Name: Siphilisiwe Sibanda
Hometown: Bulawayo
Married: Married in 2006 and have one son, Garreth Jr., who is 13 months.
Age: 29

How did you become a Christian?  I became a Christian through Sunday school teachings and church sermons.  My background, which included being sexually abused, having divorced parents, and being abandoned by my mother, led me to see God’s love for me and helped me to see that I was a sinner needing God’s grace.  After becoming I Christian, I learned how to cope and process through my past experiences, which I thank God for.

How did you hear about TCZ?  My husband was a former student here and is now a pastor.

What did you decide to come to TCZ?  I realized that as a pastor’s wife, I was required to do some of the duties that my husband needs to do.  So I decided to come to TCZ to learn more about preaching, leadership, and to know about the Scriptures.

How is TCZ equipping you for future ministry?  Though I’m only in my first year, TCZ has helped me to understand what Christianity really is and now I’m able to explain to others what it really means to be a Christian.  If you haven’t done anything wrong or are born in a Christian family, that doesn’t mean you are a Christian.  But by being at TCZ, it has become clear that everyone is a sinner and needs Christ’s forgiveness.  I’ve also realized from my time at TCZ that, as a Christian, it is important to spread the good news and disciple others in their faith. 

What do you hope to do after finishing TCZ?  After I graduate, I hope I will be a very effective pastor’s wife.  The congregation assumes that if you are a pastor’s wife, you have your husband’s calling so you too are called to do everything he is called to do.  Many pastor’s wives don’t receive training, but are often put into positions of leadership and ministry.  This is why I hope that I’ll receive training in order to more effectively serve alongside my husband.