Before coming to Riverside Adventist School, Minentle didn’t know who Jesus was or that the Bible even existed. Her journey reflects more than a century of Adventist mission work across Southern Africa.
Each morning at Riverside Seventh-day Adventist school in Cape Town, South Africa, classrooms fill with the sound of children—a daily routine made possible by more than a century of mission work in the region.
Minentle [min-en-tle] starts the day with morning worship. Surrounded by classmates, She sings, prays, and prepares for the lessons ahead. For this student, school is more than just a place of learning—it’s a space where faith and education come together.
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“I never knew anything about Jesus or God. I never even knew the Bible existed until I came to Riverside.”
This school received the 13th Sabbath Offering in 2012, which helped create opportunities for more students to learn about Jesus. Unlike Minentle’s previous schools, this one provided a unique experience that nurtured both her education and faith.
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“When I entered the school, I realized that I was in a safe community. And when I read the Bible, I realized it can actually help me navigate through life.”
Since coming to this school, Minentle has accepted Jesus into her heart and was baptized. Her story is one of many that reflect the lasting impact of Adventist mission work in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region.
The roots of the Adventist Church in this region trace back to the late 19th century. The first missionaries arrived in South Africa in 1887, led by Pieter Wessels and Asa Robinson. Their dedication led to the establishment of Claremont Union College, later renamed Helderberg College, which became a cornerstone for training church leaders and educators.
As the mission expanded, Adventists moved into Zambia and Zimbabwe in the early 1900s. A major milestone was the founding of Solusi Mission in 1894, the first Adventist mission station outside North America. Over time, Solusi Mission developed into Solusi University, enhancing its role in education and ministry.
Throughout the region, the church grew through schools, hospitals, and evangelism.
Despite challenges, the Seventh-day Adventist Church remained committed to its mission. Through faith, resilience, and service, the church expanded across Southern Africa. Today, this region has more than four million members and a strong network of churches, schools, hospitals, and media outreach programs.
What began with a handful of missionaries has grown into a thriving movement that continues to impact lives. The Seventh-day Adventist Church remains a beacon of faith and service across the region.
But the work is not yet finished. As the church continues to grow, there are still many communities longing for hope, healing, and the message of Christ’s soon return.
Please pray for the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this region. Pray that more people, such as Minentle, will accept Jesus into their hearts. Thank you for your support of mission.
