For two years of my teenage life I did not look in a mirror

I could not bear when difference was shown between the boys and girls at home. I wanted justice. I would speak out and say, if girls can do washing then boys can do too.

Though I spoke up boldly, which was my defence mechanism, I was actually very timid and shy, with very low self-esteem. I hated the way I looked and thought there was no good in me, and therefore was always found in the kitchen. I hated myself so much that for two years of my teenage life I did not look in the mirror.

I hated myself so much that for two years of my teenage life I did not look in the mirror.

Stella Bogi

My parents gave us a very good, God-fearing atmosphere at home. The bedtime stories my mom told us were from the Bible. The first Bible study I remember was from the book of Nehemiah, taught by my dad.

While studying in 10th class I had a great desire to be a Sunday School teacher. While I was preparing my first Sunday school lesson I was born again, when I came to the portion of "How to lead a child to Christ" from one of the CEF story books.

Since I grew up with very low self esteem, I needed to be appreciated. So I put all my energies into developing my cooking skills and into studies.

The wrong diploma, and then a voice

I was a very bright student and wanted to become a doctor. But God had a different path carved out for me. Since my friends from my 12th class went to do a Diploma in Commercial Practice, I also joined the crowd without knowing what it was. Even before I could get my results I got a job in a Christian printing press.

I was actively involved in preaching in the church my father had started, and in other churches, in Vacation Bible School, youth meetings, Sunday Schools and Good News clubs.

I had completed working for one year and one month. It was 23rd September 1984. I heard an audible voice: "Resign." I knew it was for me. So I told my Managing Director I was resigning since the Lord had asked me to. He tried to increase my salary, but in vain.

I shared this news with my pastor, Amos Jayarathnam, who asked me to confirm this word from the Lord. On 24th September 1984, at my first fasting prayer, I began to seek the Lord. After some time I heard an audible voice: "Read Isaiah 61:6."

I opened my eyes, looked at the closed Bible beside me and thought, how can there be 66 chapters? I had no idea then about the chapters. I heard the voice a second time. I opened my eyes and thought, what if I open the Bible and there are no 66 chapters? And I began to cry and pray more. I could not resist the voice the third time, as it was very powerful and loud, and I turned to it.

I knew this was a direct call from the Lord.

Nobody had told her women could go

For a year I accompanied my pastor to village ministries and other places. Then in July 1985, one of our church youth boys had returned from his studies in Bible college. He suggested that I join the Bible college.

Until then I had no idea that women too could go to Bible college.

Until then I had no idea that women too could go to Bible college.

Stella Bogi

I prayed and asked the Lord that if it was His will, He would open the door for me, as the admissions had closed one month back. On 14th July 1985 I joined Bharat Bible College, and by 1990 had completed a Bachelor of Theology and a Bachelor of Divinity. I knew I was called to be a teacher. Teaching is my passion.

I was involved in pioneering a Bible college in Bangalore and then in teaching there for two years, from 1994 to 1996. Then I came to Hyderabad, and since then have been involved in teaching and administration at Trinity Christian College.

The only one

It was a shock to me to learn that, as far as I knew, I was the only woman principal in India among the Asia Theological Association colleges. My prayer is that there will be many women in leadership positions in theological institutions in India.

Any society is recognised by the values it has. I strongly believe that if a society has to be developed, then the women have to be developed. Women influence their families, and the families in turn influence the society. Thus a society with good standing is formed.

The standard of a society is directly proportional to the value of a woman at home.

Stella Bogi