Bethesda Outreach Ministries was born out of a desire to show compassion to children in Africa who had been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS. The desire resulted in a survey trip being made to Africa in May of 2000 by a group from Evangelical Baptist Missions (EBM). Property was purchased north of Pretoria in Hammanskraal and in 2003, Bethesda obtained status as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization and our first houseparent couple moved onto the property and began caring for children.

Bethesda’s Orphan Care Development Ministry was begun in 2004, with the purpose of providing teaching, training resources, and education support to those in the surrounding churches and communities who wish to gain expertise in caring for orphans within their area.

Currently, there are five Bethesda families caring for orphan children within the children’s village.

In January 2005, Jabulane Christian Academy (JCA) was established as a ministry of Bethesda Outreach, as a result of a need for high quality education for the children residing at Bethesda Outreach.

The School began operating from a garage from one of our Bethesda childcare houses in Renstown. We started with just 3 teachers, one principal and 20 students. The school used Accelerated Christian Learning (ACE) materials and before switching to over to traditional classrooms. 

After selling the property in Renstown, JCA moved to the current property.

The Lord has blessed our ministry over the years; we have grown to currently accommodate approximately 300 learners and 25 staff members. Our school is open to learners from the community as well as to our own Bethesda children.