Welcome To Our Journey
Here you’ll find glimpses into our life and ministry—snapshots of what God is doing in and through us as we serve in South Africa. Whether it's the joy of street soccer, meaningful conversations in unexpected places, or walking alongside families in need, each story is a reminder that God works through the ordinary to reveal the extraordinary.
Scroll down to read our latest updates and be encouraged by how He continues to open doors, shape lives, and lead us step by step.
Our Stories.
A Glimpse into Our Journey Back to Aids Hope - Nov 2023
A Summer Christmas Like No Other- Dec 2023
A Sweet Start & New Beginnings- Mar 2024
A New Chapter: Trusting God’s Provision - July 2024
A New Chapter in Mamelodi - Aug 2024
A Summer of New Beginnings- Nov 2024
A New Year of Unexpected Open Doors - May 2025
A Season of Growth and Encouragement
The past months have been filled with encouraging moments and reminders of how God continues to guide the work here in South Africa.
We celebrated the graduation of another REACH team and gathered with OM South Africa staff to learn more about building Vibrant Communities of Jesus Followers. It has been beautiful to see how God is sending people to different parts of the world with the Gospel and how this vision reflects what He had already placed on Thabo and Naomi’s hearts.
Naomi also joined a school ministry in Mamelodi, sharing about God each week with two Year 6 classes. Seeing children think about faith and learn that Jesus loves them is a wonderful reminder of why this work matters.
Alongside this, we were blessed with a visit from family from the Netherlands and have seen our home slowly become a place of community for young people in the neighbourhood.
Thank you for standing with us through your prayers and support. Your encouragement helps make this ministry possible.
A Year of Faithful Provision
The end of 2025 has come, and as we look back on the past months, we are deeply grateful for how God has continued to guide and provide for us here in Mamelodi.
From walking alongside a family struggling with addiction during drug ministry to helping train others for mission work through MMT, we’ve seen again how God works through relationships and simple acts of faithfulness. Even through challenges—like moving house again—He has faithfully opened doors and provided what we needed.
We were also blessed by a special visit from Naomi’s family, bringing encouragement, clothing to share with the community, and Bibles to give away. New training opportunities are opening up for the coming year, and we even welcomed a new addition to our home—Milo, our Boerboel puppy.
There is still so much to learn, but we are incredibly thankful to be part of what God is doing here. Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers and support make this ministry possible.
Winter Sun and Growing Connections
Winter here may not bring snow, but without heating, the chill is real—so we warm up in the sunshine with tea in hand.
June brought the bittersweet graduation of the REACH team. Serving soup and bread together in the community, we were touched to see the girls we visit join in with joy—proof of God’s hand at work.
In this season, I’ve shifted into Personnel, using past work skills to serve OM, while also trusting God’s peace in the midst of safety challenges. And soon, a special blessing: two weeks with my family visiting!
Thank you for your prayers and support—God is moving in big and small ways.
A New Year of Unexpected Open Doors
The new year began with family, laughter, and what we lovingly call “cheerful chaos.” But even more than that, it started with unexpected conversations about God—one of them right after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
From spontaneous chats about Jesus to deepening connections in the slums, we’ve seen how God continues to open hearts in surprising ways. Whether it’s through soccer with local boys, helping a family take steps toward recovery, or simply sitting on the floor sharing life and Scripture, we’re reminded that He meets people right where they are.
We’re slowly building—registering Thabo’s sports ministry, joining OM’s HR team, and continuing with our weekly outreach to those caught in addiction. There’s still a lot to learn, but we’re incredibly grateful to be part of God’s work here.
Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers and support help carry this mission forward.
A Summer of New Beginnings
Summer is here, and with it comes the joy of Spring Day celebrations, where kids splash water on each other in the streets. It’s a simple but beautiful reminder of the joy in this season.
We’re beyond thankful that our team is now complete! Christa has joined as our team manager, and Boukje is now overseeing prayer. Their support means the world to us, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Thabo’s sports ministry is starting to take form, with seven young men eager to get involved. We’re trusting God to provide the resources needed to keep this going, including soccer balls and a weekly meal for the group.
I’ve been at home more, but God is opening doors for me to help with admin for OM remotely. Meanwhile, Thabo is busy, balancing his Uber driving and ministry work, and we’re so grateful for His provision.
Safety in Mamelodi is a growing concern, but we’re trusting in God’s protection as we continue to serve here.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support—it truly makes all the difference!
A New Chapter in Mamelodi
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since I returned to South Africa. Time seems to fly, and the past few months have been a rollercoaster. We’ve faced many challenges, but we’re incredibly grateful for the unexpected blessings along the way, especially the extra financial support that’s allowed us to breathe a little easier.
Thabo has been busy, and it’s been amazing to see his passion for the men in his group. Recently, he even had the privilege of baptising some of them—a moment that truly touched my heart. But what excites me the most is his vision for a sports ministry here in Mamelodi.
The focus is on reaching out to the local boys, giving them a safe space to play football, share about God, and even providing meals. Some of these boys are struggling with addiction, and we want to be there to support them as they work towards recovery. We’re seeing God move in powerful ways, and even though it’s been tough at times, I know we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.
Our hearts for the people of Mamelodi are stronger than ever, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for the next chapter of this journey.
A New Chapter:
Trusting God’s Provision
It’s been a time of change and uncertainty for us. After unexpectedly being told to leave our home, we found ourselves scrambling for a new place to stay. Miraculously, just days later, God provided a new home for us—though much simpler than before, it’s a peaceful space we can call our own. We’re so grateful, even though it means making do without many of the comforts we’re used to.
Thabo has been working on repairing cars to make extra income, but I find myself home alone a lot, feeling the weight of loneliness and the pressure of finances. It's been harder than I expected. But in the midst of it all, we continue to trust that God is leading us through this season.
A huge blessing came recently—my visa was approved! It was a huge relief, and we saw God’s provision in unexpected ways, especially when we weren’t sure how we’d make it to Johannesburg to collect it. But through the support of friends and our community, we made it happen.
Even in the hardest moments, we feel the love and support of those around us, and for that, we are incredibly thankful. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support mean more to us than words can express. We’re grateful for you walking this journey with us.
A Fun Week Full of Surprises and Challenges
What a whirlwind it’s been! From planning a fun-filled week for the After School kids with obstacle courses and treasure hunts, to diving into deeper conversations with the Girls Discipleship group, it’s been a time of joy and growth. While we faced challenges, like limited access to dental care for the children, there were also moments of hope and laughter—like when the kids learned my favourite childhood game and couldn’t stop laughing!
In the midst of all this, we were blessed with seven adorable puppies, a reminder of God’s care for us. As we continue our journey in ministry, we're seeing God’s guidance every day and trusting Him in this season of transition.
It’s not always easy, but it’s full of purpose and adventure. We are so thankful for your support and prayers—it truly means the world to us.
A Sweet Start & New Beginnings
Our December oliebollen sale exceeded expectations—what a blessing! Life here in Mamelodi is full of contrast: New Year’s fireworks, summer heat, no washing machine (everything's done by hand), and living in a full house with Thabo’s extended family.
I’ve started teaching again—both in local classrooms and online—and during one English lesson, I had a beautiful faith conversation with a student from Japan. Work remains uncertain, but God continues to show up in unexpected ways.
A Summer Christmas Like No Other
It’s a strange feeling—celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer. While I’m used to cosying up by the wood stove during long, dark December nights, here in South Africa, we’re trying to stay cool in 30-degree heat. No typical Christmas vibes, yet still a deep moment to pause and reflect on the birth of Jesus.
This year, we’re once again part of Aids Hope’s annual Christmas Lunch, a special outreach where men struggling with addiction are invited for a free meal. Many come just for the food—but we use that opportunity to share the hope of Jesus. Some share powerful testimonies of how God is helping them in their recovery, and every year we pray that someone will take the first step toward change.
It’s not the kind of Christmas I grew up with—but it’s one full of purpose, hope, and God’s presence. We are so thankful for your continued support, prayers, and faith. It means the world to us. Life here is a challenge, a blessing, and an adventure—and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for the new year.
A Glimpse into Our Journey Back to Aids Hope
After three challenging years apart—visa struggles, uncertainty during COVID, and living in two different countries—God has called my husband and me back to South Africa to serve with Aids Hope. Through moments of deep doubt and unexpected provision, we’ve learned what it truly means to walk by faith. From finding a part-time online job that allowed me to begin preparing for ministry, to saying an emotional goodbye at Schiphol, to finally reuniting in South Africa and jumping straight into youth camp planning—we’ve seen God’s hand in every step. Even when my job unexpectedly ended, we felt His peace and the continued call to trust Him fully.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been filled with God’s grace and reminders of His promises. And we believe this is just the beginning.
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For any questions or information, you can contact us and our Team in the Netherlands:
TFT - Thabo & Naomi Mnguni
de Vore 21 t: +316 22928599
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