Christian Training Center: Restoring Our Interest In God's Word

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The last session had been taught. The last summaries had been written. (Well, most of them.) Now, all that remained was for the students of CTC batch 2011 to celebrate their graduation that Monday night, November 7.

Almost all the students gathered, dressed in their semi-formal best. The only absentee among the students was, ironically, the awardee for perfect attendance throughout the six-month course. (Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor?) In attendance were two bishops, eight priests, four teachers, and numerous guests of the students. Why not? This was a celebration of God’s goodness in sharing His nature, His desires, and Himself with His people.

How had the graduates found the course? Here, in their own words, from their own evaluation forms, are some of their own impressions:

As a result of this course:

I am encouraged to seek God’s Word more.

I realize I should have an intimate relationship with God.

Reading the Bible, praying, and serving the Lord has become more exciting.

I know God more than before.

I am now 100% sure that God will not forsake me.

I can now stand in who I am.

I understand God’s Kingdom more.

I am more eager to fulfill God’s call in my life.

I learned in the course:

Who I am.

My purpose in life.

My Responsibility.

God wants to be known by His people.

We are to use God’s gifts to us to make other’s lives better.

The Kingdom of God is expanding, and I must play a part in that.

A deeper understanding of God and His works.

We proclaim God’s excellencies by deeds and character, not just words.

All life comes from the Altar.

God makes sure that all He created can see and know His love.

My purpose on earth as God’s representative.

As a further indicator of how the students felt about the CTC program, about 2/3 of them signed up on the spot for our next course beginning in January, without even knowing what it will be!

So, should you avail of the teaching and training ministry of Christian Training Center? Let’s hear from the valedictory speech of our Wednesday night valedictorian, Mrs. Nernani Magtibay:

“I was hesitant to enroll in CTC because I was not confident I had the desire and time for a course that would take six long months. Thanks to the convincing power of my son, Nathaniel, and encouragement from my friends Mrs. Tess Jandayan and Mrs Irma Sabino, I am glad I took the course.

CTC conformed with the teachings of the Primate and with our ROTC. It was designed in the most appropriate sequence. Helping us recognize how much God loves us, how special and blessed we are, and how much we should cherish God’s gifts to us were our excellent teachers, who presented each lesson in a really exciting, inspiring and encouraging way. They motivated us to look forward to the next sessions.

Dcn. Ritchie spoke about Who God Is, Dcn. Dexter and Bro. Miguel talked about Who We Are and Who We Are Not, while Bro. Mark explained about the Kingdom of God. We appreciate the time and effort. Thank you very much. Sis Millet who never missed to check on our attendance and so many other things, thank you also. Lastly, our special thanks to Fr. Gary, who is not only our facilitator but our teacher for the final lesson which pertains to Our Role and How We Can Grow in God’s Kingdom.

To strengthen and reinforce the lessons are the Scriptures from the Bible. To quote James 4:14 “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” Let us live each day as if it might be our last. Therefore I strongly encourage our guests to enroll in the next CTC class. To God be the glory!”

OK, you heard the lady. Courses will resume on January 9 and 11, and let me take this opportunity to announce that our Monday evening class, conducted from 7: 00 – 9: 15, will be “Whose Revelation Is It, Anyway?” a study of the Book of Revelation. With all the fuss and foolishness about 2012, it would be nice to hear some rational truth, don’t you think? That’s what students of this course will receive. It promises to be interesting, to say the least. But to enroll, you must be a graduate of the Beginner’s class. If you have not yet availed of that, it will be offered again in the Wednesday time slot, from 8: 00 – 9: 00. In addition, we will try something new – a quick class of the Beginner’s Course on Monday afternoons, from 4: 00 – 6: 00. Those who are too busy in the evenings, here’s your chance! These Monday classes will be completed just before Holy Week, and the Wednesday lessons will finish in late June. So what are you waiting for? Registration is ongoing at the CTC table in the Narthex after Cathedral services, or call 747-7283, ext. 113 weekdays from 7: 00 am – 11: 00 am for more details.

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Restoring Our Interest in God’s Word