Meet the Onthatile Team
Joel and Rachel Kirby
Joel and Rachel Kirby, along with their 4 biological children, moved from New Hampshire to Johannesburg in 2012 after God made them aware of the orphan crisis in South Africa and called them to be part of the solution. They are the directors and founders of Onthatile and currently live on property and run the ministry. Through adoption, marriage, and grandchildren, their family has grown from 6 members to 19+. Joel and Rachel are faithful members of their local church and are involved in various ways in the church and community.
Duncan and Leanne Govender
Duncan and his wife Leanne are South Africa citizens and are currently part of Antioch Bible Church in Johannesburg. Duncan and Leanne have been married since 2001 and have been blessed to be parents to 5 children.
Duncan and Leanne came to saving faith in Jesus Christ as adults, with different testimonies of Gods great mercy on their lives. The Govenders are faithful members of their local church where they serve in a variety of ways, including leading the children’s ministry. They often have friends in their home for fellowship and to enjoy Leanne’s delicious cooking. They generously share their food, home, and love with others for the purpose of the gospel and growing in Christlikeness.
Duncan and Leanne have partnered with Onthatile as the first family to reside on property to foster orphaned and vulnerable children. They provide support in the daily management of Onthatile and step in to fill various needs as they arise. Our days are never boring with the Govenders on our team and we are thankful for the joy, jokes, and passion they bring to our Onthatile Family.
Joëny Rakoto Ramiarantsoa
Joëny was born and raised in Madagascar and has been serving at Onthatile since 2015 and is an absolute joy to be around. She is dedicated to caring for orphans and vulnerable children through love, education, and discipleship. She has been faithfully serving at Onthatile in various capacities by providing Biblical education, counseling, mentorship, and sharing the joy of music to help children grow in every area of life.
Joëny is a missionary with Biblical Missionaries Worldwide—South Africa. You can learn more about Joëny and how to support her ministry by clicking the link below.
Nathi & Londiwe Nyathi
Nkosinathi Nyathi and his wife, Londiwe, are Foster Parents at our Florida Home. They have been married for five years and are blessed with a growing family of 8.
In addition to being Foster Parents, Nathi is on staff at Onthatile. He is our teacher for the IsiZulu language and South African history, and our soccer coach. Nathi and Londiwe are a blessing to Onthatile and are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their community.
The Nyathis are missionaries through Biblical Missionaries Worldwide—South Africa. You can learn more about them and how to support their ministry by clicking below.
Sammy and Itumeleng Leballo
Sammy and Itumeleng Leballo are a devoted couple who have been married since April 2006. They reside in Soweto, South Africa, where they are raising their children.
Sammy serves as the pastor of Moletsane Baptist Church in Soweto. Sammy prioritizes the Word of God in his ministry, emphasizing its centrality in Christian life. Itumeleng is a dedicated homemaker and homeschooling mother, nurturing their children's spiritual and educational growth.
Together, Sammy and Itumeleng are involved with Onthatile Children's Ministry. They share a vision to provide a safe haven for these children and ultimately introduce them to the gospel, praying for their salvation.
The Leballos' commitment to their family, church, and community reflects their love for Christ and their dedication to serving Him. We are thankful to have the Leballos serving with us at Onthatile.
Gideon and Chiletso Mpeni
Gideon & Chiletso were both born in Malawi and have devoted their lives to the Great Commission from youth. After they were married in 2012, the Lord blessed them with their two children.
In their ministry, they focus on theological training in the African context, as well as church planting and strengthening. Gideon served in South Africa as Associate Pastor of Crystal Park Baptist Church for 7 years, and Senior Pastor of Florida Baptist Church for 5 years. He is currently serving with Central Africa Baptist University as the Dean of Students and Lecturing.
Gideon & Chiletso are partnering with Onthatile to establish the Onthatile Malawi Home, which will be located on property that they own in Malawi.
Kamogelo Tema
Kamogelo Tema is a dedicated teacher at Onthatile, playing a vital role in shaping the educational journey of our students. Kamo helps spearhead the planning, organization, and preparation of daily school activities and extracurricular programs.
As an adopted child herself, Kamo experienced the love and redemption that comes from faith. It's given her a unique perspective on the importance of nurturing and guiding young lives. Kamo is passionate about using her experiences to inspire and uplift others.
As a part of the Onthatile team, Kamo gets to use her creative gifts to make a difference in the lives of our children. Her main objective is ensuring excellence in education through smooth operations, academic excellence, and providing mentorship and training through track and field activities.
We are blessed to have Kamo on our team. If you would like to support her work and ministry at Onthatile please click the link below.
