The graduation ceremony of the Haitian Nazarene Theological Seminary was a success! The big tabernacle on campus was filled with a big crowd of family members, friends and church families. ‘’Go preach, and teach! Where there is hatred, bring love. Where there is offense, bring forgiveness. Where there is darkness bring light. Where there is suffering bring relief and healing. Bring courage where there is discouragement and blessing where there is curse’’, said Pastor Pierre Antoine Jacques, the Haiti Field Strategy Coordinator, as he addressed the 26 new graduates. All the students were joyful and showed how they were ready to begin this new chapter of their ministry.
The occasion for the service was not only for the 26 new ministers; it was also the last graduation with Pastor Lucien Jean Baptiste as the seminary president. It was a great day to honor Dr. Lucien who served for a long time as superintendant, president of the National Board, pastor, and school director. Dr. Baptist was honored for his hard work and his lasting ministry by the members of the Haitian National Board and Dr. Ruben Fernandez. . Dr. Fernandez said, “Many years ago, I had the privilege to meet this great man. This was a great blessing for me. In all the years that I have been traveling to Haiti, I have seen many things. I had the opportunity to learn about the love that the Church in Haiti has for Dr. Lucien’’. On this occasion Pastor Lucien received a plaque that expresses the acknowledgement of his accomplishments in the ministries in the Church of the Nazarene in Haiti.
Pastor Israel Acosta also delivered his inaugural sermon as the new seminary president. After spending two years in Haiti, serving efficiently with his wife Marta, as field administrator; Dr. Acosta received the call from the Lord to double his duties, acting as the interim seminary president for the next two years. The whole congregation prayed for this couple. He stated that he would need to learn more Creole and French. Everybody promised to pray for him on that matter, as he requested.
Nine other students graduated from the core courses, among them was a judge from Port au Prince. They were all eager to continue with their bachelor degree.
Information provided by: Jacques Ebed
