Of the 28 baptized church members at Pathway, 34 regularly attended early morning Seminary last year. The other 6 are faithful but have chosen to respect the opinions of whatever family they have and await their blessings upon their baptism, showing how the teachings of the gospel have been a positive influence in their lives. Some have done so and brought many of their relatives into the church with them.
Why do relatives oppose? One was born a brahmin, and though the family is in destitute poverty, they are still in a revered caste. Most Christian converts come from the lower castes, so it would be a social step downward. Another's mother is a Pentacostal Christian who tells her daughter, "Your church doesn't have a band. They don't serve you dinner after church. Why do you want to go there?" Most Indians are superstitious idolaters who fear what mischief may befall them if they do not appease the traditional gods.
(Since I am late telling this story, the school year has rolled over and we now have 50 enrolled in Seminary, with average attendance about 46. In India, standardized exams at the end of 10th grade separate students into college or vocational tracks, and at present Pathway has classes only through 10th grade. Though Seminary worldwide is for 9-12 grade, we have permission to teach 7-10 so they can have the full 4 year program before they leave here.)
