VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 9/16/13)—Two Eastern University graduate students have traveled to India for a three-month research study and volunteer program as part of their graduate studies.
The internship is a promising result of a collaboration between Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chan, American Baptist International Ministries (IM) area director for East Asia and India and Dr. David Bronkema, international development director for Eastern University.
The graduate students were identified through a rigorous selection process. Ashley Caycedo is earning a Master of Business Administration degree in International Economic Development. Joshua Ellison is seeking a Master of Arts degree in International Development. Both are second-year students and have completed their course work.
Caycedo is based in Guwahati, Assam and will serve with the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI). Ellison is based in Hanamkonda, Andhra Pradesh and will serve with the Banjara Development Trust (BDT). Their assignment includes conducting research and assessment of the programs of the two organizations, as well as being involved in the training programs.
“Ashley always wanted to go to India, experience life and help people in the country,” commented Chan. She said, “I am so excited to serve in India. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Ellison believes that this overseas service may be an opening for a long-term relationship with IM and global mission work. He says, “I am open to looking into a long-term mission service. This may be a beginning of the journey.”
IM Development Worker Debbie Mulneix and Mr. Shankar Prasad Kalaunee, Eastern University Ph. D student in Organizational Leadership, have assisted in the launch of this project. For more information, visit Chan’s journal.
American Baptist International Ministries is a Christian mission organization connecting U.S. churches and individuals to holistic ministries around the world. Organized in 1814, IM is the first Baptist mission agency formed in North America. It serves more than 1,800 short- and long-term missionaries annually, bringing U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in over 70 countries to share the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.