Site 2: South Africa

Simon loves nothing more than life in the presence of God, so he’s pretty pumped about seeking that life with the folks at Outtatown.  While still reeling from a recent 7 month life-shaking experience taking care of abandoned babies in Johannesburg, South Africa, Simon is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue seeking God in an experience that’s about becoming Christ’s bride together with his children.

Simon grew up near Saskatoon and received a BA in Church Ministries from Bethany College, followed by a short stint as an associate pastor in southern Alberta.  Simon has always wanted to be a tough farm kid, and has worked as a farm labourer and construction worker in attempts to achieve that goal.  He enjoys traveling in Canada and abroad, and was blown away by the work of God during short trips to Thailand and Bermuda, as well as a longer experience in South Africa.

Simon can’t get enough of being out in the fresh air.  He loves hiking, writing, walking, running, getting his hands dirty, climbing, making music, tobogganing and drinking tea.  Simon loves children of all sizes, changes a mean diaper, and is baffled by the mysterious light of God in the eyes of a baby.  He looks forward to Outtatown as a new adventure in discovering that mystery together with other seekers, and is depending on God to lead the way.

Jodie is very excited to return to the Outtatown program after a five-year hiatus. The opportunity to work with a wonderful group of leaders and the Outtatown students was too hard to resist, as was a return to the beautiful and diverse country of South Africa.

The past few years Jodie has pursued a variety of opportunities including working with students in a bible school program in Greece, helping with an internship program in Washington state, and working for an adventure learning and leadership center in Ontario. Currently he is very excited to be completing the MA in Leadership he has been working on for the past two years and is looking forward to a break from homework.

In moments of freedom, Jodie loves to pursue photography, white water kayaking, backpacking, hockey and reading.

Nothing motivates Jodie more than experiencing faith, the world, and new situations with other people. The Outtatown program provides a perfect venue for that passion and he is eagerly anticipating the adventures to be had.

“Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence, and nothing too much.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jodie is just plain excited to go for a walk.

After spending the summer relaxing at home in Winnipeg, Anita is excited to head out on her second year of Outtatown.  She’s looking forward to another year of traveling, living in close quarters, and learning about God alongside students and staff.

After two years of leading Outtatown in Guatemala, Sabrina Wiens is excited to join Outtatown for a third year...this time in South Africa.  She grew up on a vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and is a farm girl through-and-through (definitely not afraid of a little bit of sweat and a lot of hard work).  Sabrina went to Tyndale University College for a Bachelor of Religious Education degree and a Social Service Work diploma. Why? Because of her huge love for both God and people. Sabrina has used these God-given passions in her work with the youth and young adults at her church, street youth in Toronto and, most recently, students on the Outtatown program. Her quest to know both God and the world better has led her all over Canada and the USA, Europe, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Jamaica, Guatemala and now South Africa. Since she loves traveling and experiencing new places and cultures, she’s excited to see the new experiences and adventures that God has in store for this next year.