Romeo Nkongnou – Helping local missionaries and encouraging stewardship
September 29, 2024
East Asia October 2024 Field Report
October 29, 2024
From Identity Insecurity to Impactful Influence: ECTC and GTP
I have two names: Surakshya for my professional life and Diksha, the name my friends and family in Nepal know me by. I hold a master’s degree in counseling psychology and work as a mental health counselor. In addition to my professional role, I volunteer with various NGOs and contribute to youth activities at Lalitpur Preritiya Church.
My work involves teaching mental health awareness to different groups, including women and children, helping parents improve their parenting skills, and supporting young people as they navigate their emotions.
Surakshya with the youth of New Life IPA Church in Lalitpur, Nepal
I first learned about GTP from Prakash Chandra Giri (GTP Curriculum Developer). He encouraged me to join Journey of Empowerment (JOE). From the very first session, I became captivated. I've done many online courses but JOE was special and different from all of them.
The experience blended biblical teaching with practical strategies, allowing for deep reflection while engaging in fun activities. Through the course, I discovered my identity and purpose—something many of us, even those raised in Christian families, often struggle with. Questions like, "Is what I'm doing part of God's plan?" loomed large in my mind, but JOE deepened my spiritual connection with Christ.
Surakshya participating in On Demand Journey of Empowerment from May to June 2023
I realized I belong to a larger narrative, called to serve in mental health, community outreach, and even in challenging environments like all-male prisons. JOE reaffirmed that God loves everyone and has a purpose for each life. The biblical story of Esther resonated with me profoundly as a woman. She inspired me to set aside my desires and commit myself to serving others in my community through Christ.
One session, titled "You Matter," moved me and transformed my understanding of identity. I have long struggled with feeling different due to my premature birth and health challenges. My parents believe I survived by God’s grace. But when people asked who I was, I didn't know how to answer. Through this course, I understood that I have always mattered to God. I'm happy to have found my identity in Christ.
Surakshya replicating JOE with youth from National Theological College in Nepal
Compelled by JOE’s impact, I began sharing it with the youth in my community. I have conducted 4 sessions and trained 74 participants. Witnessing how JOE helps participants understand God's purpose for their lives convinces both me and them that we can make a difference together.
I recall a moment in my youth group when one girl, who had faced bullying for her body size, cried after sharing her story. This encouraged other girls to open up and talk about similar experiences. They realized they matter to God and He accepts them as they are.
At a Bible college, a student confided in me about his feelings of isolation and his battle with depression and anxiety. JOE has proven instrumental to help young people like him discover their identity in Christ. After one session, a woman asked if she could adapt the material for her organization, which affirmed the course's impact and reach. I gladly shared my insights and resources with her.
Surakshya moderating On Demand Journey of Empowerment with the GTP Training Team from November to December 2023
My experience with the GTP team has contributed to my personal and professional development. Recently, I became a course moderator and felt struck by the humility of Dr. Gary G. Hoag (GTP President & CEO). Unlike the typical perceptions of top-level workers, he engages with everyone and treats everyone with equal respect. I see this humility and generosity in the rest of the GTP training team, as well.
GTP treats me like family. They reflect the character of Christ and foster a supportive community. My interaction with them has helped me personally move from a place of identity insecurity and empowered me to play my part in God’s unfolding story around me with impactful influence.
Surakshya and other course moderators with the GTP Training Team at the Global Gathering 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey
The GTP on demand learning platform has become a space for sharing stories and gaining insights. I appreciate how it encourages open dialogue. This shows me that I’m not alone. Others around the world eagerly want to learn and faithfully serve the Lord in their communities. The interactive nature of the courses makes them engaging, encouraging, and spiritually enriching.
All GTP courses address pressing community and ministry needs in a biblical, practical, and engaging manner. I’m particularly interested in taking the Faith and Finances course next. I recognize that many young people overlook godly financial stewardship. Because God calls us to be good stewards of the resources He has given us, churches worldwide should learn about transparency and accountability in ministry. I encourage everyone to sign up for these transformative courses.
