The South Zone Conference of Women’s Fellowship of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese, took place on Feb 7-9, 2020 at IMPACT International. Women from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Mysore and leaders from Kottayam and Missionaries from Parakkal and Mysore came for the conference.

The conference commenced on the 7th with registration. Rev. Nebu Skaria and Rev. Darvin from Bangalore, Rev. Binu Philip from Chennai, Rev. Shalu T. Mathew, Rev John K. Mathew and Rev. Rijin P. Abraham from Parakkal and George sir, Joshi sir and Jeemol Kochamma from Mysore were the shepherds who led the flock.

The conference started with singing session led by Coimbatore Women Fellowship members. Then Ms. Ancy C. John, through ice breaking helped us to get know each other. Mrs. Mercy Shaji explained the various activities of the Women Fellowship in Kerala. This was followed by a talk by Dr. Murali Menon and Chacko sir, regarding the functioning of IMPACT. The founder Dr. Murali who laid the foundation of IMPACT explained the struggles they had to face in the beginning. The brochure was given to everyone which explained the details of the courses they offer.

The Inaugural function was at 2.00 Pm for which Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravinder, Bishop of Coimbatore Diocese arrived along with his wife. He lighted the candle and inaugurated the session. The meeting was presided by Mrs. Mini Jacob and in her presidential address she emphasised the need to have such conference for empowering women. The theme for the conference was “Encourage, Empower and Ensure” and based on this Dr. Sastri Achen composed the theme song and this was presented during the inaugural session.

We place on record our thanks to Sastri Achen and also his son Mr. Thomas Kaithayal for composing.

Bishop Timothy appreciated the Malayalam Congregation and laid emphasis as Kerala people’s involvement in church activities. He narrated the sacrifice which woman does for the family. Followed by this Mrs. Hemalatha Ravinder also greeted us.

Dr. Laila Vijayan was the main speaker for the conference. She underlined the need for women’s empowerment, quoting the example of Deborah from the book of Judges.

In the evening, the Hyderabad team led us in worship. Mrs. Ponamma gave the message. There was singing, intercessory prayer, and meditation. From 7 – 8.00 PM Dr. Murali took the Bible study. After dinner we again gathered for prayer and Mrs. Sunila Sunny gave powerful message, which enlightened every one.

Second day, morning 7.00 am the Bangalore team led the worship. Women sang and praised the Lord. Rev. Darvin K. Oommen gave the message. He exhorted us to be filled with god’s love and with that we will be able to win others to Christ.

In the mid morning session the Bishop of MKD Rt. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Mrs. Susan Thomas joined us. Thirumeni greeted and blessed the people.

The participants were put into six teams and based on the theme the groups were asked to present their views as to how best women can be an asset in encouraging and empowering women in their homes church and society. Each team came out with concrete ideas and they stressed that they would continue to do their best. Mrs. Susan Thomas was the moderator and pointed out that we should not limit ourselves to the existing but should lay our hands on new projects.

After lunch, Mrs. Athulya Sam took us to a different platform. The growing menace of IT and other developments are derailing values in our society. In this background are need to be strong based on Christian values and should strengthen families and societies.

The missionaries from Parakkal and Mysore explained the various activities that were carried out in the mission fields.

Evening worship was conducted by Chennai team Mrs. Shalini shared the Word of God. After tea we were exposed to life enhancing talk by Dr. Ravi who concentrated as general fitness.

This was followed by camp fire, dinner and talent night every parish exhibited their talents through song, skit, parady, choreography and tableau. The students from Karunya also joined us in the conference.

Sunday, 9th Feb after breakfast, we left to church. We started our worship service at 9:30.am where all took part Mrs. Susan Kochamma gave the message.

At 11:30 am, we had the valedictory session Mrs. Susan Kochamma invited comments from the women who participated. She wanted to know the uniqueness of this conference. Every one appreciated our arrangements. The meeting came to a close with Prayer and Benediction.