About Us

Donovan was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Heather was born in Bellevue, Washington, but she moved to Leon, Spain when she was 8 years old (her parents served as missionaries there for 13 years).

We met at Bethel Grace Baptist Church, in Bellflower, California. Donovan had come to America to study at The Master’s College (B.A. Biblical Studies, 2004), and became a youth pastor at Bethel Grace in January 2006. Heather began attending Bethel Grace when she returned to the U.S. to be a student at Biola University (B.A. Liberal Studies – Elementary Education, 2007). She became the Children’s Ministry Director at Bethel Grace after she graduated. We were already good friends at that point, and after serving together on ministry staff for a few months, things became pretty clear! :) We were married in June 2008.

God has given us both a love for the local church, a love for children, and a burden for the needy, especially orphans. We believe ministry with 1Hope is a good match for both our hearts and our gifting, and this has been affirmed by our elders at Bethel Grace. We’re thankful for the Lord’s leading, and we’re excited for the ministry before us!

For information about what our ministry role will be in South Africa, please click here.