Johan Groenwald was born and brought up in the Worcester Valley (Western Cape, South Africa), well known for its wineries and export summer fruit. After the completion of his matrix (Level A) at the High School D.F Malan in Bellville, he went to the University of Stellenbosch for the BA (admission) degree. In 1970, he enrolled at the “Kweekskool” of Stellenbosch (School of Divinity) for his BTH degree. The Kweekskool is the oldest Theological institution in South Africa with a long history of 150 years.

From childhood, he had the calling of being in ministry. He was privileged to have been brought up in a Christian home and family, but it was his grandmother who had the greatest spiritual influence on his life.

Johan and his wife Susan met on a student outreach tour in Malawi and Zimbabwe and got married in 1970. They have three children: Hanno and his wife Margriet (Cape Town S.A.), Karlien and her husband Anton Sullivan (London) and Jaco and his wife Shawa (Saskatoon Canada). The highlight of the week is” Skype time” when their two grandsons Marcus (5) AND Andre (2) in Canada “come on the air.” Most of the time these Sunday sessions degenerate to a circus with the performances of the two busy boys on the screen!

Johan was ordained and inducted in the Ditch \Reformed Church Pietermaritzburg – South (KwaZulu Natal) on 24^th January 1974. In 1981 he was called as chaplain to the South African Police Services and served concurrently as minister in the DRC and chaplain in Birchleigh, Johannesburg, Kimberlet (where the flawless Cullinan Diamond was discovered -part of the British regalia) and Durban. He retired in Cape Town.

The year 1994 was apparently the most encouraging time for Johan in ministry and the chaplaincy. Not only was it a turning point in the history and politics of S.A., but it was also a very challenging time for the Churches in S.A. with regards to the reconciliation process. Preceded by unbearable tension in the last few weeks before the election , countrywide prayers and non-stop  efforts of the congregation contributed to averting catastrophe, realising an inclusive and peaceful election in April 1994. To be part of this transformation healing process was a great opportunity for Johan in his ministry.

Serving as chaplain in the Police was a wonderful experience and he met many new challenges. He had the opportunity to found the Christian Police Association (Youth Group for Policemen) in KwaZulu Ntal was involved in AIDS, debriefing and initiated Spiritual Empowerment Programme (SEP-a nature driven programme). For many years he was also involved in the youth activities and of the congregations and remembers many blessed youth camps and hiking trials for the teenagers.

When he retired in March 2003 due to the rationalisation and affirmative process in the Police, he and Susan decided to relocate to Britain for a couple of years. Susan got a post in the Surrey Council and they stayed in Farnborough where Johan worked as a “tentmaker” in the S.A. Congregation London. However, they always had Scotland on their mind. In January 2007, Susan was appointed as Social worker in the Midlothian Council and they relocated to Dalkeith. Johan worked for several companies and ministered to the S.A Congregation Scotland on a voluntary basis.

Johan is grateful for the opportunity to be accepted as minister by the Church of Scotland and is looking forward to a fruitful and challenging ministry. His appointment as Associate Minister, as part of the ministry team, is an opportunity to take part in the process of taking the Congregation to the next level in the planning process. He and Susan have settled in and appreciate the kindness and support of the members in the Congregation. Working with the Rev. Stuart and Margaret as part of the ministery’ team is a new experience and challenge. Johan says that the Bible verse that encouraged him in his ministry and life is Phil. 4:13 “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.”