Simon and Lindiwe Banda

The Eastern Cape region of South Africa has seen exciting, steady church growth. However, it has not seen an equivalent rise in the number of qualified Bible teachers. Many church leaders do not have the necessary Bible handling skills to effectually pastor their congregations.

The Bible Institute of the Eastern Cape (BIEC) in Port Elizabeth addresses this challenge. Students from the townships come to BIEC to study for qualifications that will enable them to serve their local churches better.

The Project

BIEC is doing an indispensible work in training workers for the Lord’s harvest fields in South Africa. Many leaders of African independent churches are being equipped for a lifetime of gospel ministry.

Simon and Lindiwe are particularly qualified to train Bible teachers in this situation. Lindiwe is South African, and Simon is from Namibia. They have a clear understanding of the joys and challenges of Bible ministry in South Africa. Both have degrees from George Whitefield College (Cape Town) and have attended the Cornhill Training Course (London) as they served as Crosslinks Apprentices.

In January 2010 Simon began serving full time at BIEC as a New Testament lecturer. He also preaches and teaches in the local townships. Lindiwe is working for Emmanuel Church as a Children's Worker.

The poverty of the townships means that many students are unable to pay for the training they receive. BIEC’s students and staff alike are reliant on external financial support. It is for this reason that Simon and Lindiwe prayerfully request your partnership with them for the first three years of their work in South Africa.