Mandlenkosi has an inability to tell a lie, so he is often called by the name Honest. Raised in Mdantsane, the second largest black township in South Africa, he is part of the royal Xhosa family called Tshawe. After finishing high school, he escaped the turbulent life in the ghetto and went off to Bible college, where he earned a four-year diploma in theology.
A turning point in Honest’s life came in 1985. Not only did he marry Noxolo (Veronica) but he also met Kelly. Honest had a vision to teach the Word of God. Kelly encouraged him to start an evening Bible college in the industrial center of the Transkei so that the factory workers could study the Word after work. As a result, Grace Evening Bible College was formed. But when the factories began to shut down, so did the Bible college.
After praying with Kelly, Honest began to accept the fact that he had an apostolic calling. As a result of planting many churches in westernized areas of the Transkei, Kelly and Honest started African New Life Ministries (ANLM), which gives oversight to many developing Xhosa churches. Then in 1999, Honest and Kelly started Gatyana Bible College, where Honest serves as president.
Noxolo, who is often referred to as Veronica by English speakers, was also raised in the ghettos of Mdantsane. She met Honest at church, and they have been married since 1985. They have five children, and they currently reside in Msobomvu. Having cared for children all her life, she has a special concern for the children of the Transkei. As a result of a lot of prayer and work, Noxolo and Kelly developed and now operate Grace Children’s Shelter (GCS). Noxolo currently works full time supervising GCS.
Both Honest and Noxolo have been working with Kelly and the mission since 1985. They continue to be a valuable part of the mission’s leadership team.
The African Council of Churches awarded Mandlenkosi with an honorary doctorate, and he is now respectfully known as Dr. M. Sebe.
Mandlenkosi is currently the senior director of the missions in Africa. Kelly and Kathy remain submitted to Dr. Sebe’s leadership.