Meet the Ablaze Conference Worship & Arts Team for 2024!
Hein April
Minister Heinrich April is a seasoned gospel artist and worship leader with over 25 years of dedicated service in the ministry.
For more than two decades, Heinrich has been blessing audiences with his musical talents and spiritual guidance. His journey in gospel ministry has taken him to impressive heights, including leading worship at major international conferences. One of the most notable among these was the "Woman Thou Art Loosed" conference hosted by the renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Heinrich's musical prowess has allowed him to share the stage with gospel music icon Israel Houghton, a testament to his respected status in the industry. He has also been an integral part of New Breed Africa, contributing his talents to this influential gospel music collective.
Currently, Heinrich is an active member of Woord en Lewe church, where he continues to serve as part of the worship team. His commitment to his local congregation demonstrates his dedication to nurturing spiritual growth at the grassroots level.
In addition to his live performances and leadership roles, Heinrich is also a recording artist. He recently released an album titled "Leeu van Juda" (Lion of Judah), showcasing his musical talents and deep spiritual conviction.
Throughout his career, Minister Heinrich April has consistently used his musical gifts to glorify God and minister to people. His journey from local church settings to international stages, and now as a recording artist, illustrates a life dedicated to worship and spreading the gospel through music.
Mampai Ndlovu
My name is Mampai Ndlovu. I am a child of God who is sold out to Christ with all I am and all I have. I fellowship at AFM HILLTOP RESTORATION CENTER (in Soshanguve), under the pastoral care of Baba and Mama Mahlobo. I serve in the role of a worship team chairperson and I am also part of the worship team. I have recently assumed the role of helping my husband lead an assembly in AFM River of Life.
I am a mother of 2 blessings from God and a wife to Kabelo Ndlovu. My family is my sanctuary and my joy. I love being a mother and a wife. I am in the employment of one of the financial institutions in South Africa as a banker.
I love God and serving His people is one of my greatest pleasures. I treasure the relationship I have with my creator and find fulfilment with each moment spent in His presence.
Timothy Van Wyk
My name is Timothy John Van Wyk. I am the 2nd born son of Apostle Erling Van Wyk & Pastor Lynn Van Wyk. I am born again and saved by grace. I gave my heart to the Lord on the 27th of January 2021 and was baptized on the 3rd of October 2021. I am happily married to Simone Van Wyk and together we have 2 handsome boys called Leelan & Cailo. I belong to a congregation called Roshnee Christian Centre and serving faithfully there for the past 28 years. I serve as a Deacon, Praise & Worship Leader, and Youth Leader in our church. All of these titles mean nothing in my eyes. At the end of the day I want to be remembered as a Servant. That is the biggest role that I perform in our ministry. I am called to serve God's people.
Rhelston Oswin
My name is Rhelston Oswin from Eldorado Park age 29, I will describe myself as a very humble respectful young man with many ambitions and Goals in life…
I serve as a minister in my church Kingdom Life Embassy (Kle) under the leadership of Maxwell Holland as a Drummer. My role in the church is not just to play drums but to minister so that souls can be saved through my playing. My role is also to bring the presence of God so that it can make a difference in people's lives. I started playing the drums at the age of 5 and I'm self-taught and did not attend a music school. I believe God has given me this Gift so that I can make a difference in my generation.
Busisiwe Mnguni
Busisiwe Mnguni was born on July 29, 1983. She is the first daughter of the late Pastor LMH Mnguni of AFM.
She serves under Pastor Donald Thabethe of The Apostolic Faith Mission "Potter's House" in Mamelodi West. Busisiwe is a Minister of Song and Worship Leader at AFM "Potter's House" and also Serves as a Worship Leader of the AFM National Youth Department since 2020.
Hlengiwe Masondo
Minister of the Gospel of Jesus through music, songwriter and a wife.
In 2017 she released her first album called " Immerse in Worship", which was nominated for the Crowns Gospel Awards. In 2019 she also released an EP called "Phakama Jesu" which won an award at the Ingoma Gospel Awards.
In 2020 she released another album called "Imvuselelo", where she worked with the legendary Masibuyele kuJehova, Nozipho Phiri, Priscilla Mahamba and Putuma Tiso .
She also did 2 soundtracks for a Netflix series called "Amazing Grace". She believes that everything she has is through the work of Jesus - Christ on Calvary.
Elaine Ackerman
Elaine Ackerman was born into the AFM Church, and comes from a family of worshippers. Baptized in the Holy Spirit at the age of nine, and she never lost her passion for Jesus! For the past 30 years she has been serving at Word and Life Church. She is humbled whenever she stands in front of God's people to assist in Praise and Worship. “Thank you, Lord, for this privilege to serve You through my talent, that I bring as an offering before Your throne. I honor You!”
Eugene Perumal
This is Eugene Perumal. Humble servant and music minister. 20 years experience as a musician, composer, arranger, and producer. Not interested in the limelight, just want to be used.
Reynold Naidoo
Pastor Reynold Naidoo serves the community of Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, with dedication and passion. Following in the footsteps of his father, Pastor Ronnie Naidoo, he has committed his life to ministry, continuing the legacy of faith and service.
Tommy Ackerman
Tommy Ackerman is a dedicated worship leader at Woord en Lewe Church Boksburg, where he has faithfully served for 31 years. His journey as a worship leader is marked by a profound commitment to guiding the congregation in heartfelt worship and praise.
Throughout his tenure, Tommy has consistently demonstrated a humble heart and a servant's spirit, always striving to uplift and inspire others through worship.
Beyond his role as a worship leader, Tommy is known for his compassionate nature and his willingness to serve others. His life is a testament to the power of faith, humility, and perseverance. As he continues to lead worship with grace and devotion, Tommy Ackerman remains an integral part of the Woord en Lewe Church family, inspiring all who have the privilege of worshipping alongside him.
Karen Petersen
Karen Beatrice Petersen is a singer and classical pianist born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa. Music runs deep in her family from both her father's and mother's roots. She completed her BCom Financial Accounting degree prior to obtaining her BMus degree (Cum Laude) both from Stellenbosch University. Karen is also a lifetime member of the Golden Key Honour Society. Karen has performed alongside artists such as Gloria Bosman, Timothy Moloi, Karendra Devroop, Nina Schumann and Jonathan Roxmouth. As a vocalist, she’s also performed with the Mzansi Philharmonic and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestras.
As a classical pianist, she’s had master classes with professors such as Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Andreas Frölich, Eduardo Delgado and Albert Mamriev. Karen’s debut release, a Christian EP titled I’m Free with 5 original songs, is available on digital music platforms. She also featured as a vocalist on Karén Devroop’s jazz album, Relentless, released in 2023. Karen is a passionate music teacher and finds joy in exchanging knowledge with her students. When she’s not teaching, her love for live performance and music creation gives her pure joy.
Pastor Nimrod Kekana
Pastor Nimrod is our very own AFM Poet! He wrote a poem especially for the AFM Ablaze National Conference that is part of the Opening Ceremony. With his permission, we are sharing the poem here for the AFM Family:
ABLAZE!
By Pastor Nimrod Kekana
When the Church was born
It was ablaze! The fire of the Holy Spirit
What looked like tongues of fire
Which spread out, touched each person present
Noise that sounded like a rushing wind
Filled the whole place
Like wildfire
The Gospel spread mightily.
Nothing could stop the blaze.
For it was lit from God’s throne room.
This fire from God
Was to set men and women ablaze
To transform men and women,
A people of power,
A people of zeal,
A people of praise
Who keeps the fire burning!
Keep an eye on our social media for the complete poem as it will be released soon!
