The first BIC Bible School in Zimbabwe was opened on August 23, 1948, at a Mission Station southeast of Bulawayo called Wanezi. As the school grew and the facilities became inadequate for the needs of the expanding programme it was relocated to a new site at Mtshabezi Mission, the second Mission station to be established by the BIC Church in Africa. It was re-named Ekuphileni Bible Institute. To date over 600 people with a BIC Church background and from other denominations have obtained leadership training from this institute. The curriculum includes studies in anthropology, psychology, sociology, philosophy as well as practical skills such as carpentry, drip irrigation, cutting and designing, building and typing. In addition, the Institute conducts in-service seminars for those already involved in ministry. Whenever possible the graduates are absorbed in the various ministries of the church, but there are others who serve while in secular employment.

During the Mennonite World Conference General Council meetings in India it was established that the next World Assembly would be held in Africa, although the actual locality was not named. Three countries, Ethiopia, Zambia and Zimbabwe made formal invitations to MWC. Each country was invited to complete a questionnaire answering specific questions on issues like accommodation, transportation, meeting style, and other matters related to hosting a conference of the magnitude of a World Assembly.      This information was reviewed at the MWC Executive Committee Meeting held in July 1998. Ethiopia and Zimbabwe had responded to the questionnaire. Larry Miller, MWC Executive Secretary and Mesach Krisetya, MWC President, who were due to travel to Africa later in the year to attend an Assembly of the World Council of Churches, were authorized by the committee to help establish which country should host the MWC Assembly, as both countries have so much to offer.      Mesach and Larry arrived in Zimbabwe on November 26. They were hosted by the Brethren in Christ Church in Bulawayo. They visited the Bulawayo show grounds that would serve as a venue for the meetings if Zimbabwe were to be selected as the host country. They visited hotels, guesthouses and Teachers' Colleges which would be used for accommodation. They discussed the transportation system in the area and had visits with some local people. They were made aware of the local tourist attractions which would appeal to visitors to the country.      In June, another feasibility study will be done in Ethiopia.      At the invitation of Bruce Khumalo, the principal of the BIC-run Bible school, Mesach and Larry were invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the Ekuphileni Bible Institute. Mesach was Guest of Honour. He gave a keynote address entitled, "Jesus Is The Way. 'You Are The Christ.'"

Bruce Khumalo, the principal of the BIC-run Bible school (center), and colleagues.