It is with much excitement that Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary announces that Lilikali Awomi, PhD Candidate for Holistic Child Development, is this year’s recipient of the Bollinger Family Compassionate Ministries Scholarship. Read below some of her story and passions.
“I am Lilikali Awomi. I belong to Sumi Naga tribe, Nagaland, North-Eastern Part of India. I was born and raised in a Christian family. I completed my Bachelor of Arts (B.A), Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) at Trinity Theological College, Dimapur, Nagaland, India under Senate of Serampore and Master of Theology in Holistic Child Development at New India Bible Seminary. I am currently a full time student of PhD in Holistic Child Development Program at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary.
My vocational experience started the time I joined Trinity Theological College for my Bachelor of Divinity. During those years, I was exposed to various vocational ministries such as Sunday weekend street children ministry as well as Sunday school teaching and hostel ministry. Those experiences helped me to discover the real value of a child. Working with children not only instilled in me a heart for them, but also pushed me to consider a future ministry step for them. During my final year at Trinity Theological College, an official ministry from the authority was assigned to me and my classmates. We were sent to different parts of India to minister in various churches. Besides that, during my class vacations, I also visited various churches and served. I have rendered my service to my local church as well.
After my Bachelor’s degree, I joined New India Bible Seminary, Kerala, for my Master’s program in Practical Theology with specialization in Holistic Child Development. During vacations, we were asked for a one month placement ministry among children. For another one month, I also had volunteer work among rescued female adolescents in the Samaritan Home. For the next one month, I worked with Non- Governmental Organization on helping working prostitutes. In one of the Theological Seminaries, I also worked as a part-time professor.
After I Joined APNTS’ PhD program in Holistic Child Development, I got the opportunity to work in Awesome Kids Center. For almost two years now, I have been serving the APNTS children also known as The Awesome Kids. I also worked as an Intern for my practicum credit in two of the schools here in the Philippines. All those experiences for the past years deeply enriched my life and my commitment to work for and with children.
For my dissertation, I am writing on “Parenting Role in Nurturing the Faith Development of Children.” I hope to conduct my research in Nagaland as my context. In this century when adolescent crimes and child delinquencies continue to take on most alarming proportions; the parents, church, adult and community of faith delinquencies need foremost attention. Nagaland is not exempt from this growing trend. Spiritually poor home, church and community cannot nurture the spirituality in children. It is essential that developing their faith be as intentional as a child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Just as these other areas of a child’s growth develop in stages, so must his/her faith. I want to find out whether or not the parents in Nagaland are fulfilling their roles in the faith development of their own children and hopefully provide recommendations to the families and the churches on the distinct role of parents in the lives of their children.
I really do not know what my God has exactly planned for me, but after my graduation in the PhD program, I am praying on venturing on the following initiatives: set up a school with emphasis on Holistic Child Development; provide a birthing center or a ministry center for children at risk; build a treatment center or hospital for children with special needs. In addition to this, I also pray and endeavor to be a child advocate and provide seminars and trainings to parents, teachers, and youth leaders in the various churches all over Nagaland.”
We are continually blessed by the quality and the passion of our students here at APNTS. Congratulations Lilikali!
