In this powerful episode of Spiritual Talk, Pieter Conradie welcomes Pastor Ruaan Viljoen from Refresh Church Potchefstroom to share an extraordinary journey of faith, outreach, and real-life impact across Africa. The conversation takes viewers deep into the villages of Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, places where modern comforts are few, but the spiritual hunger is immense.
Into the Heart of Africa
Pastor Ruaan describes his travels not as mere missions, but as heartfelt partnerships with local pastors and forgotten communities. Starting in 2019, his mission work has grown to include multiple visits per year. In these rural areas, basic resources are scarce, roads are nearly impassable, and in many places, the sight of a white visitor is still unfamiliar. Yet, in these very settings, Pastor Ruaan has witnessed some of the most profound encounters with God’s presence.
“It’s not a performance. It’s not about comfort. It’s about meeting people exactly where they are—and showing them they are seen and loved.”
Church Under Trees, Worship Without Walls
One of the most touching parts of the episode is hearing how churches in remote areas are often nothing more than tree branches tied together and covered with grass. And yet, the worship is alive. Ruaan speaks of congregations with no instruments and no sound systems, yet the Spirit is tangible.
He recounts moments where people walked over 30 kilometers just to attend a service. Children cry at the unfamiliar sight of a foreigner, while adults are overwhelmed with gratitude just to be seen, prayed for, and visited.
“These pastors are the true heroes. They remain when we leave. They lead, they care, and they often do it in total obscurity.”
Witchcraft, Miracles & Redemption
While visiting these communities, Ruaan has seen firsthand the battle between light and darkness. In one Mozambique village, a revival broke out after witch doctors had a supernatural encounter during a crusade, eventually leading them to lay down their charms and give their lives to Jesus.
Today, many of those villagers are part of the local church, walking long distances every Sunday to worship together.
He also shares healing testimonies: a woman sick for months, unable to find help through doctors, was completely healed after a prayer of faith.
Living Among Them: Faith in Action
Ruaan doesn’t stay in hotels. He sleeps in tents, cooks his own food, and bathes with bucket water, choosing to fully immerse himself in the village life. He brings not only the Word, but also clothing, school supplies, and farming support.
Through donations from the Potchefstroom community and his church, they've helped establish a school for orphans, paid teachers’ salaries, and fed entire villages recovering from drought.
“When you go, you're not just going to give. You're also going to be changed.”
Building the Builders
A key focus of the mission is to empower pastors, not just to host crusades, but to equip local leaders who remain after the teams leave. Ruaan hosts multi-day leadership retreats where pastors receive in-depth teaching, prayer, and spiritual strengthening. The results? Churches are growing. Communities are transforming. And new leaders are rising.
Ready to Join the Journey?
For those stirred by this mission, Ruaan shares that the next big outreach is planned for July. He invites anyone interested to connect through Refresh Church’s Facebook page or reach out via The Go-To Guy’s platforms.
“It’s raw, it’s real, and it will wreck your heart in the best way.”
🟡 To get involved or support the mission, visit:
📌 www.facebook.com/RefreshChurchPotch
Or contact The Go-To Guy for more details.
📺 Watch the full interview on Facebook: The Go-To Guy Spiritual Talk
📆 Tune in next week for Episode 29
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