Fund Established in Memory of Janet and Larry Brown to Provide Biblical Scholarships in Malawi, Africa
At the request of the World Missions Committee, the Second Presbyterian Church Foundation has established the Janet and Larry Brown African Bible College Scholarship Fund. It will provide both male and female financial scholarships for needy and deserving incoming freshman who will attend African Bible College in Malawi and seek a Biblical Studies major. Candidates who are from Malawi, are Christian, in financial need, and demonstrate academic skill and humility will be those who are selected by ABC leadership for the scholarship. Recipients will be referred to as the Brown Scholars.
The mission of the College is to provide Christ-centered education and compassionate service, grounded in Scripture, shaped by a biblical worldview, and committed to whole-person transformation by equipping generations of Christlike servant leaders, deeply rooted in God’s Word, and bringing Gospel transformation to every sphere of life and culture.
Andy Cheely, Director of World Missions, remarked, “The history of Second Pres. and ABC has been tethered through the Browns for over 30 years. In a nation that claims to be over 70% Christian, few have a copy of the Bible and even less know how to handle it as a workman who needs not be ashamed. Thousands of Malawians have encountered Christ and learned to walk with Him based on a skillful handling of His Word because of the Browns’ work there. That ministry will continue through the scholarship program, building into Biblical Studies majors who themselves will be called to multiply their life as Janet and Larry did. What a privilege to participate in God’s great Kingdom work”. The World Missions Committee will maintain ongoing communications with ABC-Malawi as the Fund is administered.
The scholarship fund is named for Drs. Janet and Larry Brown, both faithful missionaries until their deaths. Before joining the field, Larry was an active member of Second and its adult singles class, joining in 1983. Following a mid-life ministry call, Larry became a professor at African Bible College in Malawi in 1993. In 1997, while on furlough in the States, he met and married Janet. Immediately following their marriage, they made their home in Malawi, where they both taught at African Bible College.
Through God’s beautiful providence, while there, they adopted an infant son, Carey. Not long afterward, Janet became ill with cancer and soon went to be with the Lord. Larry depended on his Savior greatly during this time of grief and was an example to so many, all while continuing to serve faithfully at ABC. Throughout his life, he demonstrated what Isaiah 52:7 says – “how beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News”.
Larry remained a single parent until his death in 2025. Over the years, he and Carey often furloughed in Memphis and also attended many World Mission Conferences, keeping close ties to Second. Larry was a beloved professor of Systematic Theology and Church History at ABC-Malawi. During Janet’s time with ABC, she sought to foster student engagement in addressing the needs of those in the community.
This scholarship aims to carry on the impact of both Janet and Larry’s love for studying the Bible and teaching it to others. African Bible College seeks to train more teachers and pastors to share to love of Jesus in Malawi, where many churches only hear from a pastor once or twice a year. ABC’s training equips more people to teach and preach the Word of God.
The Foundation welcomes the receipt of Funds from members of Second and the community at large for the purpose of providing support for this effort. If you would like to make a contribution, simply direct your gift to the attention of Second Presbyterian Church Foundation: Janet and Larry Brown African Bible College Scholarship Fund or donate using the button below.
If you would like to learn more about the Fund or discuss ways in which you can participate, contact Grace Simmons Schneider at (901) 507-7898 or grace.schneider@2pc.org.