Why South Africa?

We answered this question in a 5 reasons why post.

What about money?

This is the question we get asked the most. We are not paid a dime for being missionaries. Shocked? We explain more about this and other money questions here.

How long are you moving for?

The short answer to this is that we don’t know. To accomplish what God has asked us to do and see long-term fruit it will take time. This could take 3, 5, 15 years. We know this, we are committed to life long missions and that South Africa is the current season in our lives. We are here until God says to move.

Why do you have advertising on your site?

For the first time ever we are offering advertising on our site, in order to generate income to cover the costs of hosting a website and towards missions. When you don’t have a set income, every little bit helps. Our readers are a wide spread international audience mostly located in the US. They are people who care deeply about the work of missions and are compassionate generous givers to the needs they see in the world. They have a particular interest in Africa. We run google advertisement on this site and are paid per click. So if you are interested in the product, please click on the link to learn more and know that google gave us some cash for that click. Additionally, we advertise for compassion for free. We personally sponsor a child and would encourage you to do the same. 

If you have a product or service that you would like advertised on our site, please contact us for details. To our readers, know we will only allow advertising that is tasteful and in line with our values.

What happens when you have kids?

Sleepless night and lots diapers like every other parent we guess. Its not our intention to stop being in missions when we have children. We value family first, then ministry. However, we believe God called our family to serve Him in the mission field and location shouldn’t change simply because of the size of our family. We can’t wait to raise children on this continent!

How often do you return to the US?

Ideally, we would like to return once a year. But because of finances and busy ministry schedules, that might not be possible. Right now we are making a more realistic goal of every 18 months.

Did you moving to South Africa because De Wet is from South Africa?

No. De Wet’s extended family lives in another part of the country. His immediate family lives in the US, so both of us are moved away from our families. We both individually heard from God and made a commitment to move to South Africa before we were even in a relationship. Call it God’s irony. We came because we see huge potential to influence the continent. Although, we see it as God’s hand of providence, that one of us already speaks one of the local languages and understands the culture.

Where do you get the photography on your site?

Pretty much all of it we take. We prefer to give you a taste of what we see everyday not stock photography. That said, we don’t have much time for photoshop. To use any of these photos, please contact us first. A few photos of us were taken by friends and place with permission. If a photo is not from us, we’ll credit it.

What do your families think? 

Every career has its pros & cons. Missions is the same. Some might guess the traveling, living on a small income or the culture shock might be the hardest factors. Hands down, the most difficult thing is being away from family and the familiar. The reality of being in missions is that our decisions affect our parents and siblings. When God called us, they also pay a huge price. But, our families are amazing and the have fully supported us throughout all these years in missions (13 years between us both!). They are also willing to come visit which helps alot!

Who designs your website?

We do. The whole kit & caboodle. Marysol is more blogging & design. De Wet is more bugs & technical. Same for our videos & newsletters. Together we make it happen. 

Where do you live in South Africa?

We live in Muizenberg, South Africa. It is located just outside of Cape Town, near the southern most tip of Africa. This is a diverse area with people from all over Africa. We experience all 4 seasons, minus snow. But it does get really cold! The seasons are opposite, so its winter in June, but summer in January.

What is YWAM?

YWAM is short for Youth With A Mission, one of the largest Christian charitable organizations in the world. Founded in 1960, our calling is to know God and to make Him known. Our many ministries fit into three main categories: evangelism, training, mercy ministry. We are currently operating in more than 900 locations in over 150 countries, with a staff of over 16,000. Here's what other Christian leaders are saying:

"We all rejoice in the way God has blessed this organization in reaching people all over the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep up the good work. You have my support and my prayers."

- Billy Graham           

"The influence of YWAM and the leadership of Loren Cunningham, in character and constancy, has been, under God's grace, one of the most determinative factors in bringing about the global Church's renewal and impact in the last half of the 20th century."

- Dr. Jack W. Hayford

"I thank and praise our wonderful Lord for the world impact YWAM has had in helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Loren Cunningham along with the leadership and staff of YWAM has always been a great inspiration and blessing to me and it has been a great joy and privilege to work alongside them for the gospel. Their faith, boldness and zeal for our dear Lord have been a significant factor in this greatest-of-all-time spiritual harvests for Christ's kingdom in the past 40 years."

- Dr. Bill Bright