities including Gujarat, Mumbai, Indore, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Trivandrum. The highlights of the mission trip included sickle cell screening, youth and leadership seminars in various cities including Hyderabad and Bangalore, the Calvary Training Center graduation in Gujarat. Dr. Idiculla also visited the SEAL Ashram in New Mumbai. These events were organized in partnership with local Christian churches and organizations in India. Dr Idiculla had faculty consultations with South Asian Institute of Advance Christian Studies (SAIACS), Southern Asian Bible College (SABC); United Theological College (UTC) in Bangalore; and IPC Kottyam Theological Seminary. In addition, Dr Idiculla visited the illustrious Loyola College of Social Sciences (Trivandrum) and the Indore School of Social Work and conducted presentations on Evidence Based Practice in Social Work.
The Agape Christian Welfare Foundation was formally incorporated in India during this trip to coordinate various mission projects including training, counseling, and research. Agape is also considering new partnerships and projects in empowering leadership and counseling in India along with the establishment of a sickle cell treatment clinic in Gujarat as soon as property is purchased for the physical structure.
Agape is earnestly requesting the prayers and support of partners and well wishers towards this cause.
India New England Reports about API Youth Survey
- Published 08/11/2010
Jen Richman, editor of India New England reports the recent youth survey conducted by Agape Partners International. According to preliminary findings in this latest study, which began in June and will continue through the end of the year, one of the biggest challenges facing Indian Christian youth is peer pressure. Seventy-three percent of respondents so far have reported peer pressure as the biggest life challenge, Idiculla said. One of the things Indian Christian youth are most pressured about is marriage, survey respondents have indicated.» Read More
Featured Articles
A Memorable Miracle in My Life
- By E. C. Samkutty, PhD
- Published 04/23/2011
- Youth
- Unrated
This testimony is about an incident that happened during the early years of my life in America. Today is Thursday , April 21, 2010, but my memory is flashing backwards thirty-nine years to 1972.
Encountering Religious Pluralism
- By Rev. J.P. Robins
- Published 01/25/2011
- Missions
- Unrated
Locate your spiritual ‘GPS’
- By Rev. Shibu Cherian
- Published 11/3/2010
- Christian Life
- Unrated
An article that describes our life journey as a pilgrimage, and the dire need to get directions from our Heavenly Father every step of the way.
Wedding Bells.......
- By Leslie Verghese, LCSW
- Published 10/20/2010
- Marriage
- Unrated
We live in an era where Psychology plays an integral part on the situation of marriage and related events. However, great marriages are built on a foundation of trust and not on behavioral skills. Emotional security is the cornerstone for the relationship that one wants or you simply need to feel secure in your marriage. How can we achieve that? The Bible brings us to the basics of the definition of marriage as we search for an answer. The best definition for marriage in the Bible comes from Genesis 2:24 – For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will be one flesh.
Watch Your "Life" Closely
- By Rev. Shibu Cherian
- Published 05/22/2010
- Christian Life
- Unrated
Watch Your "Life" Closely (1st Timothy 4:16). The Bible exhorts all born again believers to maintain an ethical life & be reflectors of the light of the Gospel through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Apostle Paul says that God “through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the ones who are perishing we are the aroma of death leading to death, and among those who are saved we are the aroma of life leading to life”. Since God has placed every born-again child of God with so great a responsibility, it is essential that we, as His children, be willing and committed to put into practice our Christian faith on every level of human intervention.
THE GIFT OF SLOWING DOWN
- By Rev. Francis Balla, M.Div
- Published 09/1/2010
- Christianity
- Unrated
Homosexuality and the Bible
- By Leslie Verghese, LCSW
- Published 03/6/2010
- Counseling
- Unrated
Evil in any form is a problem in the church. It always has been. The greater problem, however, is the church's failure to discipline evil when it arises. There are ministers, priests, and rabbis who never talk about sin. There was a time when the minister of God's Word preached the whole counsel of God. Today many pulpits are silent on the sin question. Sin has become fashionable and therefore acceptable. When sin gets its victim into serious difficulty, the psychiatrist and psychologist tell him he is sick. The church must face the fact of sin squarely. This article is designed in a question and answer format to review some basic aspects of homosexuality and how the Bible addresses it
THE NEW PARADIGM OF MISSIONS
- By Rev. Francis Balla, M.Div
- Published 02/4/2010
- Missions
- Unrated
What was initially created as a nerve tonic, stimulant and a headache remedy in 1886 became a world renowned brand today; Coke. Most of us enjoyed a can of Coke at one time or the other in life! Right? But how many of us know what the vision and the mission of the Coca-Cola Company is? Here is how they look at the future and their mission statement:
Scott and I (Sue) are a couple of ordinary Christians who found
ourselves in an all-too-common situation: a disappointing, miserable,
and failing marriage. We could hardly understand how we got into that
state of affairs. Twenty years along in what we thought had been a
basically happy marriage, we were at an impasse. We were full of
frustration, confusion, and anger, each convinced the other was
primarily at fault for landing us in our predicament.
‘The Parable of the Good Samaritan’ Unveiled – a True Story of Humankind
- By Rev. Shibu Cherian
- Published 10/17/2009
- Christianity
-
Rating:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the unique parables
narrated by the Lord Jesus Christ as it is found only in the Gospel of
Luke in chapter 10:30-37, and it conveys the principle of high morality
in the salvation that has been provided to the fallen humankind. The reason for Jesus to expound this parable was to answer a test
question posed to him by a lawyer, which was: “Teacher, what shall I do
to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). Jesus, knowing that this was a
learned lawyer who posed this question, replies in turn with two
questions for the lawyer to answer: “What is written in the law? What
is your reading of it?” (Luke 10:26).
Seeking the Shalom of the City
- By Rev. Francis Balla, M.Div
- Published 06/23/2009
- Multicultural Ministry
- Unrated
In 1800, only 2.5% of the world's population lived in cities. In 1900, the number had grown to 10%. Today, half of the world's population lives in vast metro areas. By 2020, 75% of people will live in cities! Floyd McClung the author of “Spirits of the City” notes, “Cities are the mountain peaks of society-trends, Ideologies, and fashions are born in the fermenting cauldron of city life- and then flow down and out to influence the populace.” Cities world wide including, Boston and Quincy share the same problems: single generation families; poverty; chemical dependency; mental illness; housing and development issues; gangs, justice and prison systems, prostitution; HIV/AIDS and much more. And also these swirling, teeming cities are multi-cultural (Jeremiah 29:7).Biblical position for Pre-Marital Counseling
- By Liza Isaac
- Published 05/6/2009
- Counseling
- Unrated
4/14 Window: Challenge of Reaching Children
- By Dr. J. N. Manokaran
- Published 05/4/2009
- Parenting
-
Rating:
It is estimated that forty percent of the population in India are
children younger than 15 years of age. One United States study
revealed that 85 percent of people who came to Christ, accepting Him as
personal Savior, were between 4 and 14 years of age. That brings a
great challenge to reach children.
Educating our children using the ‘Biblical Models’
- By Rev. Shibu Cherian
- Published 04/27/2009
- Parenting
- Unrated
Being a parent of three girls (two of them being teenagers now) and
living in a very promiscuous and liberal US society, we find that it is
a real challenge to give a proper ‘education’ to our children. Like so
many other Indian parents who have immigrated to the United States
hoping to provide a better ‘education’ to our children, my wife Nissy
and I have been dismayed to find ourselves battling a tidal wave of
cultural and social differences in the likes that we have never seen
before.
Why the Young Leave the Church?
- By Thomas Idiculla, PhD
- Published 04/21/2009
- Youth
-
Rating:
Among the Indian Churches, one-third of the young people said they were dissatisfied with the current church environment. Youths think that church is not having a positive influence on them. They are discontent with the adults in the church, especially with adult failure to live up to the truths they profess to believe.