When the School of Mission in Bengaluru, India, agreed to host the 2025 CHORD Forum, CHORD was truly excited. The Bengaluru School was established in 2012, becoming the first School of Missions outside of the United States. This made this year's Forum both highly anticipated and truly historic. It was all buzz and energy as participants from a total of 21 nations descended on the city and gathered for the three day event. As this was indeed the first time that our churches in India have had the pleasure of hosting an event of such global magnitude, CHORD was warmly welcomed. For many of us, it was also our very first visit to South Asia. Formerly called Bangalore, the city's name was officially changed to Bengaluru in 2014. Bengaluru is famed as the 'Silicon Valley' of India.

The Art of Becoming was the theme for this year's conference. This deep dive into our "being" and "becoming" in Christ was skillfully guided as the speakers expounded on CHORD’s Seven Values of Leadership Formation. The workshop sessions provided opportunities for both reflection and discussion as the participants were called to deeper "becoming" in Christ.

We were helped to both re-discover the depths of our scriptural call to Christ-likeness and encouraged to discover how to grow in the areas of "Being, Knowing, and Doing." Students and alumni of the Schools of Mission enjoyed a day together. They bonded, reflected, and even shed a few tears together as "veterans" shared their journeys with these next generation leaders. The unforgettable day was real and sobering

Students and alumni of the Schools of Mission enjoyed a day together. They bonded, reflected, and even shed a few tears together as "veterans" shared their journeys with these next generation leaders. The unforgettable day was real and sober-ing, yet hugely inspiring and very directional. Connections that were born via Zoom during CHORD Connect Classes were now occurring in the flesh and lifetime friendships took root.

The academic directors had their own day of "being" inspired by reports from all 14 Schools of Mission. We were encouraged as we came to appreciate the uniqueness of each school and the victories that God has enabled each to achieve in the lives of young men and women who serve in ministries around the world. In spite of the stark geographic and cultural differences, we are one in heart and purpose. The sense of shared vision and communal support was palpable.

It was not all work-work in Bengaluru. The food was amazing! We had our fill of freshly pan-seared chapattis and rotis dipped in delectable chicken and mutton sauces which were enhanced by India's plethora of spices. In an atmosphere of rich fellowship and laughter, every mealtime-was an experience. As we ate together, new and old friendships were forged and deepened respectively.

We also took some time to enjoy the wildlife of India. Our visit to the Bannerghatta National Park gave us a chance to see the famed tigers, lions, elephants, and leopards of India and so much more wonder-inspiring wildlife. Some found time to shop. Some walked in Bengaluru's market through the colorful stalls.

Our last night in Bengaluru was a Gala Night featuring a rich display of outfits, dances, songs, and entertainment from every continent that was represented. We ate, we danced, and celebrated being together. As our visit drew to close, we all agreed that our time in India had been the full package: spiritually transforming, relationally uplifting, deeply edifying, fun, memorable, and beautiful.