Susan Richardson first heard about the Koinonia Training Centre from a woman at her church in 2015. A month later she was enrolled in one of its Bible study courses; a few weeks after that, her husband, Anthony, also decided to give it a try.

Today, the couple are strong believers in the programme and say it improved their faith as well as their relationship.

KTC was founded by Joan and Conway Simmons. It hosts courses teaching people how to lead “God’s way”.

“Our students learn what it is to be a leader, how to hear God’s voice, and use their leadership gifts, talents and skills to influence others, and impact their world,” Mrs Simmons said.

“They learn how to avoid unnecessary conflict, how to empower others, become aware of various leadership styles and how to become creative and effective leaders.”

Since it was launched in January 2014, the centre has helped dozens of people build a more intimate relationship with God and confidently share His word with others.

Mr and Mrs Richardson credit the course with opening their eyes regarding the gifts that God gave them and how to best use them for His glory.

“The other thing we enjoyed about the course was that there were believers there from various denominations,” Mrs Richardson said.

“We all seemed to be seeking the same thing — to grow spiritually and be activated to do the work that we have been called to do.”

Mrs Richardson became a Christian as a teenager. At that time in her life, she was discovering more about God and wanted to make a commitment to having a relationship with Him.

However, when she became an adult, she realised she was not as far along in her faith walk as she had hoped.

“The course challenged me to read the Bible in its context, be consistent with praying, and to be more compassionate towards others,” she said.

“This Bible school also strengthened me to listen to what it was God wanted me to change in my life. We had classes that helped us to reflect on developing our leadership skills and even consider what would Jesus do in various situations.”

Her husband also grew up in the church. By the time he reached his early twenties he felt the Lord was prompting him to make changes in his life.

“After being invited by a co-worker, I attended a church in Warwick. That day I just knew that the Lord was calling me to begin a personal relationship with him. So I did,” Mr Richardson said.

When he saw the positive impact the KTC course was making in his wife’s life, he knew it was time to also focus on studying and growing in his faith.

“Susan was so encouraged by the course that she began to share her experience with me,” Mr Richardson said.

“I was invited to sit in on one of the classes and I quickly saw why. I realised that I had so much more to learn and I knew that this was simply something that I needed in order to grow spiritually.”

Before the course, he did not read much, but once he signed up it challenged him to read, not only the Bible but other books as well. The process allowed him to search, study and reflect on scripture with a new perspective.

“This course strengthened my relationship with the Lord and with my wife,” Mr Richardson said.

“We have been able to encourage each other as a couple and I really see the value in that. It is helping us to help each other grow spiritually in the Lord. The spiritual development assignments allowed us to reflect on our lives.”

The couple found attending the Bible school very exciting. They were able to grow together, taking what they learnt in each class and talking extensively about the materials after they got home each night.

“It prompted us to start discussing what was next for us as a family,” they said.

“We also have had the opportunity to gain more insight on what it is to minister as a couple.”

• Koinonia Training Centre was designed to instruct students in the Bible doctrine of the Christian faith. It allows locals to access in-depth Biblical knowledge and training on the island instead of having to go abroad. The next course begins this month. For more information call 236-3680