The Mission Board of the Diocese is meant to organize the various mission activities of the Diocese as well as equip the people for mission work. With this in mind, various sub-committees were formed. Among them are, Campus Ministry, Teaching Ministry, Prison Ministry, Diversified Ministry, Lay Training Institute, Prayer and Convention Ministry.

The Mission Board of the Diocese of North America and Europe is meant to organize the various mission activities of the Diocese as well as equip the people for mission work. Rev. C. A. Varghese continued as the vice president till April 31, 2004 and Rev.T.A.Varghese replaced him. Several meetings of the Mission Board were arranged as conference calls. Mrs. Merry Thomas served as the convener.

The sub-committee was re-constituted with the following members: Rev. T. A. Varghese, Rev. Anil George, Rev. George Thomas and Mr. P. T. Abraham. The subcommittee continued the "Adopt an Island" program. This year Fantasia Island, off the coast of Mexico, was adopted for its total development In the summer of 2004, 145 mission volunteers from 14 Parishes helped build 41 houses, conducted V.B.S and had counseling and other educational programs. The closing function was on Oct.2nd, 2004 which was attended by The Diocesan Bishop, the Diocesan Council members and members from different Parishes. Keys of the newly built houses were handed over to the Islanders by the Diocesan Bishop. The highlight of the program was the rendering of a Malayalam song "Ethratholam Yahova Sahaichu" by the children of the Island. We also provided uniforms for the children of the Fantasia and Pontia Norte Islands. During Christmas season, gifts were arranged for the children. We thank all Parishes and individuals who collected and distributed the gifts.

Medical work in the Islands continued under the leadership of Dr.Georgie Abraham, Boston. Dr. Ambili Abraham and Dr. Pat Bell McDuffe visited the Islands from Jul29-Aug.25, 2005 and conducted a dental check-up of almost all Islanders and dental kits were provided.

The Mission board received an invitation from the Choctaw Indian Methodist church this year also to help organize a vacation Bible School for the local Indian community. In response to this call, 25 mission volunteers under the leadership of Mrs. Leila Thomas participated in the mission project at Aldersgate Methodist Church, Mt. Vernon, Alabama. The Mission Board also received a call from the Presbyterian ministry serving in the Eastern Part of Oklahoma to provide leadership to their Family Bible School and medical mission. A group of nine volunteers including 2 Healthcare professionals gave leadership to the program at Smithville, Oklahoma. During their one-week stay from June 13th to 19th, the volunteers undertook the leadership of the overall organization and structuring of Vacation Bible School. Ms. Bridgith Thomas RN and Mrs. Gigi Mathew RN visited the Choctaw homes and provided them with information on basic health care. Since teenage pregnancy was noted to be very prevalent in that community, Mrs. Gigi Mathew also gave a brief talk to the teenagers who attended the VBS. A small health clinic was also organized along with the final day closing programs.

We are thankful to the Diocese for providing this life changing opportunity for many of our members so that we are given an avenue to reach out to those who have not heard the word of God. Both teams are grateful to Rev. Simon Behanan, Kochamma, members of the Atlanta church and Rev. Anil George, vicar of the Dallas Farmer's Branch, Mr. Anil Philip, mission coordinator of the church for providing transportation and visiting the team with home cooked food.

We appreciate Mrs. Leila Thomas for effectively coordinating the programs and making this a great blessing. We also place on record the leadership of Mrs. Nirmala Abraham, and the members of the Native American and Mexico subcommittee as well as the Mission Board in making this project a reality. We also acknowledge the contribution of Dr.Abraham George, Dr.Ampili Abraham, Mr. P. M. Jacob and the sub committee in Houston under the leadership of Rev.George Thomas for all their contributions. The providence of God was explicit and vivid all through the summer program and we thank Him for all Guidance and Blessings.

Mission Board

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