BLOODY BUT UNBOWED

This inspiring movie, Invictus, is based on an incredible true story of a South African leader, Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for 27 long years in Robben Islands due to the discrimination against the blacks (apartheid era) in South Africa. But he tolerated and bore everything with audacious resilience. A Victorian poem, titled “Invictus” written by William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), inspired him to stand firm when he wanted to lie down vanquished.

After release, he was elected as the President of South Africa. He faced a thorny task of managing the ‘black aspirations with white fears.’ However, Manlela confidently took up his leadership with a motto of unity. He urged his people to build up a nation of forgiveness and reconciliation, instead of celebrating petty revenge. At the end, his aim succeeded when both the blacks and whites were inspired into unity through the Rugby World Cup victory in 1995. Francois Pienaar was the captain of SA Rugby team at that time. Mandela shared the words of the poem Invictus before the world cup match with Francois. Francois led his team to a phenomenal victory inspired by the life of Mandela.

Being a Christian, we tend to celebrate revenge and act back the way we are treated forgetting the art of forgiving (Mt 18:21-22) and the greatest commandment of God (Mt 5:44-45). But we should extend our hands and support in building the nation of forgiveness, reconciliation and unity. Two beautiful quotes stays in mind long after the movie was over: “Times change and so do we” and “Everything is possible to a willing heart.”

Review of Invictus Submitted By

Lommy K. Swu, M.Div I

Myanmar Missions Meeting - A Report

CFCC and New Life College jointly hosted Myanmar Missions Meeting on July 23, 2011, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at New Life College Campus, Bangalore. Dr. Siga Arles, Director of CFCC called for this event after receiving a request from Myanmar Mission House (MMH), Bangalore. Dr. John Thannickal, Principal of New Life College, was the Chief Guest at the Seminar.

This seminar was intended as a discussion forum in order to create and spread awareness among the Bangalore Christian Leaders about having strategic ministry plans towards Myanmar migrants in Bangalore. After a brief welcome speech by Dr. Arles, Dr. Thannickal, Principal of New Life College led into opening prayer. Followed this was a video presentation on the condition of Myanmar and the need for prayer and active missional involvement. Samuel Suan brought the condition of the Myanmar community and the work of the MMH to the attention of the participants. There was a presentation on the need of higher education among the Myanmar people by Ciangnu. Dr. Siga Arles moderated the ensuing discussion session. Dr. Moses suggested that periodic medical camps be organized with the help of Med organization. Others also suggested that, MMH need to go to big conferences and distribute flyers and share their concerns in a larger level, which will attract more involvement and support for this cause.

Though the serminar was positive, only four representatives from local Christian missions/churches were present. However, this meeting served as a vision-casting meeting: the Church in Bangalore will continue to reflect its role and involvement in reaching out to migrants from Myanmar and other parts of the world.

Bangalore Joint Library Committee Meeting at NLC

                                             

Bangalore Joint Library Committee (JLC) meeting was hosted by the New Life College on July 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in the newly renovated conference hall. It was attended by 25 librarians representing various Christian colleges and Seminaries in Bangalore.

It began with prayer and brief devotion by Rev. Dr. John Thannickal, the Principal of New Life College. The main discussion was about how the stack verification list taken in different libraries. And everyone shared their experiences of how they implemented it in their respective libraries and pondered on doing it efficiently. Following the discussion, Mr. Prasad Rao (Asst. Librarian SAIACS) was unanimously elected as The Secretary of JLC, as Mrs. Rita Wesley (The Librarian of UTC) retired of her tenure. The meeting winded up with a delicious lunch and a visit to New Life College library. And a copy of the New Life College Newsletter was handed to all the librarians and was appreciated by the representatives.

The JLC conveners and representatives appreciated the initiative taken by New Life College for hosting the JLC meeting and for the hospitality extended. The next JLC meeting will be held at Christu Jyothi College, Bangalore on Nov 17, 2011. JLC has delivered 6 boxes of theological books for a very minimal transactional cost. We are thankful to Theological Book Network (TBN) for rendering such valuable service through JLC.

Mr. Linson John,

Librarian, New Life College

Grooming Leaders with Heart and Skill

“Christian Leadership should focus not only on the right set of skills but also on the spiritual dimensions of heart,” emphasized Dr. Kirk Mackie during his seminar session with New Life College Faculty, staff, Alumnus and graduating class students.

            Dr. Mackie presented his seminar in the following title: “Working on the Leader: Soul Dynamics for spiritual Leadership” on July 16, 2011. It was the first seminar to be hosted at the newly renovated conference facility at the New Life College campus. His entire presentation centered on Psalms 78:72: “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” His insightful presentation was enthusiastically received by all those present. Students and faculty also enjoyed the ensuing session of interaction with Dr. Mackie towards end of the seminar.

            It was the first time for Dr. Kirk Mackie to visit India. Currently, he is working as a Professor of Leadership and Spiritual Formation in California State Christian University, USA. He and his wife Robin had spent two weeks time at NLC, teaching and encouraging the community with their testimonies and exhortations.

NLC Publishes Its First Newsletter

New Life College published its First Newsletter in July 2011, at the start of the New Academc Year 2011-2012. This is a new venture undertaken by the Advancement office to promote the ministries of NLC.

The first edition of the  Newsletter carried the following features: Greetings from the Prinpal, Dr. John Thannickal, information on the New Students, report on the Graduation February 2011, Library updates, details of the new faculty and staff at NLC and updates on the seminars and events that took place at NLC during the summer.

NLC will continue to publish the newsletter in print once in three months, and as E-News (PDF) every month. This news letter will serve as an excellent tool of communication between NLC and its friends, partners, supporters and alumnus.

To subscribe New Life College Newsletter, email to: editor.nlcnews@gmail.com.