Who We Are and How We Started

Delhi Theological School is a Bible college in New Delhi, India. It was started at the request of local Burmese refugees living in the community of Vikaspuri because they could not afford to pay the admission fees other Bible colleges charged. This awakened in our Principal, Bro. Eyiezo the spiritual vision for the project. We would provide real theological classes for our students without charge. He spoke with his brother in law, Pastor Brian, asking him to be Overseer of the school and sent an email to me requesting that I be the Director.

Our vision is to train young people to carry and spread the gospel message as commanded by Jesus Christ in Mark 16:15 "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" for the purpose that, "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) This is why we operate at no direct cost to the student. The ultimate goal of DTS is to train up native missionaries, ministers and Christian leaders with a heart to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of their own nation.

Currently, our DTS students are Burmese refugees living in the communities of Vikaspuri and Sitapuri, New Delhi in India. These refugees have fled from the military dictatorship and religious persecution in their own country of Myanmar, formerly Burma. All residents of Myanmar are in danger because of the many warring factions there, but Burmese Christians face heightened peril. Myanmar is about 83% Buddhist. Strict adherence to Buddhism is practiced in the country and Christians are under severe persecution. DTS is not exclusive to the residents of any particular nation nor the explicit doctrines of any particular denomination, but welcomes all Christ followers of all nations and denominations who have a strong desire to learn the Bible and the gospel message and share that message with others.

What We Do

DTS teaching methods blend regular classroom learning with what we call Learning in Action. Classes consist of regular theological subjects such as Old Testament Survey, New Testament Survey, Christology (study of Christ), Soteriology (study of salvation), etc. There are 13 theological subjects in all. English and Hindi are also being taught in the classroom for purposes of enrichment, exposure to other cultures, and better adaptation to life in India. We currently have 2 accredited teachers in addition to principal Wezah who also teaches classes.

Through our Learning in Action program, students engage in hands-on application of what they are learning in a variety of ways: in other words, "practicing ministry". The LIA program currently includes a Chapel Program and Testimony Ministry. For Chapel, a leader is chosen each day to lead the chapel service for the next day. He or she leads or chooses another student to lead song worship, chooses someone at random to share the exhortation (basically a mini-sermon), and leads the closing prayer. All students must be prepared to know what scriptural text they will speak on and what they will say if chosen for the exhortation. This exercise builds leadership skills, speaking skills, and Biblical knowledge.

For Testimony Ministry, the students share testimonies, songs, skits, dances and short scriptural exhortations at local churches. This exercise takes effort and dedication since it takes place on weekends, and helps the students hone their ministry skills and Biblical knowledge in real-world settings. It further targets public speaking skills and Bible knowledge, enriches the local community and has a positive effect on students. Getting feedback and encouragement from their local church leaders and fellow parishioners inspires students to strive for success and helps them to achieve their full potential. Plans to expand the Learning in Action program this year include prayer walks, community outreach, community service and one local mission trip if funding permits.

Track Record

God is truly at work within DTS. Since opening in July 2011, our students are making remarkable progress in the necessary skills, vision and spiritual growth for a lifetime of service in the Lord's work. In these excerpts from letters written to me by students last month, please note that the goals of committing scriptural principles to heart and cultivating a desire to carry the gospel are already being met:

"To be brief, I came to know clearly about the word of God after attending DTS. I do enjoy...studying here and it is really a privilege for all of us that we can study God's word without having to pay any fees. I will be learning more how to serve the Lord. If God's will then I will be happy to proclaim his message of love...in the days to come. I will equip myself more in the service of God to become a faithful servant for Him..." ~Ywa Hay Tha

"When I started to come to DTS, the only thing I had in my heart was just to learn the word of God. Nothing else. But...DTS helps us [learn] how to preach the word of God. Before we start class we have to share [with] each other about what we have experienced, the Love of God in our lives. By hearing the testimonies of my friends, I get strong desire in my heart to share the love of God with others...Every month at least once, we go to different churches in Delhi to share...By this means, we get enough boldness and have come to strong desire to share the gospel of Christ." ~Biak Zu Uk

"I am a traditional believer of Christian [but] have never thought to preach and share [with] other people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. ...The DTS college gave me confidence and will-power to tell the truth about the Bible." ~ Zaw Nain

The numbers also show our students have a true desire to learn.

• In its first year of operation, DTS has retained 82% of the original 50 students.
• 78% of students regularly attend classes.
• 100% of students come to class prepared on a daily basis, even though they are currently buying their own supplies. ("Prepared" means with notebooks, pens and Bibles. Many also choose to bring their multi-lingual dictionaries and most study during their break time.)
• 56% of DTS test scores are generally high.

Ways to Get Involved

As the Lord leads, you can be a blessing to this ministry in a variety of ways:

1. Pay a bill-
DTS currently has few bills, but they must be paid to keep the facility in operation:

• Rent -------------------------$215.00
• Principal's Salary-------------$167.00
• Teacher Salary (1)-------------$85.00
• Teacher Transportation--------$36.00
• Clean Water-------------------$29.00
• Student Snacks----------------$42.00

2. Sponsor a student- For just $15 you can sponsor the cost of one student's attendance to DTS for a month!
3. Monthly commitment- You can pay a bill or sponsor a student for just one month, or you can provide a special blessing by committing to a monthly donation.

Contribute to Delhi Theological School