SABC Turns 60

Southern Africa Bible College

January 2026 eNewsletter

In This eNewsletter

SABC At 60!

Ralph Bryant Joins SABC-USA Fundraising Team

New Van Helps Alleviate Growing Pains

2026 Mission Trip to South Africa

SABC At 60!

Southern Africa Bible College celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in 1966 beneath the chestnut tree pictured above, the college has witnessed and endured remarkable change over six decades. From the end of Apartheid to the construction of dormitories, accreditation, three CEOs, and students arriving from across the globe, much has unfolded since those early days.

Most importantly, the Kingdom of God has continued to grow through the work taking place in Benoni, South Africa. These have truly been an extraordinary 60 years.

And yet, the best is still to come!

Even at 60, the college continues to grow, innovate, and seek new ways to equip students for effective ministry in God’s Kingdom. The 2026 academic year is now underway, with dormitories and houses once again full. More than 50 students from four different countries are studying together, gaining both a deeper understanding of Scripture and hands-on, practical ministry experience.

Leadership is also launching new initiatives designed to give students real-world experience in planting and growing congregations while they are still in school—lessons they can carry with them as they serve and establish churches in other communities around the world.

Though six decades old, Southern Africa Bible College remains vibrant, growing, and developing much like a new work. There is still so much to accomplish. Your partnership is vital to this mission, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support and prayers.

Please be praying for the college, its staff, students, and alumni as it strives to spread the good news of Jesus in Southern Africa and around the world. And be watching for updates about the next steps for growing the college.

Help Support SABC Students Like These

Ralph Bryant Joins SABC - USA Fundraising Team

Born and raised in Lake Jackson, I graduated from Brazosport High School in 1966. I earned degrees from Brazosport College, Sam Houston State University, and Abilene Christian University.

I have been married to my wife, Jo, for nearly 59 years. We are blessed with three daughters and six grandchildren, including in-laws.

My ministry career began in full-time service in Huntsville. I later moved to Dallas to serve as an associate with Clifton Rogers at Edgefield, followed by nine years in youth ministry in Alvin. I then preached for 29 years in League City, three years in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and nearly five years in Wharton before retiring.

Throughout my ministry, I have been deeply involved in camp and retreat work and have led nearly 50 short-term mission trips to destinations including Jamaica, Dominica, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Montserrat, Belarus, and Singapore.

In addition to ministry, I am an avid reader and a lifelong baseball fan.

I'm so very excited to be a part of the team that is working to promote the Southern Africa Bible College. I have known of the work for many years. When I took the pulpit for the Leage City, Texas congregation in 1988 I found that they had been involved with SABS for years, and I loved the story of how they got involved.

Al Horne was in the United States making a tour of congregations, both reporting to ones that were already involved in the ministry and seeking new ones to take part. He made contact with the congregation in League City, and when he made his presentation, they were eager to join with him. But they didn't have any money. They were paying a janitor at that time to clean the building at League City. But they decided to take on the role of janitors and to divert the funds they had been spending for a janitor toward the support of Southern Africa Bible College.

So I became a part of the mop brigade in League City, there were four teams that rotated each week cleaning the toilets and vacuuming the carpets and such. It was a congregation wide involvement, young and old alike. Soon I met Al Horn on another of his visits. He was an easy man to love and his passion for the Word and for the Lord's people was infectious. We even had the privilege of Al's son, Steven, working with us as a ministry intern with our youth one summer as a part of his studies at Harding university.

I retired from the pulpit last July, not knowing what might lie ahead for me. When Kirk made the proposal that I consider working with him in promoting the ministry of the Southern Africa Bible College I was intrigued and excited. And now I'm praying that the Lord will use me as a vessel of blessing to the college and the students And that I can open doors for others to participate and the great work of SABC.

And I ask you to join me in that prayer.

New Van Helps Alleviate Growing Pains

Growing from 27 students to 54 students in one year caused transportation problems. Students need transportation to go to and from services in the Johannesburg area, on mission trips, and to various ministry opportunities around city.

As part of our special campaign last year, donors gave to support the purchase of an additional Toyota Quantum. This is an 11 passenger vehicle. The college now has three of these reliable vehicles. Thank you so much for your generosity. May God bless you for your kindness!