Report of the 5th All India Friends Gathering

held at Chhatarpur from 11th – 14th Feb 2010

 

92 participants gathered to gather at Chhatarpur from 11th to 14th Feb 2010. There was representation from all Yearly Meetings and Monthly Meetings of India including newly affiliated with the Asia West Pacific Section.

This Gathering was hosted by Bundelkhand Masihi Mitra Samaj Chhatarpur.

The venue of the Gathering was Jatashankar Palace with lodging and boarding facilities.

In the beginning session, the objectives of the Gathering were explained to the participants. To strengthen the unity among Friends in India and to create an opportunity

to work together for the Quaker values and witness our Faith by our Actions, is the necessity of the present time.

During the Gathering, there were four keynote addresses on the main subject of the Gathering. The main theme “ Faith in Action” was taken from James 2: 15 – 17. The outcome of the keynote addresses was that, we should all dedicate ourselves to the service of the mankind by living our Faith in our day-today activities. ‘That of God in everyone’ must be exhibited by our Actions in everyday of our lives. There is a big challenge for all of us to walk in Faith and to reflect the Light of God by our deeds. We devoted lot of time discussing in the groups not only about the main theme but also different practices being adopted in the different Yearly Meetings. During the Group discussions in the groups, more intimacy was developed and everybody was thrilled to share each other’ s spiritual experiences.

We all felt to continue to hold such Gatherings to come closure for witness of our Faith. We also felt that along with All India Friends Gathering, we should hold study camps for the young, young adult, wherein apart from the Quaker teachings, leadership development training may be organized.

There was a good suggestion of starting Quaker magazine to include the news of the Friends and their activities in India. In the closing session of the Gathering, it was unanimously resolved to take up these activities.

Everyday in the evening, there were cultural programmes presented by the children of the Friends School Chhatarpur.Many participants presented their songs and some entertaining programmes. Some creative and brainstorming events were also enjoyed. This session was the most enjoyable time of the Gathering.

For the success of this Gathering, all the Yearly Meetings and the Monthly Meetings shared the economic responsibilities. Asia West Pacific Section was also kind enough to support financially to this Gathering.

In the closing session , there was a vote of thanks to all the Yearly Meetings, Monthly Meetings and Asia West Pacific Section for their financial contribution We also appreciated the sincere efforts of the members of the Organizing Committee to hold this Gathering successfully. The Chhatarpur Friends were thanked for working hard to make the arrangements for the Gathering. We departed with an assurance that we will keep visiting each other before the next Gathering to show our love and concern for each other and will work together to accomplish the Feeling of the 5th All India Friends Gathering.