In Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape Province, God has established the Bible Institute Eastern Cape (BIEC) to assist in the training of pastors and missionaries who see the need to be better qualified for their calling. The Institute offers diplomas in Theology, and also a Bachelor of Theology Degree.

In South Africa, as in other parts of the third world, qualified laborers are few. Indigenous pastors and teachers with in-depth understanding and instruction in the Scriptures are sorely needed to minister to their own people.

MTW has a partnership with BIEC, and has placed Stan Armes in Port Elizabeth to teach Bible classes. Stan has also been named Head of the Department for Practical Studies, which includes finding ways for students to get hands-on experience while they are in school. Students work with orphanages, AIDS clinics and Bible societies.

Many BIEC students already serve as pastors and missionaries in African-initiated churches in the townships and rural areas in and around the city. They attend BIEC to become more effective teachers and leaders. Raised in national churches, students often have not even had access to study Bibles or Christian literature. BIEC would like to better equip these South African pastors and missionaries as they reach out to their African communities.

Praises

Stan and Donna praise God that the Bible Institute Eastern Cape is now officially accredited with the South African government. The first BIEC graduation was held June 17, 2001. Praise God also that Donna’s viral encephalitis is much better.

Pray for Their Ministry

The Bible Institute Eastern Cape appreciates your prayers for the growth of the library. The library began with book donations from retired pastors and missionaries. There is great need for more textbooks in order to provide adequate study tools for all BIEC students. Before Stan left he asked every teacher to give me a list of required reading for their courses over a period of three years. The list is about 117 books. Lord willing he would like to get 5 copies of each to put on the library shelves. The students would not be able to take them home but would be able to read them in the library. At least in this way they would b e able to have access to them.

Books are extraordinarily expensive in Africa, and the Institute is hampered by the lack of volumes available to its students, both as texts and as supplemental resources. Pray for donors who can give books from their own libraries or contribute funds to purchase specific books to meet this need. The list of needed books is available from Stan if needed.

Please pray for new qualified students for the Bible Institute, for the teachers, for curriculum changes, and for financial support for the students and school.

Pray for Them

Please pray for Donna’s health, as she has had recurring headaches in the past. While they are over for now, she has to rest more often. Pray for Stan as he prepares for classes next semester. Pray for their daughters: Debbie in college in the U.S. at Liberty University, Sarah as she has started a new job, and Andrea in her last year at Wheaton.