While the cliché of 'deepest darkest Africa' is a mission field most Christians have discussed at least once in their lives, the reality is quite different. There are millions of Christians in Africa. The primary problem in the African church is a lack of depth and a poor foundation due to the scarcity of solid Biblical training.

George Whitefield College (GWC), the official theological college of the Church of England in Southern Africa, is one of several rays of light where God is deeply influencing the future of Africa.

According to Australia's Bishop Dudley Foord, who has been instrumental in the establishment of GWC since 1989, "The establishment of George Whitefield College constitutes a series of miracles of God." These include "The acquisition of the property, the committed Godly faculty, growth in the student body to more than 90" and the list continues.

Mzumi (Peter) Makapela, a Bachelor of Theology student at GWC, came from Mandela Park Community Church in Khayelitsha. Khayelitsha is a very poor township and Mzumi, a member of the Xhosa community, currently has no financial backing.

A donation of $5000 would provide Mzumi with some books, and enable him to be included in the work bursary scheme. This scheme, which is aimed at reducing dependency and building self reliance, offers students a job at the college for R15 per hour. Of this wage, R10 goes towards the student's fees, and R5 is given for spending as the students have no other source of income.

While Mzumi is currently enrolled at GWC, there are many potential students who are unable to be accepted into the college at this time due to financial reasons.

Whitfest will be an evening of entertainment, information and an opportunity to give. Whitfest will be held at Christ Church St Ives on Saturday 20 April 2002, from 7:30pm. The night will feature great music by Melanie Cooke, Nathan Tasker, Citrus and me + Ty. All donations will go towards paying the expenses of Mzumi, or a student like Mzumi, at GWC.