Our congregations in the West Indies have been challenged by the Lord and WELS to produce independent churches.  Unlike a typical independent congregation in the States, we have also taken on the challenge to train our own leaders regionally.  Due to influences such as the difficulty in immigration laws after 9/11 and the financial disparity between the Caribbean and the United States, we have developed the Caribbean Christian Training Institute.

Originally developed by our pastors serving in Antigua at the time, the program was given a huge boost forward and the needed credibility by Professor Ken Cherney.  Pastor Paul Workentine continues the promotion and encouragement of our students in the Caribbean.  Just to give you an idea of how it is coming along, here are some statistics from the CCTI as a region.

• In 1998, 13 courses taught, with 116 students enrolled.
• 12 to 15 active students in St. Lucia, including four of the five council members and all of the Sunday School teachers.
• 12 full-time grade school teachers participating
• 2 second career pastors
• 1 graduating High school student enrolled in the pastor tract

Pastor Workentine had this to say about the work being done in St Lucia.  “St. Lucia is laying a solid foundation for the future.  They don’t have anyone ready to be a deacon, but every year a good number of them grow in their knowledge and maturity.  They are putting it to use in serving as teachers and leaders.”

As these students will be the future of our churches in the Caribbean, please keep them in your prayers.