from Antony, who studied and worked at Peniel, during the years 2001 to 2009
Peniel Bible Seminary
I came to PBS as a student in 2001. God had compassion on me so that I could receive Jesus as my personal Savior on 16/09/2000. PBS had an impact on me even before I came to PBS. When I was going to my home, I happened to see some men of God distributing Gospel tracts in a place called Cheranallore about 35 KM away from PBS. It was the first time when I heard about PBS. Moreover, it was at the Good News convention held by PBS I witnessed an opportunity for local churches to bring new people to hear the Gospel.
What I witnessed as a student of PBS, PBS kept sending out students to help the churches across the state of Kerala.
PM Abraham sir was in charge of PBS during my initial years (till 2004 and from 2004? to 2009 Samkutty sir was in the position). There were other teachers, too, including KC Mathews, Thomas Philip, Philip John, Elias Mathew, Georgekutty, Thomas Joseph, John Varghese, O Varghese, Mani Philip, Kuruvilla, Molly, Mrs. KC Mathews, Varghese (Brother-in-law of late Dr.CPV)
Teachers during 2005 to 2009. Some left In between
KC Mathews, Thomas Philip, Philip John, Elias Mathew, Georgekutty, John Varghese, Boas ET, Christopher Varghese, Sunil, Biju S Thankachan, Eby Cherian, Finny, Thomas Yohanan
Visiting professors during 2001 to 2009
Dr. TP Varghese, Dr. TP Abraham, Dr. M Stephen, Rev. M V Chacko
Functions of PBS
The administration was under the overview of PM Abraham sir. Br. Eldo Varghese also served at the office of PBS. Late Professor SP Chacko whom we affectionately call Pappa on his arrival in India would help administrative affairs of PBS.
Education: During these years education at PBS was not so high level. But we all were established in the Word of God. Everyone grew in all aspects. Students learned to preach and conduct different meetings.
I still remember an incident that happened to me. I was not good at public speaking, but I was personally encouraged by my teachers after my speech on the assigned day in Seminary and that influenced me a lot. A personal monitoring for the uplifting of students brought a life changing experience.
Mission: PBS had a mission-oriented curriculum. We had an evangelistic outreach once every week (Thursday). We, students, students would divide into different teams.
I can’t forget those days. It is through these evangelistic outreaches that we students were equipped in all these areas of ministry. We used to pray for prayer concerns that we received. Students were given the opportunity to grow in missionary activities. Each team would share testimony about their experience at mission field in the evening chapel of the day.
As part of our community work, we cleaned all the premises of the Government Hospital, Perumbavoor including cleaning the sewage of the mortuary. PBS was known in its neighborhood for such activities.
Prayer: Prayer is the most important of everything. PBS cultivated a life deeply rooted in the power of prayer. I was so encouraged to fast and pray after coming to PBS. I could witness a thirst and passion to pray and fast. Many students would fast each day and the PBS administration had to put a limit to the number of persons who could fast (10 persons a day). Group prayer had been so active that it lasted till midnight mostly every day. Students were so eager to pray to the extent that unless we had not been able to occupy a place to pray as soon as possible after the night chapel, all places would have been occupied.
Discipline: PBS had a concern about personal discipline. PBS never let up on spiritual growth. All students had respect towards teachers. There was even a saying ‘if he is a graduate of PBS, then he is fit for anything.’ PBS followed strict disciplinary criteria however PBS had been so gentle with students. That’s why still all alumni have wonderful mixed memories. They all love to be known as alumni of PBS.
Administration
During these years (2001 to 2009) two blessed men of God served as in charge of PBS, they are Pr.PM Abraham and Pr.Samkutty MJ.
Rev. John Varghese, Pr. Elias Mathew served as registrar of PBS.
I think it was in the year 2006 that Peniel Academy started. Prof. Samuel P Chacko, was the executive director (?), and Mrs. Samuel P Chacko was the principal.