2021 Gondola Training Center Graduation
The Gondola Theological Training Center, with the support of the Missouri Annual Conference, has just witnessed a graduation on September 12 of a group of local 12 church leaders refreshed with theological studies and relevant tools to implement in their communities at local churches. A lot of expectations raised in these young and refreshed leaders are shared below.
Joana Miguel Luis
Joana Miguel Luis, 19 years old, is a full member of Nicoadala UMC in Zambezia South District. She served in this church as the youth president, and this is where she realized her leadership skills.
Joana celebrates the joy of joining other fellow sisters and brothers from the North, South and Southeast Conferences, sharing challenges and opportunities, ministry life stories and stories of transformation, cultures, ambitions, and hopes.
The period 2020-2021 was a turning point for Joana and she adds that: “This was particularly important for acquiring tools for the great mission - making true Disciples of Christ in the four corners for the transformation of the world. I learned to realize how the church functions in its structure, from the class meeting, to the local church and the parish. With all this, I am more than ready to contribute to first empower other young people at the local level and secondly to introduce changes for better articulation of all ministries in collaboration with the leading members where I will be assigned. Thanks to our brothers and sisters of Missouri for your support.”
There will be challenges on the way, but God will pave the way for the service, she concludes. This is an additional phase of her training as more will come in the fulfilment of the call to serve His people. .
Joana Miguel is the youngest student of the recent graduating 2021 class.
Nito Luís Cipriano
Nito Luís Cipriano is a 24 years old graduate, full member of the Namarroi UMC in Zambézia North district.
He considers a useful training over the past two years as he already understands various operational aspects of the church and congregations. “I realized that the Bible is more than a mere book. It is indeed the command for our way of living on earth. I am ready to go back in my community to deliver the knowledge acquired at Gondola, evangelizing and inviting people to know and follow God. Will we have enough to thank our partners of Missouri? God will continuously bless you!” Nito is the outstanding student in academic achievement, having obtained one of the best distinctions.
Alberto Januario
Alberto Januario is native of Namarroi UMC in Zambezia North District. Prior to his admission at the Gondola Training, Alberto served in many church positions, namely as a Lay Leader, a treasurer, an evangelist and leader at a local church. Additionally and because of his leadership exposure, the district assigned him to lead as a local pastor at the Cochane Evangelical Extension.
“I am the most blessed and privileged one for coming to know the GTC. The staff and colleagues were just wonderful and committed to one another. They are welcoming and understanding. Thanks for standing by us during the course of our stay here. We learned a lot and truly you were our our Barnabas, and we will continue connected. This scholarship was valuable. Lord, send me where needed!” Alberto said.
He is expectant to head back to Cochane to renew his appointment. With this he says he is ready to return to the pastoral ministry, he feels better equipped for the work that is expected of him.
Alberto Januário was also one of the students who had the best academic performance throughout the course. He is native of Namarroi and was born in May 6, 1980. He is a full member and is married with six children.