In 2024, True Life Ministries had the incredible opportunity to return to Giddalur, India, for our second annual trip — and what a journey it was! With the warmest hospitality from Pastor Karna and Sandya Gosa, we truly felt like we were coming home. Their love and dedication set the tone for an unforgettable experience as we served and connected with the local community.
3 days family conference november 2024
The heart of our trip was the powerful five-day Family Conference, titled “Renewing the Mind in Marriage by the Word.” Held from November 5th until November 7th, this conference was specifically designed for pastors and their wives. We were in Giddalur, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Around 85 couples, along with 50-60 single pastors, attended the conference — many of them traveling long distances to be there. Their dedication was truly inspiring, especially knowing they weren’t paid to attend and that many pastors even slept over at the church.
We had both joint and separate sessions throughout the conference. Ruth Chayil, a Marriage and Family Therapist, led powerful and insightful teachings for the ladies, while Shepherd-Pastor Patrick conducted impactful sessions with the men. Together, we also had joint teachings focused on encouraging and strengthening marriages and families. Our focus is for real change and growth to happen through the renewing of the mind. By a change of their thinking through the teaching of the Word, we have seen incredible transformation in marriages and families over these two years. The attendees are deeply grateful, and the number of people attending the conference has continued to grow.
We, The True Life Ministries, provides for the cost of the conference. This covers all the expenses. This also includes supporting those who come by providing money for their everyday needs — income they couldn’t earn while attending the conference. This ensures they can take care of their families since we’re reaching out to the underpriviliged. These pastors don’t have places where they can focus on their own growth and maturity. And they often don’t get the correct teaching or time to study so that they can pastor their flocks in the correct direction. This is why we see this work as essential. In reality we are not just helping the pastors and their families, through them we also reach all the people that are in their congegration. When there is change in the marriage to the pastor through the renewing of their minds, they will know how to help and guide others.
Beyond the conference, we had the privilege of visiting several local churches. We have a strong desire for the growth and maturity for the saints, so that we can fulfill Scriptures together. We are one body, and we want all of us to grow into one mind and one spirit, transformed into the image of Christ, through the renewing of the mind (Phil. 2:2; 2.Cor. 3:18; Rom. 12:2). These moments were humbling and inspiring — seeing the gratefulness and eagerness of these congegrations reminded us why we do what we do.
A special highlight of our trip was spending time at St. John’s Medium School. This incredible school is shaping the future by providing education, hope, and opportunity to so many children. We had the chance to offer motivational teaching for some of the classes and for the teachers, sharing biblical principles. We were also blessed to provide them with a brand new printer — a practical gift we hope will support their important work. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were truly heartwarming. Shepherd-Pastor Patrick and Karna Gosa pray over school, knowing the impact this school has on the childrens lives and the community.
The first class that they started with, just graduated and we’re so grateful on their behalf.
You can read more on the school here.
Our time in India was filled with love, laughter, and purpose — and we couldn’t have done it without your support. As we prepare for future trips, we invite you to partner with us through your generous gifts. Together, we can continue to spread change and make a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for being part of this journey! If you want more information about the work we do, please contact us. We’re more than happy to answer any questions or comments that you hare. Click on this link to reach out to us.