BRETHREN GLOBAL PARTNERS: SOUTH AFRICA
OUR PARTNERS
Sandile & Abby Mkhwanazi
THEIR STORY
Sandile Mkhwanazi is the lead pastor, providing focus and energy to create a vibrant ministry among several pastors leading the church in South Africa. Their vision is to engage people--especially in poverty--stricken places--through church planting and discipleship.
NEWS & NOTEWORTHY
Imagine a peanut butter business sparking a spiritual awakening! That's exactly what's happening in Malawi, thanks to an amazing chain of connections and the incredible generosity of people like you. God is moving in powerful ways, weaving together faith, entrepreneurship, and community transformation. It all started with Moses, a dedicated believer and successful peanut butter entrepreneur in Malawi. He met our friend Doug Cooper, who leads Coffee Growing Community – a nonprofit that helps low-income communities grow stronger, both economically and spiritually. Thanks to a generous grant from Coffee Growing Community, Moses received the support he needed to expand his business and uplift his community. But the story doesn't end with business growth. Moses, fueled by a passion for his faith and his community, traveled to South Africa. There, he connected with our Brethren Mission Partner, Pastor Sandile. Moses wasn't just there to talk business; he wanted to learn how his company could spread the life-changing message of Jesus Christ even further. He spent invaluable time with Pastor Sandile and the vibrant Life Spring Church, soaking in the Brethren faith and vision from many local pastors and leaders. Today, because of these powerful connections, Moses and Pastor Sandile are working hand-in-hand to establish the very first Brethren Church in Malawi! A location is secured, a building is already under construction, and a dedicated group of believers has gathered, ready to see this new church blossom. Moses will soon begin discipleship and ordination training, preparing him for even greater ministry. And the best part? Pastor Samkelo Noholoza, his wife Clara, and their family are preparing to move from South Africa to Malawi this September to join Moses! They'll bring their wisdom and experience from their ministry in Durban, helping to nurture this new spiritual seed as it grows into a thriving church. This inspiring partnership is a testament to what happens when faithful hearts like yours come together to make a difference. It shows how we can work together to build communities where everyone can flourish – spiritually, economically, and socially. Will you help us continue to sow seeds of hope and expand God's Kingdom in Malawi? Your support makes these life-changing connections possible. Every gift empowers faithful leaders like Moses and the Noholoza family to bring light and opportunity to those who need it most. Please consider making a gift today to support this vital work. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/southafricadonationform/ Thank you for adding a few more drops of life-giving nourishment to sustain growth in this incredible story of faith and transformation. Sincerely, Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
The Brethren in Durban, South Africa, have launched a critical new sewing school ministry, bringing a thread of hope and opportunity to the women there. This inspiring initiative equips women with valuable skills and empowers them to establish small businesses that significantly enhance their family's well-being and economic prospects. This new ministry carries a special resonance, drawing inspiration from the incredible work being done by our partners in India. For a remarkable 48 years , the Brethren Church in India has successfully operated a similar sewing school, transforming the lives of thousands. In both contexts, these ministries aim for more than just teaching a skill; the sewing school aims to transform entire lives and families and to open hearts to the enduring hope and boundless love of Jesus Christ. The work in India has shown us just how critical these programs are. By providing women with valuable, marketable skills, these schools offer a lifeline that can keep desperate women and their families out of dangerous situations, including the horrific threat of human trafficking. It's a powerful reminder that practical help, rooted in faith, can be a shield against incredible hardship. Like its counterpart in India, we believe the new sewing school in South Africa will become a beacon of hope, bringing economic stability and introducing women to the life-changing message of the Gospel. These ministries are powerful expressions of God's love in action, creating a lasting legacy of empowered lives and flourishing communities. Your support makes these beautiful stories of transformation possible! Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator
Pastor Sabelo Dladla leads the Heavenly Grace Church in KwaNdengezi, Durban, South Africa. The church is located in a rural area on the edge of a ravine. Heavy rains in 2022 and again in 2023 caused the old church building to collapse. When Paul Stanley (Carson Oaks Community Church, Stockton, CA) and I (Scott Soden) arrived at the church, Pastor Frank led us down the narrow, winding trail, past small homes, to Pastor Sabelo's home on the edge of a steep ravine. The church, a testament to resilience, was only partially rebuilt using prefabricated concrete slabs typically used to line highways. Stronger than wood, these slabs stand as a symbol of hope and endurance, ready to face any future challenge. Mount Olive Brethren Church (McGaheysville, VA) joined with Carson Oaks and others to contribute a new concrete floor to fortify the structure's foundation and a new corrugated steel roof, coated to prevent rust, to shield against rain and sun. This church building is home to a congregation of 40 to 50 local area residents who meet on Sundays for worship and throughout the week for outreach and evangelism. The church also holds weekly children's programs essential to the community's life. Although most of the community lives far below the poverty level, Pastor Sabelo and his wife often offer relief and help as they are able, and the whole community tries to help one another as the Lord has given to them. This is a powerful reminder of the impact of our prayers and our partnership with the Brethren in South Africa, India, South America, and indeed worldwide. Your support, generosity, and prayers have been instrumental in bringing about these life-changing results and transformations. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and prayers. Scott Soden Global Partners Coordinator