BRADES – “Empowered to Witness” was the theme of the graduation celebrations to honour three students in the West Indies School of Theology (WIST) programme.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2015 friends and family joined the graduates at the Brades Arts & Education Centre to commemorate the end of a two-year Certificate in Bible and Theology course offered on island through the WIST Montserrat Extension.
The extension was set up in 2009 and this is the second group of students to complete the programme which is designed to help leaders, department workers and other members to acquire basic theological training to assist in various ministry areas.
Present at the ceremony was Hon. Minister of Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs Mrs Delmaude Ryan. She commended the women for going the distance and completing the programme while holding down full-time jobs, taking care of family and maintaining other commitments.
During his feature address Professor Dr Howard Fergus noted that the knowledge gained could be put to use in their work, family and church lives. “You are educated to serve. Service comes with and follows salvation.”
Valedictorian Mrs Beverley Mendes shared reflections on the journey to completing the course. She noted that eight started with them and through perseverance she and her two classmates completed it. Mrs. Mendes said the classes were transformational and is truly grateful to her family and friends who supported her along the way. Completing the 12 modules provided a “better appreciation and opened my understanding of the Christian faith.”
Also completing the certificate course were Miss Sonja Smith and Mrs Adina Lee.
Visiting WIST President Rev. Dr. Pat Glasgow congratulated the students and the school on executing another successful class adding that from September 2015 they will be offering an online certificate in biblical studies to allow students who are unable to travel to the school in Trinidad & Tobago to continue learning.
Providing inspirational music throughout the evening was Mrs Joy Darroux and the Faith Tabernacle Chorale.
All three graduates are members of the Faith Tabernacle church in Brades. However, the course is open to anyone wishing to learn more about the bible.
