The Call_GEMS Eng Mag_Dec 2018

December

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For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given. Isaiah 9:6 The Call

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THE CALL Transforming Peoples to Transform Nations

Contents From Bihar With Love

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Gospel Echoing Missionary Society

Bro. D. Augustine Jebakumar

Christmas Gospel Programs in 13 Bihar House of Prayer Dedicated in 16 Deoriya, Bihar Training Programs in Maharashtra 19 Fasting Prayer in Nepal & Jharkhand 22 Children Ministries in Bihar 28 &Maharashtra

Published for 11, 13th Cross Street, New colony Chromkpet, Chennai - 44 Ph. : 044-22386031, 044-22380295

Published by GEMS Educational Media Services 14, Jeba Nagar, Vasanthapuram south, Near Vijaya Garden, Tirunelveli 627005 Ph. : 9488771655

Field office GEMS, Sikaria, Indrapuri - 821308 Rohtas Dist., Bihar , Ph. : 06184 - 234567 (Railway station & courier centre : Dehri on Sone) Website : www.gemsbihar.org

is a Christian mission organization that serves to bring about wholesome transformation in all the lives that it touches staying true to its motto ‘Transforming peoples to transform nations’. It touches the hearts of the people through the gospel of Jesus Christ and serves as a beacon of love and hope to the deprived, disadvantaged, exploited, destitute and homeless thousands fulfilling this vision through Spiritual, Educational, Medical and Humanitarian Services primarily in Bihar, other Northern States of India and beyond since 1972.

E-mail : gems@gemsbihar.org

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Beloved Prayer Partners in Christ Jesus,

From Bihar With Love

Greetings in the name of the LORD God Who sets apart the godly for Himself (Psalm 4:3), and Who does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right(Acts 10:34, 35). Season’s greetings to you as you celebrate the giving of His Son this Christmas.

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Our days are not so different from the days in which Jesus was born. We find similarities in every aspect of life such as political, spiritual, economic and religious.

We may very well agree with the preacher: ‘‘Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time’’ (Eccl 1:10)?

One important lesson that we learn from Christmas is that it is people who are insignificant – poor, lowly, and abandoned, whom God chose to fulfill His plan on this earth. So when we look around current situations of hopelessness, we can still learn to be godly like those people in the Christmas story by meditating on them.

So let me briefly explain the situation that was prevalent at the time of first Christmas and also look at some of the people in the Christmas story.

May the Lord add and give us the required clarity and grace.

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Political Situation – Foreigners and slaves in their own land In the days of Nehemiah, when Israel was under Babylonian rule, he lamented thus: “But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our ancestors so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us.

They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress” (Neh 9: 36, 37).

At the time of Jesus’ birth Israel was under Roman rule.

Romans levied taxes and lived pompously out of Israeli taxes.

Taxes were collected compulsorily even from those who were not required to pay it (Matt 17: 24-26). Even the few appointed rulers from among Israel were a burden to people.

People were afraid to live in their own land (Matt 2:22).

They made laws at their whim and fancy subjugating Israel.

Think of Herod ordering the killing of male children below the age of two at a whim (Matt 2:16). He was a king and he didn’t want anyone to rise up as a king against him. Many a times laws are brought in place today just for selfish interests of the ruling elite.

When a census was ordered it was mandated that everyone should go to their native place for registration (Luke 2:1-6) without giving any considerations to the inconveniences that would cause the people. After all they were slaves under Roman rule who could be subject to any ordeal!

In many places in our country and elsewhere similar situations prevail.

Spiritual Situation – An outward show The common people were living according to the traditions imposed by people in religious positions. These people in power laid heavy loads that were hard to bear, on the shoulders of common people which they themselves would not lift a finger to make them lighter. These so called leaders The Call

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did all their deeds to be seen by men; they loved the place of distinction and honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation, and to be greeted with respect in the market places and public forums, and to have people call them Rabbi (Matt 23:4-7). Outwardly they seemed to be just and upright to men, but inwardly they were full of hypocrisy and lawlessness(Matt 23:28).

They taught people that what parents should have gained from their children – monetary or other help - is already dedicated as a gift to God. Therefore the children were exempt and no longer under obligation to honour and help their parents (Matt 15: 4-6). In their utter blindness they did not want people who came to worship to be delivered or set free (Luke 13:14, 6: 6-11).

While they showed interest in using the offerings to decorate the temple (Luke 21:5),they were unconcerned about the lame who begged at the temple gate (Acts 3:2). They didn’t seem to be bothered that the blood of some of Galileans was mixed with the sacrifice by Pilot (Luke 13:1). The widows were no safe even in the temple of God (Matt 23:14)! They sought people who would tell them soothing words and were not interested in convicting preaching (Luke 4:23-30).

And the ruling council and the High Priest did not want their position taken away and were careful about retaining it (John 11:47-48).

Social Situation – division along ethnic lines ‘What is in it for me’ was the prime thought in everyone’s mind leading to being blind to the needs of others. That selfishness made them think that everyone was after them for some gain or the other. That is what we see from various incidents in the gospel accounts. Think of situations like the paralyzed man brought to Jesus in the heavily crowded house (Mark 2:1-4), Zacchaeus who had to climb a tree to see Jesus in a crowd (Luke 19: 3-4), the sinner woman who wanted to

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repent (Luke 7:39), etc. where the people rushed prioritizing their self over the needy.

Soldiers and tax collectors were taking bribes and John the Baptist had to point this out to them when they came to him (Luke 3: 12-14). They were experts in filing false cases against the vulnerable and treating other ethnic people as outcasts or dogs.

There was no compassion; a pregnant woman who was expecting her baby any moment, despite being among her own people and place, couldn’t find anyone to take her in (Luke 2:7). The levirate law required that wife of the dead be given as wife to the next living brother. Seven brothers died but none of those speaking to Jesus had the mind to consider the plight of this poor woman. They were bothered about whose wife she should be at the resurrection (Matt 22: 25-29).

Man wasn’t important but money (pigs) was (Mark 4:17).

The list can go on. Outwardly they were religious but lacked humanity.

Governments around the world are legalizing same sex marriage and declaring adultery by either sex to be no sin.

We have lost meaning of righteousness.

The recent “me too” campaign has opened the floodgates of hatred and animosity. What happened 30-40 years back is brought out to dishonour one another, sow hatred, and reap damage. It is a worthy cause if it leads to repentance. But it has only brought further hatred leading to suicide, religious divisions, mass hysteria, resulting in strife and loss of peace.

Light in the Midst of Darkness Although the political, spiritual and social situations were horrific there was still witness for God’s light through insignificant people, raising hope. Let us look at some of them and learn lessons.

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Joseph: He was a simpleton and a very poor carpenter. In spite of knowing that the first born of Mary was the very Son of God, he could not afford a lamb for sacrifice during the circumcision ceremony of the Boy, instead offered just pigeons (Luke 2: 24). Nevertheless the Lord, who knew that they had to flee to Egypt, sent gold as gift through the Magi!

How mindful is our Lord.

Joseph was weak but responsible; fearful but firm to do God’s will. He was compassionate and righteous (Matt 1: 19). He was willing to obey God even to a command received in a dream (Matt 1:24); he had control over his desires (Matt 1:25) and he did not seek respect and honour (Luke 2:48, 49).

Mary: Her response to the angel was simply, ‘be it unto me’ for she was the ‘servant of the Lord’ (Luke 1:26-28). She was kind and courteous to greet others so much so the baby in their womb leapt (Luke 1: 40, 41). That did not make her proud, but made her to sing that ‘the Lord lifts the lowly’ (Luke 1:52).

Their poverty, their weakness and lack name and fame didn’t bother her. She did not know to sulk or shout. The wonderful prophecies concerning her Son and concerning herself did not make her faint (Luke 2:17-19, 34, 36).

Zechariah: He remained righteous in the sight of God by walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord even when the world around was going towards destruction, the priests were lawless, the voice of the Lord was not heard for centuries and his wife was barren.

Although the vision of the angel of God made him dumb for a season, when his mouth was opened, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he gave hope to the people through prophetic utterances. He rejoiced saying that the sun had risen upon Israel. He was careful to bring up his child of old age for God. Elizabeth: As she had committed herself to walk righteously before God with her husband, the barrenness did not make her stumble. She had great regard to the word of God through The Call

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the angel (Luke 1:45).

Anna: Though she became a widow at an early age, it did not move her away from God. Even at 84, her devotion to God by fasting, worship and prayer did not diminish. The presence of the Lord made her a prophetess. She was proclaiming the birth of Jesus to others and was an encouragement to those who were awaiting the arrival of Messiah (Luke 2: 36-38).

Simeon: What made Simeon endure? He was righteous, godly and full of the Holy Spirit. He was waiting for the promise of God of the coming of the Messiah to be fulfilled.

He had learnt to know the leading of the Lord and to obey it immediately (Luke 2:26-27). And he knew to identify the gift of God - His son. He understood that the Son of God will be the King of kings and Saviour of the world Who would bring hope to heathen as well.

The Wise Men: Although they lost their way relying on their own knowledge, wisdom and the star that lead their way brought them to the right place eventually. When they saw Mary and the child, knowing that the Child is worthy of worship, they gave Him their offerings (Matt 2:11). When God warned them in a dream, they were ready change course and were willing not to please an earthly king (Matt 2:12).

Shepherds: They saw and heard the host of heavenly angels and in spite of such spectacular vision they were more drawn to the Son of God in the manger. They went proclaiming everyone about Him (Luke 2: 20).

Even today God is seeking such simple people in this world.

Only such can walk in the ways of the Lord without defiling themselves by the world, and become vessels that are trust worthy of the Lord. They have committed their lives to pray, to work and to glory only in the Lord Jesus. They do not fear to pay any price for obedience. They have yielded themselves to fulfill the will of God to their utmost in spite of their own The Call

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limitations. There is no complacency in them in telling about the Saviour to the world. Poverty and weakness does deter them from their commitment.

It is wonderful to see that in this evil generation there are people who fear God. How blessed it is for us to be among them. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

This Christmas season let us ponder on this and make the season meaningful. May we make others behold Him too.

Glory be to Him. In His Vineyard Bro. D. Augustine Jebakumar

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Baptism Service , Sikaria

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Developing Musahar People

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Fasting Prayer – Karwandiya

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Developing Musahar People Musahars, who are traditionally rat eaters are the most backward and highly marginalized people of Bihar. They are landless labourers who live in harsh conditions; because of which many infants die in severe summer and rains and in extreme cold climate.

GEMS adopted a village of Musahars in Koath, Bihar in April 2013 and began to work for their rehabilitation and development. 50 children were enrolled initially and now 75 are catered by the GEMS humanitarian services here. It began as a day-care centre through which the children received nutritious meal twice every day and sanitary items like toothbrush, paste, soaps and hair oil for better personal hygiene.

These children who were left hunger-stricken previously began to grow healthy. They were admitted in the nearby government school and were provided with pencils, pens, books, notebooks, school bags, uniforms and footwear. They received proper medical care during sicknesses.

But they would go back to live in harsh conditions. Seeing their pathetic condition, GEMS involved their labour and assisted them to raise the standard of their huts; but had to face opposition from the government, for reinforcing their lives, for they were settled in the encroached lands.

GEMS submitted an application to the District Magistrate, requesting allocation of lands for these people, the poorest of the poor, detailing their pathetic living conditions. After three years of challenges and persuasion with the government officials, lands were finally allotted and 48 families received lands registered in their names in August 2017.

Witnessing this amazing work of God, God’s people began to support and in the first phase houses could be built for eight families.

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Thousands Receive the Gospel Message in Christmas Celebrations in Two Towns of Bihar Gospel crusades were conducted in GEMS fields of Bhabua and Jehanabad in Bihar through which the Christmas message was shared to more than five thousand people.

Bhabua

The Christmas Milan program at Bhabua was conducted from 30th Nov to 2nd Dec 2018 in which every evening more than three thousand people attended.

The workers of GEMS Bhojpuri 1 Zone did all the pre-arrangements and the announcements under the leadership of Bro. Anandan (Zonal Superintendent, B1) and with the guidance and support of the Western Regional Director Bro. Vincent Jeyaraj.

T h e Western Region missionaries led the people in praise songs in Bhojpuri and Hindi and Bro. Noble and the choir led in praise and worship.

Every evening cultural programs were held through which the The Call

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Christmas message and thoughts on social issues were displayed by the students of GEMS English School-Bhabua, GEMS Polytechnic CollegeAurangabad and GEMS School of Nursing-Sikaria.

On the first day the Executive Director of GEMS Bro. T. Emerson shared the Christmas message and on the consecutive days Bro. Mariyosh and Bro. Rakesh (Associate Director, CP) shared the messages. The people were touched by the word of God and committed during prayer.

Jehanabad Christmas gospel crusade was conducted in Jehanabad from 23rd to 25th Nov 2018 in which nearly 1500 people heard the gospel message.

The arrangements were made by the workers of Magahi 1 Zone with the guidance of Bro. Dayanand Singh (Zonal Superintendent, M1 Zone) and Bro. Victor Immanuel (Eastern Regional Director). People were led in praise and worship by Bro. Arjun Karmali (Regional Director-Interim, Southern Region).

Students of GEMS English School-Koderma, GEMS Action CentreMakhdampur, GEMS Polytechnic CollegeAurangabad and believers of GEMS House of PrayerJehanabad performed cultural programs through which the Christmas message was shared.

Bro. Emerson (Executive Director), Bro. Praveen Das (Zonal Superintendent, Sonebhadra) and The Call

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Bro. Rakesh (Associate Director, CP) shared the messages consecutively on the three evenings.

Pray for the people who heard the gospel messages in the Christmas crusades at Bhabua and Jehanabad.

Pray for the people to be reminded and convicted by the Holy Spirit that they may commit to the gospel and be transformed.

Pray for effective follow up in these places so that the people may eventually become disciples.

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GEMS House of Prayer Dedicated for the Glory of God in Bihar GEMS House of Prayer in Deoriya in Bihar was inaugurated for God’s glory. The church is in the Bhojpuri 2 Zone of GEMS Northern Region.

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The dedication service of the GEMS House of Prayer in Deoriya was conducted on 29th November 2018. The Executive Director of GEMS Bro. T. Emerson dedicated the church with prayer.

Bro. Sajan (Zonal Superintendent, B2 Zone) led the congregation in praise and worship. Bro. Emerson exhorted the people on the importance of gathering as a church and to grow in the word of God and prayer.

The dedication service was attended by many missionaries and leaders; Bro. Rakesh Kumar (Associate Director, Church Planting), Bro. Benjamin (Northern Regional Director) and Bro. Jayaseelan (HoD, R&D) felicitated the ceremony. The dedication ceremony came to a close with prayer and vote of thanks shared by Bro. Benjamin.

Bro. Simon Gosh serves as the missionary pastor at Deoria.

Pray for his family and the ministry.

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Praise God for enabling to build and dedicate this church in Deoriya.

Pray that the believers of Deoriya church will grow in the Lord, His word and will be living & effective witnesses.

Pray that the believers will demonstrate the gospel through their lives, word and through good works in the society.

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Pastors, Church Leaders and Believers of Maharashtra Equipped thru Trainings GEMS Maharashtra conducted meeting for pastors and church leaders in Ratnagiri and believers who completed the MPTC course were certified.

Church Leaders Meeting

The pastors and church leaders of Konkan were motivated through a one-day meeting conducted in Ratnagiri on 10th Sep 2018 in which 50 leaders participated.

Bro. Ravi Shinde of GEMS Maharashtra arranged the meetings and Bro. MeghnathPowar& Bro. Sanjay Panhalkar (Zonal Superintendent, The Call

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Maharashtra) exhorted the people in the topic ‘Workers of King Jesus’.

MPTC Graduation

The first batch of M P T C (Missionary Preparatory Tr a i n i n g Course) conducted in Kolhapur

completed the course.

21 people graduated and 5 people were given certificate of participation in the program conducted at the Wilder Memorial Church, Kolhapur on 22nd Aug 2018 in which more than 250 people of all denominations attended.

Rev. Sanjay Francis shared the Word and Bro. Samson Suresh shared about the course. Along with them Rev. Hirave and The Call

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Bro. Sanjay Panhalkar distributed the certificates.

Pray for the pastors and church leaders who attended the leaders meeting in Ratnagiri to be effective witnesses to the gospel in the Konkan.

Pray for the Kolhapur MPTC graduates to live and practice missions and to commit & do God’s perfect will.

Pray for the ministries of GEMS Maharashtra to equip & train many more believers & leaders.

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Missionaries Fast and Pray in and for Nepal and Jharkhand Fasting Prayers were held in Jharkhand and Nepal in which missionaries of GEMS participated and prayed together for the State and the Nation and also took time for self & team introspection.

Nepal

The yearly workers fasting prayer of GEMS Nepal was conducted in Jeetpur, Nepal from 28th to 30th Nov 2018 in which all the missionaries, Bible Men and Bible Women The Call

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attended. Altogether 40 people participated.

Under the title “Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth� (Isaiah 41:15) Dr. Ashok Kumar (Associate General Secretary) and Bro. BabuRajareehan (GEMS English School, Sikaria) ministered the Word of God. They dealt with reconciliation with God, self-denial and on passion for Jesus. The meeting brought a great breakthrough among the workers. Bro. Vijay C (Administrator, Nepal) organized the meetings.

Jharkhand Fasting prayer was organized in Pochra, Jharkhand in which all the missionaries and leaders of GEMS working in Jharkhand

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participated and prayed for the State on 1st Sep 2018.

Bro. Arjun Karmali (Regional Director-Interim, Southern Region) led the gathering in praise and worship. Bro. T. Emerson (Executive Director, GEMS) exhorted the people with the word of God.

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Bro. Paul V (Zonal Superintendent, Vananchal Zone) led the prayer for the mission fields and the local issues, Bro. Peter (Regional Director-Designate, Southern Region) led in prayer for the social issues of the State related to poverty, casteism, Bro. Naveen David (Asst. Zonal Superintendent, Jharkhand Zone) led in prayer for the prevailing persecutions and for the protection of missionaries & believers and Bro. SanjitPani (Jamshedpur) & Bro. Anand Daniel (Ranchi) led in prayer for the state government and for the revival of the state, Bro. Santhappan (Zonal Superintendent, PEACE 1 Zone) led in prayer and Bro. Rakesh (Associate Director, GEMS-Church Planting) led in prayer for the GEMS supportive ministries in Jharkhand like the educational institutions, children ministry, GYM, social projects.

Pray for Nepal and for the ministries of GEMS in this nation that the kingdom of God may expand.

Pray for the State of Jharkhand and especially for the issue of prevailing persecutions, that the believers & missionaries may be encouraged amidst trials to stand strong.

Pray for all the believers & missionaries of Nepal & Jharkhand to be effective witnesses to the gospel and pray for the people to respond to the gospel and to be saved & transformed.

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Children Club Leaders of Bihar and Children of Maharashtra Encouraged thru Programs GEMS JET Club Leaders meeting was conducted in Bihar in which 150 JET (Juniors Evangelistic Thrust) leaders attended.

The children of GEMS project in 32 Shirala, Maharashtra

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were encouraged through volunteers from Hyderabad.

JET Club Leaders Meeting The GEMS JET Club Leaders meeting was conducted at GEMS Darbhanga Timothy Bible College campus, Bihar from 27th to 29th Sep 2018 in the theme “Come, Let Us Build�. 150 club leaders participated in the training.

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The program began with an opening session by Bro. Isaac Daniel (Dean, TBC Darbhanga) followed by the Sandhya session by children department staff Bro. Sachin and Bro. Ashok Pal. The following topics were dealt in the meeting: Sin and Salvation, Blood of Jesus, Temple of God and Holy Spirit and the sessions were taken by Bro. Deva Kumar, Bro. Isaac Daniel, Bro. Rajkumar, Bro.Munna Kumar, Bro.Makesh, Bro. Moses and Bro. Manilal (Zonal Superintendent, Maithili Zone).

Children’s Program A team of volunteers from Hyderabad visited the GEMS children’s project Dayasagar in 32 Shirala, Maharashtra on

29th Sep 2018 and taught songs for the children. They also gave gifts to the children.

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the project children and they displayed their creativity. 140 children participated.

The children who won the competition were given prizes by Bro. Peter Jeyaraj (Regional Director-Designate, Southern Region) and Bro. Sanjay Panhalkar (Zonal Superintendent, Maharashtra).

Pray for all the JET club leaders who attended the meeting that they may serve with burden for children realizing their call.

Pray that through all the JET clubs the children and teens may know Jesus and be transformed in their character and wholesomely.

Pray for all the children of the Maharashtra project that they may know more the Lord and grow in His likeness.

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Youth Camp 1.

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18 to 35 years of age Registration Fee is Rs. 700/Food and Accommodation will be provided Separate accommodation for gents and ladies Bring your Bible and Blankets From the beginning to the end all participants should stay in the

camp accommodation Children are not permitted Registration forms are available at the GEMS Action Centre, Chennai (11, 13th Cross Street, New Colony, Chrompet) and as well in all GEMS Promotional Centres and with the Coordi

nators and Representatives. You can also contact stephen@gemsbihar.org and can get the online registration form.

9. Filled forms should be sent by or before 10 Dec 2018.

10. All buses from Chennai – Koyambedu that go via ECR towards

Cuddalore and Puducherry, go through Paramangeni.

11. Camp Address:

TWR Campus

East Coast Road (ECR), Paramangeni Village

Mudaliyarkuppam Post, Seiyur Taluk

(Via) Koovathur, Kancheepuram – 603305 12. Admission ONLY for the first 1500 registrations

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