Supporting Faculty Development
In recent years, Atlantic Canada has seen a significant influx of newcomers from various parts of the world, enriching our communities with their unique perspectives and experiences. To help respond faithfully and intentionally to these changing demographics, Acadia Divinity College (ADC) announced the establishment of the Endowment for Global Intercultural Education, made possible through the generous donation of Ngok Yeung (James) and Kathryn Lai (pictured left).
At the start of November, we gathered as a community to publicly celebrate this generous gift. This endowment is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and inclusivity within our community.
James and Kathryn have been connected to ADC since the 1980s, when James enrolled in several ministry and evangelism courses. Since then, both James and Kathryn have taken various courses through the College. “We feel attached to and aligned with the ministry and work of ADC,” James said at the celebration. “Several months ago, we sensed the Holy Spirit leading us as a couple to partner with ADC’s vision to reach across cultural distinctions to provide theological training.”
The Lai’s vision for this endowment aligns with ADC’s focus to Extend our Embrace. Their gift will specifically support faculty members’ continuing education and professional development in intercultural awareness, ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our multicultural society. It will play a vital role in ensuring that ADC graduates are equipped with the intercultural competencies necessary to serve effectively in this dynamic context.
“Confronting this perpetual shift in our cultural landscapes requires training new generations of ministers, church leaders, and laypeople to recognize and embrace change,” said Kathryn.
“All nations are now settling in our communities. Essential to growing the Kingdom of Christ is a passion for intercultural awareness.”
Photos from left: James & Kathryn speaking at the celebration lunch | special guests Sally Lam; Carl Wong; James Lai; Kathryn Lai; Rev. Tara Embrett-Plant, Associate Pastor of Christian Education at Birch Cove Baptist Church; Dr. Anna Robbins
James and Kathryn embody a spirit of lifelong learning, cultural bridging, and faith-driven service. ADC President Dr. Anna Robbins extended deep gratitude to James and Kathryn on behalf of the College. “In an increasingly interconnected world, with communities that reflect diverse backgrounds, languages, and cultural understandings, we must equip our churches and communities to engage with intercultural sensitivity and insight,” she said. “This endowment does precisely that—it will enable our faculty to pursue professional development in intercultural awareness and incorporate this essential understanding into our curriculum.”
James went on to add, “In sharing our vision, we trust God to lead other people to donate funds to this endowment. We hope more people will be encouraged to embrace diverse ethnic groups in their communities and churches, to partner with ADC to provide enhanced cultural awareness so the faculty and graduates can serve our local churches more effectively in growing the Kingdom of Christ.”
This endowment will have a lasting impact on our College and the broader community, empowering us to continue our mission of preparing leaders who can bring the Gospel and minister effectively in the rich tapestry of cultures within Atlantic Canada and beyond.
