February 18, 2026 • Colin Shuler

BTI Instruction Brings Encouragement to Leaders in India

It was a great honor and privilege to journey to India in December as a BTI instructor for The Church of God! 

After nearly 26 hours of travel (which included flight connections and customs processing), Brother Paul Horton and I arrived at Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu, India, where we were cheerfully met by two of the host Overseer’s sons for the short ride to what would be our home for the next week. We then settled into our rooms for some needed rest before the days of teaching that lay ahead. Our gracious host and National Overseer, Waterfall Vedha (India – Tamil Nadu State), assembled over 50 leaders from his area to attend this school. We were also honored to be joined by three other National Overseers: Brother Johny Varkey (India – Kerala State), Brother David Selvam (Malaysia), and Brother Jude Nicholas Fernando (Sri Lanka). 

Mornings began quite early for Brother Horton and me. We struggled adjusting to the over 10-hour time difference, which meant we usually woke up between 2:00 and 3:00 A.M. Unable to go back to sleep, we were content to use the time for prayer and preparation before riding to the local church for each day’s classes. Since the majority of India is Hindu, we were cautioned about displaying our Bibles while there, being reminded more than once to place them inside our backpacks. 

Our days were filled with the teaching of BTI lessons we had brought for the eager students, and invitations for their questions allowed regular opportunities to clarify and further establish the area ministry and leadership in the doctrine and principles of the Church. A special treat for us was “tea-time,” as hot tea was served to the entire school each morning during one of our breaks. We also enjoyed daily lunch meetings and wonderful fellowship with the host Overseer (cooked and served by his gracious family). 

Our last chance for ministry was the Sunday morning service, which allowed many others from the area to attend. The number gathered required that a wall of the building be removed to make room for the people who overflowed into the street. After a joyous time of singing and praise, Brother Horton and I were asked to preach, which was received with much enthusiasm and appreciation. After the service, we departed for one more lunch with Brother Vedha and his sons, then on to the airport to begin our long trip home. 

Thank God for the ministry of BTI and for The Church of God in India!