“Theological education is important for ministers because it provides the foundational knowledge they need to accurately teach and preach the truth of the gospel,” said Rev. Willard Kamandani, Bishop’s Chaplain and Resource Mobiliser Officer in the Diocese of Southern Malawi.

There’s a critical shortage of trained church leaders across Africa following the rapid growth of the church in parishes like Thyolo, where Rev. David Mponda is ministering. Anglican Aid is supporting Rev. Willard to teach at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi (EBCoM). He’s training evangelists and catechists to lead a church, disciple new Christians, and provide pastoral care when it’s not logistically possible for the pastor, like David, to get to all their congregations each week (especially if the congregations are 25-30 kilometres apart and the only means of transport is by foot or bicycle!).

Thirty-seven Christian Ministry and Biblical Studies students graduated from EBCoM in October 2024. They’ve gone on to serve in churches, faith-based organisations, and educational institutions. Twelve more students have been sent by Anglican Aid partners, the Diocese of Southern Malawi and the Diocese of Zambezia in Mozambique, to train at EBCoM. With your support we’re helping to fill the urgent need for trained evangelists and catechists.

Rev. Willard said:

“We would like to thank Anglican Aid for the financial support you give us. We don’t take this support for granted. Anglican Aid has proved to us beyond doubt that they are committed in supporting the Evangelist and Catechist…to grow in word and knowledge of Jesus Christ and serve him in our diocese. May we urge you to continue supporting the church in Africa because through this initiative you are contributing to the growth of the Anglican Church in Africa and Malawi in particular.”

Pray:

• Ask that God will raise up faithful, trained evangelists and catechists to support pastors in Africa.