“Umbono” is the Xhosa (South African) word that means “vision.”  The Hayashida ministry in Zambia involves helping in the genesis of a new theological college for the purpose of training women and men for leadership in the churches of the Baptist Convention of Zambia (BCZ).  This college began on September 8, 2008 in Kalulushi, Zambia in the Copperbelt region of the country.  The Hayashidas join the Board of the Zambia International Theological College (ZITC) and the BCZ in giving birth to a new reality through on-going “umbono” experiences that will give shape and charisma to a way of spiritual formation and academic training along African contextual patterns and framework.

Currently the school offers a certificate and a diploma in theology program of studies (three years).  In a few years the school endeavors to offer a bachelor of theology program of studies (four years).

Nelson Hayashida has been appointed by the Board of ZITC to the position of Principal of ZITC.  The faculty are leaders in the Baptist Convention of Zambia.  They are active in the life of the convention and  committed to the goals of the school - to equip the students of ZITC for leadership in the churches and associations of the BCZ.

ZITC has formed already partnerships with American Baptist and Southern Baptist churches and welcomes friends and partners from any Christian denomination.

The Baptist Convention of Zambia Education Centre is the home of ZITC. This property was once a thriving mining center but was sold to Baptists when the price of copper plummeted. The rising prices of copper today makes this property valuable and prized, but now we produce women and men for church leadership on these grounds!