HOPE for AIDS — Training

The smiles were wide as another six students from the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC), SIM's partner church, graduated from the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi (EBCoM) in September. However, their work has only just begun.

The Pastor's Challenges

Most AEC pastors look after multiple churches and preaching points because there are only about 40 trained pastors for more than 80 AEC congregations. Most of the churches are in rural locations, spread far apart, along rough, rocky roads. Travelling long distances by foot or bicycle to care for their congregations is especially challenging during rainy season.

The church is reaching out to many of the poorest people in Malawi. Church members struggle to put food on the table and only have small offerings to pay the pastors. Despite small economic resources, the churches are pouring themselves out in response to the AIDS crisis which is devastating families and entire villages. These pastors continue to minister in these tough conditions because they love God and their fellow Malawians.