Deo-Victoria’s internship program nurtures future leaders
The church through its launch of their pilot internship program has announced its dedication to nurturing young minds and instilling enduring values.
. This year, Deo-Victoria introduced an internship program, which brings together four eager, passionate interns. These individuals are not only dedicated to expanding their knowledge but are also enthusiastic about contributing to our community.
According to Herman Grundlingh, the church’s senior pastor, the program’s launch aligns with Deo-Victoria’s mission to raise up the next generation of leaders through education and training.
“We started this initiative in January because our church has a strong missions department, which includes the NPO project, Deo Missions. Part of this project’s vision is to equip the next generation, and that is why we decided to start this internship,” Grundlingh explained.
The internship program consists of two main components, a gap year designed to help interns find direction, build discipline, and prepare for their future and theological studies. The second component is for those individuals who would like to go into full time ministry. The three-year theology program, accredited by SAQA through AFM Theology College, who are in partnership with the church, provides a combination of academic study and hands-on ministry provides interns with a well-rounded and impactful experience.
Interns gain foundational theological knowledge through structured classes and mentorship from church leaders, but the program also emphasizes practical service.
“This year, since it’s a pilot project, we are exploring what works and what doesn’t,” Grundlingh shared. “We aim to use our connections globally to invite international students and interns from diverse backgrounds, making this initiative more multicultural.” Additionally, the program supports students who might not have the financial means to pursue theology at university but are eager to learn. Long-distance study, made more affordable through the NPO, allows businesses to contribute and receive tax breaks for their donations.
Another key element of the internship involves direct service in local schools. Interns actively engage in teaching and community outreach, contributing to educational development at schools such as Alethia Christian College ,Hutten Park Primary School and Drakensberg.
Meet the Interns(Rudolph Vermaak, Ania Oosthuizen, Tegan Vogel and Jaco Redelinghuys)
The interns come from various backgrounds and experiences but share a common goal of growth and service.
Ania Oosthuizen, whose father has always been involved in ministry, joined the program due to his influence. With previous experience at Home Meah and a passion for nursing, she felt the internship would be a perfect opportunity for her development. “The Lord prepared me for exactly this internship,” Ania said. “At a Women Chosen concert, I sought out a mentor, and when I spoke to Pastor Charmaine, she asked if I wanted to work in the church full-time instead. I immediately said yes, and it’s been the best decision I could have made. Every day has been fulfilling, especially working in the children’s ministry,” she said
Rudolph Vermaak, another intern, echoed Ania’s sentiments, emphasizing that the program has helped him develop practical skills while learning how theology can address real-life challenges. “Even though we are receiving a lot of information, we are learning how to cope with life and engage with diverse people,” he commented.
Teagan Vogel added that their goal for the year is to grow spiritually, engage with others, and most importantly share the gospel with those around them.
Looking ahead Pastor Grundlingh highlighted that the ultimate goal of the program is to create a network of young leaders grounded in faith, equipped with compassion, and ready to make a positive impact on the world.
“We already have students interested for next year from a variety of backgrounds, making the program more diverse and representative of our country,” he shared.
“In four five years, we want to see quality ministers coming from this program and send guys and girls with integrity out into the world. We want to raise up quality leaders for our communities,“ he concluded.
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