Lesson from Video Training

This year, video training switched from the traditional way of DVD messages to webcast training. Early this year we started to fellowship with the brothers about the change in the mode of training. Since it was something new, we needed to prepare the leading brothers to take this training. The first fellowship we had was in Hyderabad before the serving one training. We briefed the saints about this new change. But neither I nor anyone really knew what practical preparation it was going to involve. But a new thing, I had to adapt to learn to serve the saints.

First, we made arrangements for all the translators to be able to translate the audio messages on time. We eventually were able to do and meet the target. At the very first go, the Lord graced us to translate the audio messages into seven Indian languages and upload them via FTP for incorporation into the video of the speakers.

Second, to equip the saints for this new mode of translation, we had a Zoom fellowship with all the leading brothers in India. I personally had to draft, design, and redesign all the important information, attendance, online questionnaires, online registration form, etc. Once these were done, we had another round of fellowship with all the brothers in India to brief them again on the regulations. Then these regulations and forms were translated into all seven Indian languages and made available to the brothers in the churches in India.

Third, we had to get ourselves familiar with the online mode of training. Where there would be internet connectivity issues, we had to try our screen mirroring or casting from Android phone to a TV monitor; for a smart TV or an Android TV or even for a simple monitor with a screen mirroring dongle. A brother and I had to spend one day experimenting with this technical issue at an electronic gadget shop. Then we had another online fellowship, demonstrating how to play online or do casting from phone to TV. A whole new thing, a technical fellowship with all the brothers was carried out.

Fourth, we even had to design a step-by-step guide to playing the video message online or via webcast on screen-mirroring and translate these guidelines into various Indian languages.

Fifth, as the training began, many technical issues related to login, date issues, rescheduling of training date, email non-receipt issues, and video blocked issues. For this, I need to coordinate with the serving ones at LSMa and address all technical issues as and when they come.

Finally, the churches in India were able to cope with this new method of training! Many churches have upgraded their technical know-how and purchased the necessary TV or dongle to be able to take the video training. 

Now that many of the churches have taken the training, I wonder how the Lord led us through. The grace of the Lord has been richly upon us. We simply fellowshipped with the brothers and carried whatever were fellowshipped. Thank the Lord for all the coordination. The Lord became our wisdom and grace in handling all practical issues. For the sake of the saints in all the churches in India, the Lord graced us to serve Him by serving the saints in all practical details.

Praise the Lord! Learn and adapt for the Lord's move. These are lessons learned from conducting video training in India.