The Origin

The founder of the Mission, the late Mr Hans von Staden, testified:

"In February 1942, my wife and I visited in Lindley, in the Free State. The lovely shade of the willows on the banks of the False River was my chosen spot for Bible study and prayer early in the day. One morning I became intensely aware of the wonderful presence of the Lord. I heard His voice deep within my heart: We were to dedicate our lives to the evangelisation of the souls in the black townships of South Africa. It was a sudden unexpected call…" (Extract from the booklet, "I heard His call".)

The doctrinal basis of the Dorothea Mission is laid down in the following quotation from the Regulations and the Constitution of the Mission:

• In the plenary inspiration of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament and their supreme and final authority in faith and life.
• In one God, eternally existing in Three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• In Jesus Christ, Son of God, begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, true God and true Man.
• That man was created in the image of God; that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also spiritual death which is separation from God, and that in consequence of the “Fall” all human beings are born with a sinful nature.
• That our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as our Representative and as a substitutionary Sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified freely on the ground of His shed blood.
• In the corporeal resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His ascension into heaven, and in His present life there for us as High Priest and Advocate.
• In that “blessed hope”, the personal return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
• That all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, and thereby become children of God to be conformed to the image of His Son.
• In the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust; the judgement of the living and the dead; the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost.
• In heart cleansing, the fullness of the Spirit and a life of continuous victory over sin, through the indwelling of Christ in the heart.”

The Mission and its members confess their deep dependence on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all matters, the necessity of prayer and a definite call of God to serve Him.

Members

Our members come from different countries, including some European countries, but they are mainly from Southern Africa. Most of them serve in the countries of their birth. The members are expected to belong to recognised evangelical churches.

It is expected of the members to:

• have a clear testimony of salvation through Jesus Christ,
• be His dedicated disciples and
• have a definite call to serve Him full-time in the Dorothea Mission.

Training Evangelists

Most of our evangelists are trained at the Dorothea Bible College near Rosslyn (North West of Pretoria) where a three-year course is offered. Apart from classes and studies, the students also gain practical experience through outreaches over weekends and by joining the evangelistic team from time to time. People who are not specifically called to serve with the Dorothea Mission may also apply to be trained at our Bible College.

Relationship to Churches

The Dorothea Mission is an interdenominational organisation which co-operates with recognised evangelical churches that adhere to the truth and authority of God’s Word. This mission does not plant churches. Converts are encouraged to become active members of evangelical churches.

The Importance of Prayer

Prayer is a vital part of the foundation and functioning of the Dorothea Mission. Spiritual work and prayer cannot be separated. The Mission is sincerely grateful for every intercessor.

Financial Policy

The Dorothea Mission is a faith mission and acknowledges its complete dependence on God for the provision of funds. Therefore, no requests for financial support are made. Needs are brought to God alone in prayer. Debts are not incurred. God gave the founder of the Mission the promise of Philippians 4:19: "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Until this day He has been faithful to His promise.