Matjeni Family
The Matjeni family has been with Bethesda since 2003. Elias is not only a father, but also a lay pastor and works for the department of education. Mamitjie serves through a variety of outreach ministries through the church. Six special children fill their home: Neo (girl), Shane (boy), Kgothatso (boy), Masego (girl), Konyana (girl),and Busi (girl). The Matjeni family stays in Soshanguve.
Quick Facts:
Matjeni’s Anniversary: September 21, 1985
Birthdates: Elias – Aug 15; Mamitjie – May 7; Neo – Sept 9, 1994; Shane – July 20, 1996; Kgothatso – Jun 29, 1997; Masego – Dec 2, 1997; Konyana – Aug 9, 2001; Busisiwe – Dec 17, 2002
NEO (age 14)
Neo is in grade 7 at our school on the Bethesda property, but has recently taken an entrance exam for a local high school that will allow her to skip grade 8 and go directly into grade 9. Neo is a fairly quiet 14 year old unless she thinks no one is listening. She LOVES to read books; she has read almost every book in our school library and a good chunk of them she has read twice! Neo has a real heart for mercy missions right now. She enjoys helping her mom with the project her church is currently heading up that cares for sick, shut-ins and feeds orphans. She says she is interested in being a missionary someday. Pray for Neo as she has some huge adjustments ahead of her with school. Pray also that she would take the compassion she has for others and use it towards her siblings as well.
SHANE (age 12)
Shane is an extremely upbeat 5th grader at JCA, who LOVES to have FUN! He likes to play soccer, be loud, and be IN CHARGE. Shane says that when he grows up, he wants to be a manager. We’re not sure that he’ll be satisfied with a managerial position…maybe more like the president 
. We are all delighted that during this school year, Shane made a profession of faith. Pray that Shane would grown in his knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and that he would continue to grow to become more Christ-like in his life. Pray for Shane to grow in patience and compassion for others and for him to develop some of the organizational skills he is lacking that cause him problems in school.
KGOTHATSO (age 11)
Kgothatso is a quiet, yet fun loving 4th grader. He enjoys being helpful and making others laugh. One of his best characteristics is that he knows how to laugh at himself when he does something silly and does not get his feelings hurt when others laugh along. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Kgothatso answers, that more than anything else, he wants to be a dad. Pray for Kgothatso to grow in his understanding of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and for him to accept Christ as his Saviour if he has not already. Also pray for Kgothatso to stand firm in what he knows is right, as he can often be easly led into mischief.
MASEGO (age 10)
Masego is nearing the end of grade 4 at JCA. She is a very helpful young lady that enjoys cleaning and helping at home and school. Masego enjoys playing outside and making things with her hands. Masego thinks that she might want to be a nurse when she grows up so she can help sick people. Pray for Masego as she has been working hard with her parents and teachers on accepting correction with a good attitude. Pray for her to accept Christ if she has not already. Pray also for her to remain diligent in her school work as that can sometimes be difficult for her.
KONYANA (age 7)
Konyana is finishing up her grade 1 school year at JCA. She LOVES school. Konyana likes to play outside and tell stories to almost anyone who will listen. She enjoys helping others, especially if she might get a sweetie out of it 8) . Pray for Konyana as she interacts with other children that she would speak kindly and not be too bossy or demanding. Pray for her to continue to succeed in school as she has done already. Also pray that Konyana would understand the spiritual truths and disciplines that her parents are trying to teach her.
BUSISIWE (age 5)
Busi is a very loud and fun loving grade R student. She loves school, even when it makes her too tired to sleep 8) (this is often the reaction I hear around bedtime from Busi as she is my next door neighbour). Busi enjoys spending any amount of time that she can with her daddy. She is definitely a “Daddy’s Girl”. She also likes to help around the house and wash the car. Pray for Busi to learn to use her leadership skills wisely instead of shouting at and ordering others. Pray for her to understand the truths that her mom and dad are trying to help her understand from God’s Word. Also, please pray for her to continue to glorify God in her school work.
