South Asia

Samuel Sunil Mankhin

I’m Samuel Sunil Mankhin, aged 57 years old. I am married to Mary Monita with two adult children.

I have a B.A from Dhaka University and a B.D from Bishop's College, Kolkata, India (under the Senate of Serampore). I worked as an ordained Priest and Dean for 20 years and subsequently was consecrated as a Bishop and Deputy Moderator in Church of Bangladesh (CoB) for ten years.

I am currently the Moderator of CoB. I'm also one of the Primates among the 38 Arch Bishops of the Anglican Communion. Last year in Cairo, I was elected as the Secretary in the House of the Arch Bishops of the Global South Anglicans. I’m also the President of the NCCB (an Ecumenical Body of 23 different churches and seven ecumenical bodies including Bangladesh Bible Society, College of Christian Theology Bangladesh and Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh).

I’m also involved as a host to work on ‘Freedom of Religion or Belief -FoRB leadership Network’ in Bangladesh. This is a project from the British Government through the Church of England among all faiths in Bangladesh.

Some challenging works at the moment include CoB's self-sustainability and encouraging the congregations to be more missional in the light of CWM's MSP4. A few years ago, I attended the Regional Meeting of CWM held in Kolkata. Last year, I attended the General Secretaries meeting of CWM, held in Rotorua, New Zealand.

My hobbies include volleyball, badminton, bible reading, praying, gardening, music, singing and publishing English Newsletters to Christians worldwide.

Shikha Biswas

My name is Shikha Biswas, I am married to Mr. David Mondol and we have a teenage daughter. I am 47 years old and I am representing the Church of Bangladesh.

I have a Masters of Education from the Bangladesh Open University. I have been working as a General Secretary in Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) since 2006 in the Jashore area. I have been involved in empowering women, focusing on different issues ranging from environmental protection; governance; children’s and health rights; sexual reproduction; domestic violence and legal support.

In recognition of my work in empowering women, I was an honourable recipient of the “Joyeeta Award.” The prize is awarded to women who play a significant role in promoting economic self-resilience, social development, education and employment, or rebuilding life after repression.

I am a Synod Executive Member where my main focus of work is to support implementing our church’s Mission Support Programme to make us more missional. I have also been involved in Member Church Initiatives to enhance the Capacity Building Programme in the Church of Bangladesh since 2017.

Harold Sougato Baroi

I am Dr Harold Sougato Baroi, representing the Church of Bangladesh (COB). I did my Masters in Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi and MPhil in Public Policy at the University of Bergen, and completed my PhD in Human Rights at Macquarie University.

I have been involved in teaching at the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh as a Professor of Public Administration where I teach social and public policies, qualitative research methodology and governance since 2010. For the last 18 years, I have been involved extensively in leading and managing development and research projects with different development partners that include UTS Sydney,-DEC-UK, Tear Fund UK, Plan International, Leprosy Mission International, World Vision International, Lutheran Prayer Mission, Bread for the World, CASA India, Water for Women, HEKS Switzerland, etc. My research works have been published in International Journals.

I am also actively engaged in mentoring the youth of the local church and volunteering church-led activities. CWM is a long-term mission partner of COB, supporting various capacity building initiatives, particularly, Face to Face, Face the Facts, Training in Mission (TIM) which have been their flagship program over the years.

CWM has been supporting COB to be a more missional congregation for years. I have had the opportunity to closely observe some of these programs and to understand CWM’s works through local churches, which has had a profound impact on how I construct my understanding of mission work as a whole.

My hobbies include reading books, listening to songs and watching sports.

Ornob Mondol

I’m Ornob Mondol, a youth servant leader in Rajshahi City Church, Church of Bangladesh.

I’m studying my BBA at Notre Dame University. I have been serving my church youth program as a youth member. In church, I have developed leadership skills which include event planning, organization, and team-work. I’m a volunteer of the Red Crescent Society in my University; we organise blood donation campaigns and winter clothing collection for vulnerable people in the community.

I was nominated by our Synod Executive Committee to attend the upcoming CWM Assembly in South Africa in 2021. I attended the CWM South Asia Pre-Assembly orientation in Kolkata in February, 2020. It’s been a privilege to meet amazing faith-builders who are serving for God’s Mission. This event has impacted my personal reflections on how God is flourishing in our own lives and communities with peace and justice. I am spurred in contributing to my local church and communities through my learning and leadership.

I am a good team-player, supportive and encouraging – qualities of a good leader. In addition, I’m confident in taking new challenges and always ready to learn new things.

Photography, sports, travelling, cooking and music are my areas of interest. I also have a heart for missions in other countries including my country because I feel the burden to help the people who are in need of God’s love, peace in this world of turmoil.

C. Fernandas Rathina Raja

I am C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, serving the Lord as General Secretary in the Church of South India (CSI) and Lay Secretary in the CSI Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad.

After completing my Degree in Law; I was led and challenged by a few godly men into Church administration. Since 2004, I have served the local diocese and Church of South India in various capacities. During this tenure, I have served as one of the Diocesan Officers for more than 14 years. I have also served as a member of CWM in the year 2009.

I am happily married to Mrs. F. Fortune Ponmalar Rani, who is presently working as Headmistress at a Govt. Aided Higher Secondary School in Madurai and our two sons are pursing a Higher Education in Medicine.

Apart from my regular responsibilities, I am involved in counselling young individuals and married couples. We have initiated a series of training for young individuals to prepare themselves to start and maintained a successful Christ-centered family in the present-day context. I have also taught Church Administration and Legal matters to the new upcoming Pastors. Having experience in the field of Law and Administration, I would share my expertise by bringing together the administrative techniques and legal matters that arise in the Church.

K. Reuben Mark

I am Rt. Rev.Dr.Prof.K. Reuben Mark, Deputy Moderator of Church of South India and Bishop in Karimnagar Diocese. I was consecrated into Episcopal Ministry as a Bishop of Karimnagar Diocese on 4th May 2015 and as Deputy Moderator of Church of South India on 12th January 2020.

I did my graduation in the field of Commerce from University Arts and Science College, Kakatiya University, Warangal, and I did my theological studies, Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) & Master of Theology (M.Th.) from United Theological College, Banagalore & Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 2001-2008: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), in (Theology) at Copenhagen University, Denmark (2001-2004) transferred and completed at Sam Hagginbotham University of Agricultural and Technological Sciences, Allahabad, India – University Grants Commission Affiliated University (2005-2008).

I served as an ordained priest of CSI in town, industrial and rural churches and I also served as a faculty in Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad affiliated to Senate of Serampore College & University for 19 years.

Travelling is my hobby and mostly into woods for I love nature. Being a National football player, I love watching football game. Knowing what is loneliness and physical suffering during my prolonged sickness lying on a bed like a dead body, I love to always work to empower the poor in word and deed. Being an ordained priest who served in parishes as a priest and in theological colleges as a faculty who taught Homiletics, I love to preach by reflecting the scriptures from the present contextual situations.

Prema Sarojini

I am Prema Sarojini, I am married to Mohan Manoraj, Bishop of Karnataka, Southern Diocese. I am a lecturer with a Post Graduate in arts (M.A) and education (M.Ed). I completed my doctoral studies (PHD) in English Literature and also have a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Studies.

I am teaching in the college and I enjoy working among the Dalit and tribal children giving awareness about health, education and the environment. Apart from teaching, I am serving as the president of the women's fellowship of Karnataka Southern Diocese. I am involved in women's empowerment activities like self-help groups and sustainable development programs.

I have participated in the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women-South Asia seminar, Myanmar, February 2018.

Ditto Prasad

I am Ditto Prasad, an assistant Professor and Chaplain of CMS College Kottayam, Kerala, India. I belong to the Mateer Memorial Church built by the London Mission Society in 1906, located in Trivandrum (the capital city of Kerala).

I found the CWM South Asia Region 2020 Pre-Assembly theme 'Rising to Life with Jesus' the true need of the day, especially amongst youth where I found my calling to don the role of a friend, spiritual mentor and educator.

My visions:

• As a professor of English language and literature- to bridge the gap between the dreams of my students and their achievements, especially by providing them with the language tools to imagine, create and do.

• As a college chaplain- to prompt the college community of God's word and to be a witness of the unchanging love of Jesus Christ.

• As a youth representative delegate of the CWM South Asia region- I pray to hold true to God's great commission.

I am tech savvy and enjoy organizing events, socializing and problem solving. I am an enthusiastic reader and like to read C. S Lewis, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and S.T Coleridge.

Bicillica Phangchopi

My name is Bicillica Phangchopi. I am from Umpanai Presbyterian Church, The Presbyterian Church of India (Karbi Anglong Presbyterian Church Synod). I am an advocate (jr) by profession at Gauhati High Court, Assam, India.

I came to know about CWM through the through Presbyterian Church of India who established Karbi Anglong Presbyterian Church – an Synod that was established in 2015.

I am always keen to up-skill by learning new things wherever I get chance. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with kids, friends, I like meeting new people, travelling, adventures and socializing.

I wish and pray the Lord’s richest blessings on all leaders and members of CWM whose work is devoted for the Kingdom of God. May the Mission continue to grow more.

Lalawmpuia

My Name is Lalawmpuia and I belong to Presbyterian Church of India. I am currently pursuing my Post Graduate course at Mizoram University. I also do part-time Photography at weddings, events, portraits for local magazines, etc. along with some graphic design for clients, so, interaction and negotiation with people is natural for me as it comes with the line of work.

Other than my participation as a Youth Delegate at the CWM South Asia Region 2020 Pre-Assembly at Kolkata, India, I haven't had any involvement with CWM. However, CWM is not new to me as our church has been very much involved with the CWM programmes and we often hear about people attending CWM programmes from our church newsletters and announcements.

Regarding education, I have a background of both Philosophy and Journalism that familiarises me with life and religion, along with skills of communication with people. Being a recipient of the President's Scout Award (Rashtrapati Award for Scouting), leadership has been a quality for me throughout my educational journey and at my duties at church youth fellowships as well.

Apart from my education and church responsibilities, I am also an adventurer and a mountaineer. My adventure sport hobby has helped in preparing me for future hardships and problem-solving capabilities at emergencies. I have had First Aid and Rescue trainings along with my mountaineering training that helped me conquer B.C. Roy Peak at 18000 ft. in 2013 which was a great achievement for me.

Giron Samely Lyttan

I am Rev Giron Samely Lyttan. I am married to Mrs Pyrtashwa Suchiang, we are blessed with 9 children (5 girls and 4 boys). I am the senior administrative secretary of Presbyterian Church of India. I was ordained by the PCI (KJP Synod) in 1992. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th); Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.); Master of Arts (Sociology) (MA) and a B & CH (Homoeopathy) (Kolkata).

My experiences include:

(1) President and Adviser, Khasi Jaintia Christian Endeavour Union
(2) Executive Secretary, Shangpung Presbytery
(3) Executive Secretary, KJP Synod
Holding various portfolios i.e. Education, Social and Economic Life Development, Mission and Evangelism, Youth affair, etc.
(4) Senior Executive Secretary, K.J.P. Synod Mihngi,
Holding various portfolios, i.e. Administration, Finance Dept., Social & Economic Life Development, Pastoral Ministry.
(5) Member, Executive Committee, National Council of Churches in India.
(6) Member, Executive Committee, Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, Bangalore.
(7) Administrative Secretary, Presbyterian Church of India Holding portfolios i.e. Communication, Youth affairs, Mission & Evangelism, Financial Management Administration etc.
(8) CWM Program:
(i) Completed three Colloquium in three countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan) on New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA).
(ii) Attended: “New Model of Evangelism in Engaging the Migrants” from 19th to 23rd June, 2017 at Hongkong.
(iii) Attended: Annual Members Meeting, 2018 at Kolkata, India.
(iv) Attended Annual Members Meeting 2019 at Samoa.