Hope for Life students graduate

With an emphasis on meeting the needs of the total person, the Hope for Life Ministries Church at Arnos Vale held their 12th Computer Graduation Ceremony on Sunday June 12. The programme, which began at the church as an outreach initiative with just three computers and 10 students in 1993, has since trained over 100 persons.{{more}}

Gwenneth Weeks, one of the first graduates and now a main facilitator, praised the initial facilitator, Antonio Joyette, for volunteering his time back then to train others. Weeks said that Joyette, also a meteorologist by profession, continued to improve himself in technology and is now a

certified computer technician.

Also stressing the need to use newly found skills for the benefit of others, was Pastor Gevandean Wilson. He described the graveyard as “the most wealthy place on earth,” since many persons buried there did not utilise their talents.

The pastor stressed that the church today should not just look at the spiritual needs of people, but also the social and psychological. He emphasised that the church today must not operate like those of yesteryear, but must demonstrate the gospel by caring for the everyday needs of people, not only in their congregation, but also in their community.

Pastor Wilson also encouraged other persons to continually educate themselves so that they could improve their standard of living.

Expressing gratitude for what he described as a partnership in education, was Minister of Education Clayton Burgin. He admitted that when other people voluntarily assist others in the community, it makes the government’s work easier. The education minister noted that when churches, such as the Hope for Life Ministries, voluntarily reach out to others, his government is able to concentrate on other areas that need assistance.

He described education as an expensive venture and stressed that the added skills would improve productivity for the person, the workplace and eventually the country. He also pledged future assistance to the programme.

Nyesha Chance and Keith Robinson copped Most Promising Students awards. Cheryl Morris took the Most Improved Student prize while Twyla Thompson, the Valedictorian, also received the award for Most Outstanding Student.

In her address, Thompson noted that while there may be obstacles in life, perseverance, God and hard work bring success.