Building a Sustainable Future: Support Our Dream

Dearest Friends and Supporters,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the past 13 years, as a family, my wife, Evilin, and I, along with our three children, have been blessed beyond what words can describe, to serve with Mercy Ships, sharing the love of Christ and bringing hope and healing to those in desperation and medical need. Our adventurous journey has been a true testament to God's faithfulness, guiding us through countless challenges and moments of triumph with unwavering grace.

In 2011, our journey began as we answered God’s calling to serve by selling everything we had and joining Mercy Ships as full-time volunteers with just two bags each. Since then, we have experienced and witnessed God’s miraculous work in the lives of thousands of individuals, transforming pain into healing, and despair into indescribable joy.

As our son, RJ,the last one to leave home, prepares to finish school in 2025 and embark on his life journey to university and beyond, we realize that our years are moving ahead, and we must plan for life after Mercy Ships. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement we've received from each of you along this incredible journey. You have made it possible to keep us in the mission field serving out our passion and fulfilling the great commandment.

Our hearts are stirred with a vision and a passion to give back, by creating a place that we call Marlothi View—a sanctuary of peace and restoration within a wildlife reservation in South Africa, Marloth Park, bordering the Kruger National Park—a place where God's presence is felt in every rustle of the wind and every whisper of the trees. Wildlife roaming freely within the boundaryless residential spaces will create a unique and awe-inspiring experience for all who visit. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, a birder's paradise, surrounded by majestic African wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Marlothi View will not only be a refuge for us but also a testament to God's goodness and mercy. It will consist of six self-catering rooms, each uniquely designed to offer comfort and tranquility amidst the beauty of nature. Additionally, a communal kitchen will provide a space for fellowship and shared meals among guests. It will be a place where weary souls can find peace and rest. Broken hearts can find healing, and where God's light shines brightest in the darkness.

We are thrilled to share that by the Grace of God, the land for Marlothi View has already been bought and paid for—a beautiful 2000m² plot nestled within the embrace of nature's splendor.

To ensure sustainability, Marlothi View is to be equipped with eco-friendly, state-of-the-art solar panels and a backup generator for rainy days. In addition, we plan to drill a well for water supply and install a tank where we pump and store water during daytime using solar energy.

We envision Marlothi View as a haven for Mercy Ships personnel and alumni—a place where you can find solace and rejuvenation amidst this beauty of nature. Whether you're seeking a retreat from the rigors of service or simply yearning to reconnect with fellow volunteers, Marlothi View welcomes everyone from around the world with open arms.

However, we cannot accomplish this dream alone. We humbly come to you, our fellow servants of Christ, seeking your support and prayers as we embark on this continuous amazing journey of faith. Together, we can build Marlothi View—a legacy that honors God and glorifies His name.

Marlothi View will be a two-story project, slightly over 542m² (5836 ft²)

Will you consider partnering with us in this divine endeavor? We invite you to share this letter with your friends, family, and colleagues and invite them to support this project as individuals or as a team. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and sow seeds of hope that will bear fruit for everyone who comes to visit. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a profound impact.

We estimate that we need approximately $250,000 to complete this project which will include building costs, sustainable infrastructure, and essential amenities. Your generosity will not only support our retirement goals but also enable us to continue serving His kingdom in new and meaningful ways. We have an immediate need of about $10,000 towards the architect plans, engineering designs, land meter, and the water well, including equipping the well as the water will be needed for the building phase.

Thank you for your unwavering faith, your steadfast support, and your belief in the power of His love. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas you may have—we would love to hear from you.

In His service, Renier, Evilin & RJ