India travel seminar: Andhara Christian Theological College
BY MICHELLE NIERLE
After a delayed flight, the UPSem group were welcomed in Hyderabad a bit after 2:00 a.m. While a bit groggy in the morning, we were soon to be enlivened and inspired with such wonderful hospitality and grateful partnership with our friends at Andhara Christian Theological College. They accommodated us first by delaying the morning worship service by two hours, so we arrived at 9:00 a.m., and we were very grateful for that! Energy heightened with joyful music, as we sang, “Saranam, Saranam, Saranam,” meaning surrender. Although I didn’t know it’s meaning at the time, the fundamental essence of Spirit-moving through song and celebration was tangible. Dr. James Taneti offered seminarians and faculty a sermon in his native language of Telugu along with English translation. It was beautifully apparent that he was home.
Dr. James Taneti
Later we would hear a provocative lecture on Ruth from Dr. Samuel Adams. UPSem and ACTC joined in conversations in both morning and evening, where students could ask questions to learn more about the issues facing Christians in 21st-century India, as well as in the U.S.
Dr. Samuel Adams
Dr. Paula Parker offered wisdom on how to face pervasive inequalities in which our social circumstances can inform each other through mindful reading of Scripture. I feel many will be reminded of her simple pointer, “You defy the lie.”
Dr. Paula Parker
We once again were fed too well, as the seminary gifted us with their generous hearts as well as lots of food — both lunch and dinner!
We engaged with women in the seminary: faculty, students, and spouses, and found that some of their favorite subjects are English and psychology, along with religious studies, offering a wide scope of education for women to thrive.
In between these fulfilling events in compassionate partnership, we went to the Ram Krishna mission center and Hindu Ashram. There, a Brahmachari offered us insight into the Hindu faith as it is practiced there, with focus on coming to an understanding of our oneness and that we are to serve. He shared the fundamental belief of liberation through knowing of one’s self in relation to liberation for the world. By serving the highest, supreme consciousness, one finds the means of liberation.
It was a very full and worshipful day, and there was such intensity of graciousness from those who welcomed us, quite overwhelming actually. A deep sense of community solidarity brought what felt to me like Saranam, as we experienced God’s loving presence through smiling eyes and open hearts.
Michelle Nierle is a Master of Divinity student at Union Presbyterian Seminary.
