CTLT celebrates fifth graduation

CTLT graduation The Centre for Theological Leadership Training (CTLT) held its fifth graduation ceremony at the Church of God of Prophesy Victory Tabernacle on Sunday 26 June. The institution provides tuition in all aspects of theology and pastoral care, at Certificate and Diploma, Bachelors and Masters and Doctorate level. It was begun by Director of CTLT Rt. Rev. Dr. P. J. Lawrence, who has much experience in beginning new theological learning institutions since graduating, and being ordained in Bangalore, India, 51 years ago

During the ceremony Mr.  Mike Bowerman was presented with an honorary doctorate, in recognition of his life of dedication to serving the Lord by teaching scriptures everywhere he has lived for more than 50 years. Introducing the presentation, Dr. Lawrence said, “Mr. Mike Bowerman is a cofounder who has been teaching the scriptures, evangelism, church growth not only on the island but also overseas. He came to India twice to train evangelists and 30 of them have furthered their theological education and are now ordained as ministers in the Diocese of the Church of South India. He also came to Mauritius and conducted training in evangelism and leadership and also went to Tanzania. He is a part of us and we thought it would be a good thing for him to get recognition from this accrediting body and they are very pleased and have sent us a certificate honoring Mr. Mike Bowerman with a Doctor of Divinity.”

The CTLT conducts all of its classes by Zoom! Meetings in the evenings and weekends, Zoom meetings mean there are no geographical boundaries, and this year students have joined the classes from all around the world, including India and the Philippines. The classes are ideal for busy, working men and women who would like to study the bible in-depth, but cannot leave their homes to attend a traditional theological college. Zoom!

In her keynote address Dr. Mrs. Sonia Martin, Minister of Religion gave the example of Moses and the Burning Bush, “in the midst of what he was doing, he took time and turned aside, and in the midst of all that you have to do, you are taking time to turn aside.” .

Diploma valedictorian Ms. Neresa Rose said, “I feel like Jeremiah when the Lord spoke to him and said, ‘for I know the plans that I have for you plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.’ Valedictorian of the Bachelors class, Janet Durant said. “We must give thanks to God for bringing us through this last year and for the great lecturers he has sent to prepare us.”

CTLT student and Bachelors Graduate Yolanda Whittaker said “I was one of the first batch of students of CTLT and before it was launched to the public, I was there knocking, waiting for the doors to open. CTLT has helped form me to be the leader I am today pioneering Sports Ministry in the Cayman Islands I am very happy that we have such an institution locally at an affordable cost, with quality, dedicated and qualified instructors.”

After they had received their certificates onstage, it was time the celebratory tassel turn – led by Bishop Dr. Clayton Martin, which showed the undergraduates’ transformation into graduates. The Vote of thanks was given by Pastor Teodora Padua, and the benediction by Dr. Clayton Martin. Finally Students came onstage to present lovely gifts to all the lecturers, and there was also a very special presentation to Mr Winston Vernon, who has served the CTLT tirelessly throughout the year, despite being troubled by health issues. He is known and loved by all the students for his limitless patience and dedication and everyone rejoiced when he received his special present.