Meet the Team
Our Staff
Lead Pastors
Simon & Jani van der Pol
Administrative Staff
Amy Loots
Kids & Youth Pastor
Sherilee du Plessis
Kids Church Assistant
Veronique de Pearce
Worship & EFL
Christie Putter
Grounds Keeper
Herman Van Rooyen
Cleaning Staff
Rolene Kweleta
Three16 & Café
Lee Erasmus
Our Elders
Simon & Jani van der Pol
Simon and Jani and their two beautiful children, Ané and Benjamin moved from Riversdal to Graaff-Reinet in July 2024 to lead Freedom Church into its next season. They love God, people and being outdoors; hiking and taking in beautiful landscapes. They are passionate about the church and what God is doing.
Dawie & Avrille Putter
With their four children, Darryl, Kara, Christie, and Jarrod, now all working, Dawie and Avrille are adjusting to the changes this brings to their lifestyle. Dawie, when not working at Supa Quick, enjoys outdoor sports such as cycling, water skiing, and 4×4 trails. Avrille, spends her time encouraging young people to explore their music and drama talents as well as running her own small business. They are passionate for the church and other community activities.
Richard & Jenny Biggs
Richard and Jenny got married in 1979. They have three married children, and multiple incredible grandchildren, whom they love spending time with. They farm here in the Graaff-Reinet district, and love hiking, rowing, and anything to do with the outdoors, and spending time with friends.
Graham & Brenda Murray
Graham and Brenda have been married since 2007. They have three beautiful children, Richard, Micha, and Cara. They farm on Allendale farm, and enjoy the great outdoors. Graham and Brenda are passionate about seeing people grow in God’s kingdom, and are privileged to be a part of Freedom Church in Graaff-Reinet.
Roaul & Wendy-Lee Strydom
Roaul and Wendy-Lee have been married since 2011, and have a daughter, Saskia, and a son, Callan. They both grew up in Port Elizabeth, but met at Freedom Church and the rest is history. They love spending time outdoors together as a family, either at the beach, near a river, or in the veld.