Dear Friend in Christ,
In Isaiah 52:7, we read, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” This month, we are delighted to introduce John Menton, who has recently begun a church-planting internship with RCSS and ARC.
John has been married to his American-born wife, Naomi, for 25 years. The Lord has richly blessed their family with three biological and six foster children. Their home has long been a Gospel-shaped haven for orphaned and vulnerable children in East London, a coastal city in South Africa’s Eastern Province.
Raised in a Christian home, John served in his youth within charismatic and non-denominational settings as a music team member and youth leader. In 1999, he moved to the United States. While living in Florida in 2010, John gained a clearer grasp of the Gospel and sensed a call to ministry. In subsequent years, he helped plant CrossPointe Coast (FL), where he served as a deacon, engaged in discipleship, and led Bible studies.
In 2014, the Mentons returned to East London to care for John’s ageing parents and to continue opening their home to those in need. Since then, they have served local churches through music leadership, with John also serving as an elder and associate pastor. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Theology through the Bible Institute of South Africa and augmenting his studies with Reformed readings in preparation for future ministry.
Recently, John and Naomi became members of the Gereformeerde Kerk in East London. There, John assists Dominee (Pastor) Marten Boersema as an intern in establishing a new English-language service. Through his internships with RCSS and ARC, John will now gain hands-on experience in helping to plant a confessionally Reformed church in East London. He will also contribute to the wider vision of extending the Reformed witness throughout the Eastern Cape. Please pray for the Menton family as they serve in this important work of church planting and that the Lord would establish the work of their hands and add many to Christ’s church.
Please pray for RCSS regarding:
- Our church plant in Somerset West
- Improving our current worship facility
- New elder and deacon candidates
Please pray for ARC regarding:
- Seminary interns and church planters
- Funding, particularly for our church planters
- Completion of the Book of Church Order with expert advice
We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us to support the work of RCSS and ARC.
For Reformed confessionalism in Africa,
Rev. Dr. Simon Jooste on behalf of the RCSS Council and the ARC Steering Committee.