We disciple disciples that disciple disciples.
What we do.
We teach theology to Ugandan leaders.
We train pastors, theologically and practically, to preach the gospel and plant new churches.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Uganda has a 64% unemployment rate, struggles with high levels of poverty, suffers indigenous traditionalism, tribalism and nepotism. Theological education and practical skills training are the foundations for change.
As we train pastors, so pastors train entire communities.
The gospel transforms worldviews; character, love of learning, vision, thinking correctly.
The gospel transforms lives; hope, stewardship, reconciliation and selflessness.
The gospel transforms societies; people, homes, communities, regions.
Simple faithfulness to the great commission sets off a holy chain reaction.
How we do it.
Our current strategy.
Right now, we have an invitation to lay foundations in a movement of church leaders with 550+ pastors. Our aim is to establish a self-sustaining, viral movement of leaders that continue to mature and multiply leaders.
We will empower a self-governing national church.
We will establish self-sustainable and accredited institutions for theological education.
“This opportunity allows us to plant something that will thrive long after we have gone.”
Where we do it.
Uganda, Africa.
We can assume Ugandans are happy with their circumstances, or we think of Africa as an inexhaustible problem in its dependency on support.
But Ugandans are just like you, smart and proud. They want education, freedom, and entrepreneurial training, to break out of cyclical poverty and to build a better world.
What we know.
We can make a massive difference.
We know these 550 church leaders host thousands of church meetings all over Uganda.
We have heard the greatest threat to the African Church; false doctrines of legalism, traditionalism, pluralism, and tribalism presented as gospel.
We have seen what is practiced; witch-doctors consulted for healing, and demons blamed for lifestyle choices.
We have experienced their hunger for truth and willingness to learn.
We know we can plant simple, solid truth in the hearts of all those leaders who lead those meetings.
We know this will transform lives, communities, and nations.
We also know we can’t go it alone.
The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of one-anotherness. We support others. They support us. Freely we receive. Freely we give. It is our privilege to bridge God’s work on different continents, and to realize how we need one another in this glorious, but fleeting life.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9
Who we are.
A Texan, a South African, and their three children…
Derek and Rebecca have served as missionaries in Southern Africa for two decades. Their ministry experience includes establishing after-care facilities for vulnerable and orphaned children and pioneering a YWAM Base to disciple students from around the world in the areas of evangelism, discipleship and mercy ministry. Derek and Rebecca serve as fully-appointed missionaries with Assemblies of God World Missions.
What we need.
Partner with Uganda. Send us.
We need a team
“Old men sit in the shade because they planted a tree many years before” – Ugandan Proverb
We need a team. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
We need educators.
We need men and women willing to invest in the lives of pastors and leaders through theological training and personal mentoring, helping leaders build the capacity to serve and lead well.
We need youth ministers
48% of Ugandans are under the age of 14.
This provides a wonderful opportunity. Quality youth ministry today, means quality adults tomorrow.
want to join in the adventure?
What others say.
“Derek and Rebecca are an answer to very specific prayer. They bring successful missionary experience in a critical way and are immensely passionate about training pastors towards healthy churches. They are seasoned leaders in the African education context and will fill a much needed role on the continent.”
Greg Beggs,
Africa Regional Director AGWM Africa
”I am overjoyed about the appointment of Derek, Rebecca, and their family as missionaries to South Africa. Their calling to train and equip precious African men and women for relevant gospel ministry is one of the most urgent needs in world missions today. Derek and Rebecca embody unique traits, ministry gifts, and a rich ministry background that will serve to advance the gospel in Africa, and I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing family to partner with financially and prayerfully.
Dr. John Easter,
Director and Strategic Leader for Training Africa’s Hope
“Derek and Rebecca van der Merwe are joining the Africa team at a crucial time. There are over 20 countries in Africa where we don’t have any AGWM missionaries serving. We have a critical need for missionaries like Derek and Rebecca, who have both life and ministry experience on the continent. Not only do they bring expertise, but are highly motivated leaders with a vision to see Africans discipled and churches planted. We are honored to have them on the team.”
Scott Hanson,
Strategic Leader for Unreached People Groups AGWM Africa
“I’d like to personally recommend Derek and Rebecca van der Merwe to you, missionaries who faithfully served along side us for many years. They brought energy, keen insight, and great passion to everything they were called upon to do and were constantly moving forward in their development and vision. They have served in many areas, including the pioneering of several ministries, which allows them to be exceptionally prepared to serve the Kingdom development in Africa and in the emerging leadership of Africa. Evangel Church International will certainly be supporting them financially because we know it will be Kingdom money well invested.”
David Betzer,
Pastor, Evangel Church International (Miami, FL)
“I have been closely associated with the van der Merwe’s since they first arrived as missionaries in Swaziland in 2001. My wife and I attended their Discipleship Training School in South Africa in 2008 and later served on staff with their ministry. Derek and Rebecca have sweet spirits, servant hearts, and an incredible work ethic. Your prayers for this family and any financial partnership would be a great kingdom investment. We have experienced their ministry, believe in their calling, and love this family dearly. We highly recommend them to you.”
Pastor Roger Kunene,
Pastor, Healing Place Swaziland
What you can do.
