With the demise of Apartheid, new ministry opportunities sprang forth in Ladysmith. When it came to our  attention  in 1996 that a local developer planned to build 600 new middle-class African homes on a sixty-acre farm across the street from his house, we bought this old farm house and restored it in which to begin a new church.

 

The restored old house proved a perfect facility in which to begin a new church. 

In March of 1999, we conducted the first service of the Bible Baptist Church of Ladysmith. On that historic day, we outgrew our facility the very first service.

      

It was obvious that a bigger facility was needed. So, with gifts from our supporting churches, and contributions for the members of the Bible Baptist Church of Ladysmith, we constructed a new sanctuary. The sanctuary was added onto the old house, and compliments the neighborhood very well.

 

          

The church continues to grow.  The new community of Mkhamba Gardens continues to grow.  In response to this, generous Christian donors from the United States gave money to build a center in which to reach out to this growing community.  In February of 2004, ground was broken for a new facility.

This facility was finished one year later.  It houses the MANNA Feeding Center for hungry children, a Day Care, Activity Center, Library, Church Offices, Dormitory, and much more.

     

     

March 2005 marked a great day for the Mkhamba Gardens church when after ten years of training when My Son in the Ministry, Wiseman Jiyane, was ordained and called into full time ministry to pastor the church.  As he and his wife Precious take the reigns of leadership, this missionary can say, "We have completed our task."  Within a few years the entire facility will be given to the church and community for the benefit of the entire area.

In keeping with my personal philosophy: Evangelize, Educate, Equip, Encourage and then Empower, the entire complex is now in the hands of South Africans!  Although the church, community, and even close friends can not fully realize the gift they've received, the fruit from our labors and gifts from many American Christians will certainly benefit this community for years to come.  And, Christ's Church will touch many lives for eternity.