By Kayla Alphonse
Aug. 13 was a day of celebration for the inaugural class of the Haiti Theological Training program, Ecole Theologie de la Mission Evangelique des Eglises des Frères D’Haïti. The graduation ceremony witnessed 22 graduates walking across the stage to receive diplomas and shake hands with professors and guests of honor.
The day marked the finish of a 12-session 3-year training cycle that began in Aug. 2013. Each session centered on biblical knowledge and practical ministry skills with classes such as “Practices and Beliefs of the Church of the Brethren,” “Church Finances,” “Old Testament and New Testament Survey,” and “Pastoral Leadership.”
Each graduate received two gifts during the ceremony. The first gift was a small battery-powered tea light to encourage the student to carry the light of Christ wherever they go. The second gift was a Bible commentary, a useful yet hard to acquire tool to aid ministers in their study of the Bible.
During the ceremony, the students had an opportunity to express their gratitude to the professors and the staff. They also expressed their appreciation for all who have supported the training program with their time, talents, and funds.
This November, a new class of students will began the theological training cycle. Continued prayers and support are requested for this ministry in Haiti. For more information about the Haiti Theological Training program, contact the Global Mission and Service office of the Church of the Brethren at 800-323-8039 ext. 388.
— Kayla Alphonse serves in Haiti with Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service.