Our Team

Kobus has been involved in the training and equipping of leaders since 1991. He firmly believes that the lack of trained leaders is to blame for many of the problems experienced in Africa and the rest of the world. Transformational Leadership will result in changed communities and ultimately Nations. He is pragmatic in his approach to the problems of Africa and leads many community projects in his city as part of his own contribution to address the needs of those that cannot help themselves. He and his wife Teresa have three children and currently reside in Springs, South Africa.

Borniface Burton Shonga, warmly referred to as “BB” is a long time associate of EMIT. He served as Senior Pastor of Kabwe Chapel for a number of years. He is considered a mentor, role model and a credible voice to many in Zambia and beyond. He is married to Ethel and have four daughters.

Johan Fourie is a true servant leader who knows and understands Africa. He has been in full–time ministry since 1995 and is a gifted teacher who is also well qualified in Information Technology (IT). As Chief of Operations he plans, directs, and oversees EMIT’s operational policies, rules, initiatives, and goals. He helps the organization execute long-term and short-term plans and directives by implementing judgment, vision, management, and leadership. He is married to Marietjie, they have one child and lives in Springs, South Africa.

Theo has been involved in ministry for well over a decade as pastor, church planter and disciple-maker. He has worked in missions since 2006 and started with EMIT at the end of 2012. He is a gifted teacher and serves as head of development and project leader at the South African office. Theo and his wife Mariëtte has two children and lives in Springs, South Africa.

Bishop Gasore is a native of Rwanda. He oversees all our Francophone countries and is also a representative on our international Board. He also oversees several churches in his home country, Rwanda. He is married to Pauline.

Aaron is a native of Kenya where is pastors a church. He is a project leader for the East African countries including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. He is married to Rebecca who is also a gifted teacher.

A native of South Africa, Johan has been in pastoral ministry, including theological training, worship, and Christian education, for more than 35 years. He joined EMIT in 2006 and is currently our project leader in Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia and Kenya. He’s a graduate of AFM Theological Seminary in South Africa and is married to Alta.

Is a 3rd generation missionary who established himself in South Africa and has been a trainer of pastors around Africa since 1990. He served as a missionary in Angola, Portugal and Australia. He is a pastor within the Assemblies of God and is the Secretary General for the AGF in South Africa. He pastors the Portuguese Assembly in Pretoria West. Julio is EMIT’S Project Leader for Angola and Mozambique. He is married to Raquel and has 3 kids.

Dr. Steven is currently Project Leader for our Liberia, West Africa project. Dr. Steven has been with EMIT since 1999. He was a pastor for many years and has advanced degrees in Theology and Missiology. Dr. Steven served EMIT by directing a Refugee Camp project for 11 years in western Tanzania. He also teaches as an adjunct professor for The Kings University and Shiloh University (where he also serves as Dean of the Undergraduate programs). Steven, and his wife, Linda, live in Colorado Springs, CO and have three grown children and ten grandchildren.

Bishop Jones Singini is Zambian-born ordained Minister and has been in Ministry since 1986. He has planted many churches in Malawi. 

He is the senior presiding Minister for HOPE of GLORY TABERNACLE in Benoni South Africa. 

He furthered his studies all over the world in Theology, Missiology and Leadership.
He has graduated with AFMIN in Malawi and extended his training with EMIT in South Africa. 

He is married to Ps Martha and blessed with a son and daughter.

Gert Basson was born and raised in South Africa. He is an ordained pastor in the AFM of SA. During his studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, USA, his passion for Leadership Development and Church Planting was ignited.

As Missional Impact Leader of Mosaiek Church, Johannesburg, SA, for more than 25 years, his primary focus was on training and mentoring pastors and church planters. He worked alongside the EMIT South Africa team since 2000. As a team they trained over 8000 Church Leaders and facilitated the planting of 700 churches in 12 African countries, including South Africa.

He obtained doctorates in 3 different fields, namely; Doctor of Theology (DTh), in Practical Theology. Doctor of Education (DEd), in Psychology of Education. And Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), in Personal and Professional Leadership. Under his supervision, a diverse group of Masters and Doctoral students from different cultural and theological backgrounds, graduated in fields such as; Missiology, Church Leadership, and Personal & Professional Leadership.

Gert is married to Jeanetta, has four children and currently lives in The Woodlands, Houston, Texas.

Christa combines her management skills with theological training. Christa joined EMIT in 2008. She is the pillar that supports the administration of EMIT She’s married to Stephan and has two children.

Lisa LaRochelle recently joined EMIT USA’s staff as office manager. Lisa’s work in a professional capacity includes not only office and managerial expertise, she has helped start several successful small businesses. She is the mother of three amazing children. Lisa has served in a variety of ministry capacities at her church and is currently in her 2nd year at the Assembly of God School of Ministry as she pursues pastoral ordination. We are blessed to have not only Lisa’s superb skills, but her passionate love for the Lord and for His Church.

Elvis Joseph is the Founder of New Life Ministries in Zimbabwe. He is also the Project Leader for Zimbabwe. He has been in ministry for 15 years.

He pastored a number of churches In Zimbabwe over the years and, led a Youth Ministry at national level as an overseer. Planted an Assembly in South Africa Durban. He studied with EMIT and graduated in 2010. He furthered his PhD in Theology with Encounter Theological College.

He is married to Rutendo and is graciously blessed with two daughters.

Trained for Youth Ministry with Teen Missions where she worked both in Zambia and USA. She is currently serving as the Personal Assistant to Bishop Shonga. Mervis also serves as National Secretary of EMIT Zambia. Mervis, a former student of EMIT has also finished her Bachelor in Theology. Mervis is a strong advocate of the young generation and believes the young people are leaders of today rather than tomorrow. Mervis does not yet have a family of her own but has strong extended family ties and has always looked after one or two siblings children.

Peter was born in Blantyre Malawi. He has a passion for graphic designing and video editing. He is currently in charge of the production of our material which includes the manuals, DvD’s and ID cards for our students. He also has strong administrative skills. Peter joined EMIT in September 2012. He is married to Mervis Kays O’Daniel and are blessed with 3 boys and a girl.

I began my theological studies at the AGS Theological College in 1983 and was ordained in the AGS church in 1985. My ministry journey started in Standerton, where I served until 1989, followed by Westonaria until 1991, and then Paarl until 2008. I dedicated my efforts to the Bible Society until 2023.

With nearly 40 years in full-time ministry, I have contributed significantly to various regional councils and served as the regional chairman of the Boland region. Additionally, I was a member of the AGS’s main council (NLF) for several years.

During my tenure at the Bible Society, I held senior management positions, including regional secretary for both the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Now retired, I am actively involved with EMIT.

Tom Micelotta is a leader in economic and community development fundraising, with a track record that speaks for itself. Having raised over $250 million, he has spearheaded record-breaking campaigns that have fueled job creation, business expansion, and regional transformation. From small-town initiatives to multimillion-dollar, multi-cycle efforts in major metropolitan areas, Tom has led feasibility studies and capital campaigns that consistently exceed expectations. His expertise in strategic fundraising has empowered communities to unlock unprecedented investments, making him a trusted advisor in the field. His success stems from a deep understanding of the step-by-step campaign process, ensuring every initiative is executed with precision. Engaging top-tier volunteer leadership and leveraging their influence, Tom not only secures funding but builds lasting momentum, fostering collaboration and driving sustainable growth. His recent campaigns, including Forward Sioux Falls ($32M), Erie Forward ($5M), and Charleston Metro Chamber ($4M), highlight his ability to deliver transformative results.

Beyond fundraising, Tom’s leadership extends into strategic vision, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development. In 2024, he took a sabbatical from NCDS to serve as Interim President & CEO of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his commitment to community impact. His career began with three national nonprofit organizations, where he refined his expertise in donor relations, staff training, and fundraising strategy. A graduate of Saint Bonaventure University with a degree in Theology and Economics, Tom’s values-driven approach informs his work, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, and long-term success. While he resides in Saint Johns, Florida, he thrives on the ground in client communities, working side by side with stakeholders to bring ambitious visions to life. More than a fundraiser, Tom is a catalyst for economic growth and a trusted leader in community development, turning bold goals into tangible realities through expert strategy, strong relationships, and unwavering commitment to success.

Dr. Andre Berry serves as the Director of Donor Development at EMIT, bringing extensive experience in fundraising, grant writing, and nonprofit leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s in leadership from Lamar University, and a doctorate in nonprofit transformational leadership from Concordia University. Throughout his career, Dr. Berry has been dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved communities, having served as a senior leader with a global nonprofit committed to ending poverty and as the Vice President of Development at a Houston-based nonprofit. His expertise in securing major grants and cultivating key donor relationships has helped organizations expand their impact and reach.

Dr. Berry is deeply passionate about EMIT’s mission to train and equip leaders across Africa. He believes that leadership development is the key to lasting transformation, empowering individuals to strengthen their communities, uplift the next generation, and drive sustainable change. Having devoted his career to empowering marginalized populations, he sees EMIT’s work as vital in building a strong foundation for Africa’s future. His role allows him to connect donors with this life-changing mission, ensuring that more leaders are trained, more lives are transformed, and more communities thrive.

Dr. Berry resides in Houston, Texas, and is the proud father of two young boys, Kayden and Grayson, aged 10 and 12, who are excellent scholars and leaders among their peers. As a father, he is deeply committed to instilling the values of education, leadership, and service in the next generation. Dr. Berry is honored to leverage his expertise to expand EMIT’s reach, fostering partnerships that will advance its vision and equip leaders to create lasting impact across the continent.

Ian is happily married to Rozanne and is the proud father of three beautiful children. He considers his involvement with EMIT the most significant among his many ministry accomplishments. Ian has dedicated himself to ministry within the AFM for the past twenty years, working alongside his mentor and father-in-law, Pastor Ben Loubser, at Jesus is Light Church in Springs, South Africa.

Throughout his time in the church, Ian has taken on various roles, utilizing his skills and experience to serve the community. However, he soon realized that his talents were needed beyond the confines of the church walls. This realization led him to join EMIT, where he discovered his true calling.

In addition to his work with EMIT, Ian has also excelled in his career as an executive financial planner. For the past 17 years, he has been a valued member of a successful financial firm. Ian finds great joy in meeting with clients and making a positive impact on their lives.

Ian's dedication to both his family and his professional endeavors is truly commendable. His passion for helping others and his unwavering commitment to his faith make him an invaluable asset to both EMIT and his financial firm.