South Africa

Country Profile

Total Population: 59 million people
Evangelical: 21.1%
Orphaned Population: 2.9 million (4.9%)

The ministry of Forever Mercy was birthed in 2014 by John and Naomi Menton to serve South Africa’s large population of abandoned and orphaned children in John’s hometown of East London. This coastal city is in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa which contains the highest percentage of double-orphans and child-only households in the country. The steadfast mission of the Menton’s is to love and disciple the children entrusted to their care and to see them mature into followers of Jesus as a part of their household.

Forever Mercy Children’s Home

Following South Africa’s cluster foster care model, Forever Mercy Children’s Home cares for six children who are legally fostered and placed within the Menton’s home. Each child is able to be cared for individually within a family context, educated, and introduced to the love of Jesus. They live together, play together, and grow together as one family.

Church Revitalization

John serves on the staff of a historic local church in East London. He offers leadership and pastoral care as the church body actively evangelizes and makes disciples in the city and surrounding community.

Future Ministry Vision

Forever Mercy became a ministry of WEGO in the Fall of 2023 with a vision to expand their reach among the millions of vulnerable children in South Africa, including the estimated 10,000 infants abandoned each year.

Forever Mercy Children’s Homes
The first step of growth is to launch five additional homes to serve a total of 36 children on shared land. These six families will share resources and work together for the sake of the gospel and the children in their care.

Church & School
Depending upon the final location of the property, a cottage school and local church body will be planted to serve the surrounding community.