Time flies! It has already been three years since the establishment of the Christian International Training Centre (“CITC”) in Edinburgh in July 2019. Mordecai said to Esther: ” And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The timing of CITC’s birth followed by the wave of Cantonese-speaking migrants to the UK was no coincidence. Our team sincerely believed that the Lord places CITC here for such a time as this for a purpose. For this reason, our mission is to train lay leaders (and perhaps pastors one day) for Chinese churches. Partnering with the local and international churches and Christian institutes, we strive to provide holistic programmes to develop Christ-like disciples, preparing the latter to fit into God’s master plan for His heavenly kingdom on earth.
I recall the humble beginning of CITC when we were with very limited resources and experiences. The famous Chinese saying “crossing the river by feeling the stones” aptly describes the process of pioneering this ministry, especially when the traditional teaching mode has been subverted because of Covid. Guided by the mighty hand of the Lord, however, we have gradually established a viable online teaching model in the past three years. CITC now offers certificate (including the advanced level certificate in biblical studies co-organized with Hong Kong Evangel Theological Seminary) and diploma programmes in three levels. Besides, CITC has recently launched a UK Pastoral Enhancement Certificate to offer training for all UK Chinese pastoral staff to be more rooted in the Truth and in the community.
Our team does see the need for CITC to have a campus for development. It is therefore our priority to purchase a property to set up as a base to serve the many Chinese churches in the UK. Ideally, the base shall include classrooms that support hybrid learning, a library, a counselling room, a multi-purpose room, and a tearoom. These facilities are conducive to providing quality Chinese theological education. Our plans of developing CITC campus and curriculum have but this one goal in mind: walk in step with God by helping to raise the next generation of church leaders!
Indeed, the Lord has prepared us for a wonderful team! Experienced consultants, hard-working trustees, knowledgeable teachers with pastoral hearts, selfless volunteers, dedicated partnering churches, generous donors and warriors who guard us with prayers … the list goes on and on! Praise be to the Lord!
As of now the total number of registered students is over 100, which are all handpicked by the Lord. They come from 10 cities of the UK, Switzerland and Asia (mainly Hong Kong). How precious it is! The native language for our students is primarily Cantonese or Mandarin and they are from all walks of life: retired, working classes, students. Though, many of them have one thing in common. They have been taking important roles in the church, such as deacons, worship leaders and Bible study group leaders etc. They are studying with CITC with passion, joy and dedication. We are thankful for these students who thirst for God’s word and want to get equipped so as to be of use to God.
CITC covets your prayer and financial support. We are feeling our way with trembling hearts. Please uphold us in your prayers. More importantly, we hope that you will enrol in our programmes. As an English idiom goes, “No pain, No gain!”. If you are willing to be trained in the Bible, ministry and practical Christian living, I believe that by God’s grace, you will grow to be Christ-like disciples, helping to build Christ-like churches so that they will become shining lamp stands that can attract unbelievers to Christ and bring glory to our Father God!
Your life is to be salt and light in the world! Are you willing to respond to the Lord’s calling and become an influential believer?
