Mauritz and Estelle van den Heever have been married for 10 years, and have one son, Benjamin. Before meeting each other, both Mauritz and Estelle were involved in missions. Estelle served as a teacher with Mercy Ships for two and a half years, while Mauritz led several short-term outreaches throughout Africa. It was this heart for missions and coming alongside the poor, that attracted them to each other.
Their family moved from South Africa in 2023 to pastor Winnipeg Centre Vineyard Church. This journey and move was a few years in the making, although they never ever anticipated moving to Canada!
Mauritz served in AVC South Africa for several years. He served as a youth pastor/administrator at Cornerstone Vineyard Christian Fellowship from 1998 - 2012, mentoring and discipling youth. Strong connections with the youth were developed through surfing and skating ministries. This was followed by serving as lead pastor at West Coast Vineyard Church from 2012 - 2019. During his time working full time at Cornerstone Vineyard and West Coast Vineyard, he studied with the Vineyard Bible Institute and Vineyard Institute SA. Mauritz has a strong passion for the prophetic, prayer and cross cultural ministry.
In 2019, the van den Heever's moved to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to support and work alongside other missionaries and to potentially plant a Vineyard Church. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced them to move back to Cape Town. There was a long period of waiting to hear what the Lord had next - they explored several opportunities within AVC South Africa and beyond, but they sensed the Lord telling them to wait. During this time Mauritz served as an itinerant preacher at different SA Vineyard churches.
The family was invited to attend the Vineyard Canada National Conference in 2022, to explore an opportunity for Mauritz to pastor a church in Canada. Both were deeply moved by the worship, Word and Vineyard community. Following the conference, they visited Winnipeg Centre Vineyard and felt a "heart connection" with this community. After a miraculously speedy visa approval, the family arrived in Winnipeg in February, 2023.
The van den Heever's enjoy being part of such a creatively rich community and one where there is a strong focus on justice and reconciliation. Winnipeg's diverse population is reflected in WCV's congregation, where several different nations are represented in the community.
As the family continues to adapt and adjust to living in a new country, they are enjoying everything the city has to offer and learning to embrace the cold winters!
Being part of the South African Vineyard movement since 1996, Mauritz counts his experience of hearing John Wimber speak at a Vineyard conference as one of his favourite memories. When the family is not traveling or exploring new places, Mauritz can be found listening to music or reading. You will probably find Estelle in the kitchen, experimenting with a new recipe.
