Velapi Nokomethi, Anna Liechty Sawatzky and Masakhele Matikane celebrate during a Bethany Bible School session in Mthatha, South Africa, with song and dance. Photo by Ryan Miller.
Traveling from a 60-mile radius around Mthatha, Bethany Bible School students from 45 African-initiated denominations will come together six times this year to study God’s word. Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, Mennonite Church Canada Witness, and Mennonite Mission Network collaborate through the Southern African Partnership Council in walking alongside this ministry that began in 1982.
Students and teachers gave their thoughts on the school:
"These courses cover a range of biblical, theological, ethical and leadership topics. We are also adding three hands-on workshops."
Anna Liechty Sawatzky, with her husband, Joe, currently represent North American Mennonites at Bethany. They are working with the Bethany executive committee to continue to provide courses that meet the needs of African-Initiated Churches.
"My favorite story is in Matthew 5 where Jesus preaches on the hill. The people are filled with joy when he preaches. Those who are sad are going to be happy in the end. I want to preach like this in my church so everyone can have peace. This will make God happy."
Velapi Nokomethi, from The Church of God in Zion.
"When the Mennonites came to the Zionist churches, they didn’t influence us to join their church, but they informed us. There has been a big change in Zionist churches in our preaching. My wife is a pastor. She attended BBS. I encouraged her to get full knowledge. With Mennonite teaching, we learned that there is no problem with women preaching."
Thompson Adonis, an AIC bishop who was instrumental in the creation of BBS and served the institution for 27 years. He retired in December.
"I love to come to Bethany because I want to learn about the Bible, preaching and translating. I come to learn, then go and teach others in my church. I am the reverend of my church. I learn new things here. Women can preach and prayÑeven children can. We train children to talk about God. "
Mirriam Nompumelelo Dokolwana, a member of Bethany’s executive leadership committee, traveled three hours by public transport from Lusikisiki to attend the May 2009 seminar in Mthatha. She has been a student at Bethany Bible School since 2007.