Meet Our Families

The Matjeni Family
Elias and Mamitjie Matjeni became houseparents with Bethesda in February 2003. In addition to his role as housefather, Elias ministers as a lay pastor and works for the Department of Education. Mamitjie is enjoying the blessing of children and a busy life in the home after working as a teacher in public education for fourteen years. God brought six beautiful children to fill this home within six months of its beginning. Neo, Shane, Khotatso, Masego, Konyana, and Busisiwe are daily growing in their knowledge of and love for the One who created them.

Matjeni's Anniversary: September 21, 1985
Birthdates: Elias - Aug 15; Mamitjie - May 7; Neo - Sept 9, 1994; Shane - July 20, 1996; Kgothatso - Jun 29, 1997; Masego - Dec 2, 1997; Konyana - Aug 9, 2001; Busisiwe - Dec 17, 2002

The Phago Family
Jones and Lenah Phago became houseparents with Bethesda in March 2003. Jones serves in the area of maintenance/grounds at Bethesda, and he is working toward a degree in Theology. Lenah stays active in the home. In addition to their biological son, Neo, Jones and Lenah are thankful for the addition of seven Bethesda children into their home. Sipho, Neo, Johanna, Bongane, Olinda, Thandiwe, Peter, and Lethabo are thriving in a home with parents who model Christ's love and teaching.

Phago's Anniversary: April 8, 1989
Birthdates: Jones - Apr 28; Lenah - Mar 30; Jim - April 15, 1987; Siphiwe - Mar 5, 1987; Neo - Oct 13, 1993; Sipho - Sept 3, 1993; Johanna - Oct 2, 1994; Bongane - Feb 4, 1998; Olinda - Jan 10, 2000; Peter - Mar 15, 2001; Thandiwe - Jun 30, 2001; Lethabo - Jan 31, 2002

The Shikwambane Family
Fritz and Masello Shikwambane became houseparents with Bethesda in June 2003. At Bethesda, Fritz fills the role of Houseparent Supervisor even while he is also working toward earning a degree in Theology; Masello enjoys caring for their eight children. Fritz and Masello have a biological son, Gomolemo, and have welcomed seven more Bethesda children into their home. Ayanda, Gomolemo, Tumelo, Lerato, Prudence, Mpho, Joanna, and Jack are discovering God's truth as they learn through the godly example of their parents.

Shikwambane's Anniversary: April 11, 1992
Birthdates: Fritz - July 25; Masello - May 27; Njabulo - February 15, 1988; Margaret - June 19, 1991; Ayanda - February 2, 1992; Gomolemo - June 13, 1993; Tumelo - Nov. 26, 1993; Lerato - Nov. 26, 1993; Prudence - Aug. 4, 1995; Simon - June 4, 1997; Joanna - Oct 23, 2000

The Manaka Family
Frans and Salome joined the Bethesda team in October 2006 with their biological children Gladness and Thato. Frans is the Administrator of Facilities and Grounds at Bethesda, and also spearheaded our Agricultural Program by teaching the children to plant and maintain their own vegetable gardens. Salome is currently working toward a degree in Early Childhood Development even as she cares for the family in the home. In addition to Gladness and Thato, Rudolph, Gontse, Siyabonga, Albert, and Pienkie have been placed with the Manaka's and are growing in wisdom and stature as they learn God's love in the arms of their new parents.

Manaka's Anniversary: August 8
Birthdates: Frans - Jan 5; Salome - Aug 8; Gladness - Sep 23, 1997; Rudolph - Aug 14, 2000; Siyabonga - Aug 22, 2002; Albert - Nov 27, 2002; Thato - Nov 29, 2002; Gontse - Nov 24, 2003; Pienkie - Aug 20, 2004