Why South Africa? That was the question a few people asked us before we left the U.S. Out of all the countries in the world to travel to for missionary work, why did we choose South Africa?
The answer has many layers to it, but that question can be answered succinctly in looking at the opening of the new Birchleigh North Bible Education Center… or should I say, before we could even open. Even as we were still setting up shop in the brand new kiosk, we were approached by multiple customers interested in what we were doing, and, before we knew it, had sold a bible, a bible note card, and signed up our first bible correspondence course student, all different people, and all within the first 20 minutes BEFORE WE HAD EVEN OPENED.
The people of South Africa are genuinely interested in religion and bible knowledge. On average, about one out of every 8-9 people passing the kiosk stop and are interested in either looking at a bible that they’re considering purchasing or have a bible question. Some have even stopped and politely asked to listen in after overhearing a biblical conversation going on between myself and Andrew Enyati, the shop manager. Coming from an insulated background in religion, this provides us with a unique and wonderful forum to discuss our beliefs and to explain biblical concepts on a regular basis. South African people have a curious, inquisitive nature and like to stop and engage in conversation.
There are several Bible Education Centers (BEC’s) run by Christadelphians here in South Africa where bibles are sold very inexpensively at almost cost (generally about $7-10 USD), so even the poor can have access to them. Another wonderful thing religiously about South Africa is that while $7 USD might be a lot to someone impoverished, people here will save up for a month to buy a bible – it’s seen as a treasured, highly-valued item.
People are routinely astonished that the bible courses through the BEC are offered free of charge (something else people really like around here: FREE). Sadly, many churches begin asking for money very quickly, even after advertising something as “free.”
Students at the BEC can sign up for correspondence courses, which may be mailed in and or checked in person at the BEC, which can lead to even more biblical conversation. We have about 40 students signed up already working on correspondence courses.
Also, we will soon begin providing daily 2-hour-long bible classes next door to the Birchleigh North Mall BEC at the Coen Scholtz Community Center after the holiday break. Classes will start at 1 pm, and Lucas Scheepers is providing the M + W classes and I’ll provide T + TH classes. The community center, located directly adjacent to our BEC location, is a nice, clean facility with multiple classrooms. We’ll advertise the classes via SMS and through the BEC.
Brother Andrew Enyati, BEC shop manager, helps a happy correspondence course student.
Brother Lucas Scheepers (left), Megan, and I hang BEC kiosk signage on our opening day.
Lucas signs up our very first bible correspondence student at the new location. This new student signed up before we had even opened up the shop.
Megan and Leona Scheepers setting up shop in the new kiosk, positioning bibles in the best location for display.
With 11 official languages in South Africa, it’s necessary for us to offer bibles in everything from Xhosa to Zulu to Afrikaans, with English being the most common language. NIV and King James are the most popular translations.
The free bible correspondence courses are very popular, and we have about 40 students signed up already within the first week. Lunchtime bible classes next door in the community center will start after the holiday break.
The answer has many layers to it, but that question can be answered succinctly in looking at the opening of the new Birchleigh North Bible Education Center… or should I say, before we could even open. Even as we were still setting up shop in the brand new kiosk, we were approached by multiple customers interested in what we were doing, and, before we knew it, had sold a bible, a bible note card, and signed up our first bible correspondence course student, all different people, and all within the first 20 minutes BEFORE WE HAD EVEN OPENED.
The people of South Africa are genuinely interested in religion and bible knowledge. On average, about one out of every 8-9 people passing the kiosk stop and are interested in either looking at a bible that they’re considering purchasing or have a bible question. Some have even stopped and politely asked to listen in after overhearing a biblical conversation going on between myself and Andrew Enyati, the shop manager. Coming from an insulated background in religion, this provides us with a unique and wonderful forum to discuss our beliefs and to explain biblical concepts on a regular basis. South African people have a curious, inquisitive nature and like to stop and engage in conversation.
There are several Bible Education Centers (BEC’s) run by Christadelphians here in South Africa where bibles are sold very inexpensively at almost cost (generally about $7-10 USD), so even the poor can have access to them. Another wonderful thing religiously about South Africa is that while $7 USD might be a lot to someone impoverished, people here will save up for a month to buy a bible – it’s seen as a treasured, highly-valued item.
People are routinely astonished that the bible courses through the BEC are offered free of charge (something else people really like around here: FREE). Sadly, many churches begin asking for money very quickly, even after advertising something as “free.”
Students at the BEC can sign up for correspondence courses, which may be mailed in and or checked in person at the BEC, which can lead to even more biblical conversation. We have about 40 students signed up already working on correspondence courses.
Also, we will soon begin providing daily 2-hour-long bible classes next door to the Birchleigh North Mall BEC at the Coen Scholtz Community Center after the holiday break. Classes will start at 1 pm, and Lucas Scheepers is providing the M + W classes and I’ll provide T + TH classes. The community center, located directly adjacent to our BEC location, is a nice, clean facility with multiple classrooms. We’ll advertise the classes via SMS and through the BEC.
The new BEC location in a kiosk has been popular. Megan (right) and Andrew Enyati (center) are both helping customers simultaneously.
Brother Andrew Enyati, BEC shop manager, helps a happy correspondence course student.
Brother Lucas Scheepers (left), Megan, and I hang BEC kiosk signage on our opening day.
Lucas signs up our very first bible correspondence student at the new location. This new student signed up before we had even opened up the shop.
Tendai was our first correspondence student, and he had already completed sections 1 and 2 by the very next morning and was eagerly seeking sections 3 and 4.
Megan and Leona Scheepers setting up shop in the new kiosk, positioning bibles in the best location for display.
With 11 official languages in South Africa, it’s necessary for us to offer bibles in everything from Xhosa to Zulu to Afrikaans, with English being the most common language. NIV and King James are the most popular translations.
The free bible correspondence courses are very popular, and we have about 40 students signed up already within the first week. Lunchtime bible classes next door in the community center will start after the holiday break.
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