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Speakers

We are honored to welcome an incredible lineup of guest speakers who bring with them a wealth of experience, wisdom, and passion. Each of them has a unique story, a deep love for people, and a heart for ministry. From leadership and adventure-based learning to marriage enrichment, coaching, and cross-cultural impact—they represent a diverse range of backgrounds, united by a common purpose: to inspire, equip, and encourage.

Mr. Bill Fernald

Guest Speaker CCI

Bill Fernald's personal growth and development in Christian Camping is a testament to his love for the outdoors and Christ-centered experiences. His journey began at Camp Sugar Pine near Yosemite in 1990, where he started as a Lifeguard and Program Assistant, eventually becoming the Program Director. This journey marked the beginning of Bill’s passion for serving the Lord in Christian Camping, a passion that has only grown stronger over the years.

Dr. Mario Denton

Guest Speaker

Dr. Mario Denton is an internationally recognized Psychologist, Coach, and Teacher, passionately known for his life motto: *"Born to Encourage!"* With a career spanning over three decades as an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist since 1990, he holds an MBA, MeCon, and PhD. Dr. Denton brings a wealth of experience in human resources and people management, having traveled and worked across six continents—Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. His dynamic approach is rooted in the LAT methodology: Learn, Apply, Teach. He specializes in empowering individuals to master the 7 Life Essentials—Business, Career, Family, Financial, Personal, Relationship, and Spiritual. Known for his creative, futuristic, and responsible strengths, Dr. Denton delivers his work through a holistic, integrative, and passionate style, offering transformative services in psychology, coaching, and teaching.

Prof. Shantelle Weber

Guest Speaker

Shantelle Weber is married to Brandon and they share 2 teenage daughters. She is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University. Her focus is on children and youth ministry. She is a Wortelgat Trustee who loves camping as form of ministry.

Ps. Nkosinathi Mbuyazi

Devotional Leader

Nathi Mbuyazi is the National Director for 24-7 Prayer in South Africa and Pastor at Wellspring Community Church. He has been a pastor in Cape Town for the past 18 years, where he lives with his wife Ziyanda, and 3 daughters. Nkosinathi is passionate about prayer having been inspired by his praying mom from a young age in the rural setting of KwaZulu/Natal in South Africa. He also enjoys preaching the gospel and facilitating reconciliation initiatives across his nation.

Dr. Pieter Snyman

Speaker

Pieter began his transformative outdoor journey in 1994 when he was first introduced to the vibrant world of camping—a dynamic space that brought together youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. This immersive experience not only deepened his appreciation for the rich diversity of South Africa but also ignited a lifelong passion for ministry, education, development, and therapeutic work. Guided by this calling, Pieter pursued a degree in education, later specializing in Challenge Education during his master’s studies, and eventually earning a PhD in Organisational Leadership with a focus on Adventure-Related Experiential Learning.

Dr. Anna Whitehouse

Speaker

Anna has a background in environmental conservation and education, and loves bringing together her passions for God’s Word and His world through creation care. She is married to Chris, a botanist, and they have 3 boys, who are home-educated. Together they set up (in 2014) and run Phillipskop Mountain Reserve, a nature reserve and Christian retreat centre near Stanford in the Western Cape. Anna serves on the Executive Committee for CCSA and as the EcoCare Co-ordinator for CCI.

Mr. Kevin Henderson

Guest Speaker

Kevin Henderson is a Clinical Psychologist, Proposal & Design Specialist and Learning Process Facilitator (LPF) at Stellenbosch Business School Executive Development. He is an experienced facilitator with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. He is a strong human resources professional with skills in organisational development, cognition, psychometrics, stress management, and emotional intelligence. His facilitation experience extends across the full spectrum of industries, with his sweet spot in education and logistics. Kevin holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Stellenbosch University and is registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa since 1996. Alongside many years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice, Kevin has facilitated at the South African College of Applied Psychology, Kaelo Consulting, BPG Consult, and the Leonard Leadership Group.

Mr. Grey Ngugi

Guest Speaker ACC

My name is Grey Ngugi Gachanja and I am Married to Enid Nzisa for the last 8 years and we are blessed with 2 sons; Zach, 5 years old and Zane, 2 years old. I currently serve as a Programs Manager at Angaza Discovery Camp which is part of Missions of Hope International (MoHI), a Christian NGO working in multiple underprivileged communities in Kenya. The organization currently runs 39 schools in Kenya with more than 25,000 learners. I also serve on the Board of African Christian Camping (ACC)/ CCI Kenya for the last 1 and a half years and actively engage in bringing together Christian camp practitioners from the East African region for training, networking and various interactions. I have been involved in training on best Christian Camp practices in the East African region through ACC since 2018. I see camp and the outdoor space as an amazing opportunity for evangelism, conversion and discipleship as modeled by Jesus Christ, a tool for leadership formation and exposure to the beauty of God’s creation that causes us to draw closer to Him in worship. While not at camp, I enjoy spending time with my family mostly outdoors, baking and I will probably take on a triathlon 3 or 4 times in a year.

Mr. Owen Henderson

Speaker

Owen brings a wealth of experience from both the ministry and private sector, with a strong passion for people development. Over the past 15 years, he has worked as a Consultant, Trainer, and Facilitator, delivering impactful communication and leadership development programs through his own business. He also serves as a Director and Shareholder of BPG and BPG Consulting. His love for the environment was sparked during his time as Programme Manager for Conservation International (2003–2006), where he played a pivotal role as one of the founding directors of Conservation South Africa, a local arm of Conservation International. Together with his wife Salome, Owen serves as a dedicated servant leader, with a particular heart for ministry and the next generation. They are deeply committed to sharing the transformational message and love of Christ, believing in a holistic approach that ministers to the body, mind, soul, and spirit. Inspired by John 10:10—“I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness”—they live out their calling with purpose and joy. Owen and Salome have a blended family of seven children and one grandson, Alex. They firmly believe that their appointment at Wortelgat Outreach Trust is divinely timed for such a season as this. With fresh energy, innovative thinking, and a heart for partnership, they are committed to growing the ministry and expanding its impact in today’s world.

Mr. Niklaas Arangies

Speaker

Niklaas and Isabel Arangies have been married for 20 years and are joyfully navigating their greatest adventure—raising their four children. A key ally in this journey is the freedom and beauty of their home, Moolmanshoek Leadership Development Centre, nestled in the majestic mountains of the eastern Free State. It's here that the Arangies family thrives, often exploring their breathtaking backyard on foot or horseback. For the past 20 years, Nik and Bella have served side by side at Moolmanshoek LDC, blending their love for the outdoors with a shared heart for ministry. Their passion for camping was sparked at different summer camp venues in the USA, experiences they both cherish with deep gratitude. Deeply committed to their marriage, Nik and Bella have discovered, through their own journey and the support of others, a profound passion for helping couples find joy and healing in their relationships. They believe in the beauty of heaven at home and are dedicated to walking alongside others in pursuit of strong, life-giving marriages.

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