Sylvia Holtzhausen is the author of the Genesis Design Curriculum which she developed over many years of getting to know the lives and struggles of children, youth and adults. Sylvia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and years of teaching experience. She and her husband Jos, served God through Youth for Christ, first in South Africa and then in Namibia. In 2003, they started Christ’s Hope International which focused on ministry to AIDS affected orphans and vulnerable children. In 2019, they moved on to make Genesis Design a stand-alone ministry.

“I love teaching and am passionate about what I teach. I love to see lives being transformed as young people all over Africa are becoming CycleBreakers. But no amount of teaching or good programmes can bring about change. As Paul said, “All that matters now is one created anew.”  And that only comes about when a person is redeemed through Jesus Christ.” 

Carolyn has a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science, from Kyambogo University, Uganda. She worked with Christ’s Hope International as a Caregiver, Child Sponsorship Coordinator and Genesis Design teacher and trainer. Carolyn had the opportunity to interact with, and teach children of different age groups especially teenagers; as well as train her fellow colleagues. She in turn discovered her gifts and passion for teaching. Through the ministry of Genesis Design, She understood her identity in Christ. "My life has changed forever since then.”

Sharon Agwang lives in Uganda and has a degree in Chemical Engineering.  She has a love and passion for teaching the Word of God.

She has taught children since 2012 in Sunday school and also been able to minister to children in unreached areas of Uganda like Naput and Moroto.

Sharon believes that Genesis Design has allowed her the opportunity to not only impact the children she can physically reach, but also to be part of the Genesis Design team changing lives of children globally.

Sharon is part of our age-appropriate Lesson Development Team. Her creative gifts, skills and experience are a great asset to our work as we develop lessons that will bring about positive life transformation for children, teens, teachers and caregivers.

Lenhert H. Plaatjies is a cross-cultural ministry leader with more than 25 years of experience serving in church leadership, missions mobilization, ship ministry, humanitarian outreach, and organizational management across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
His ministry journey began in Namibia, where he served in local church leadership as a Church Administrator, Missions Coordinator, and Youth Coordinator. During these early years, Lenhert developed a strong passion for discipleship and missions, organizing cross-cultural mission trips that equipped young people for practical ministry and global service.

A significant part of Lenhert’s ministry has been through OM Ships, serving on the MV Doulos, MV Logos Hope, and Doulos Hope. Over the years, he has held various leadership and operational roles, including Advanced Preparation Manager, Surveyor, Project Coordinator, Hotel & Catering Director, and member of the ship’s Leadership Team. His work involved leading multicultural teams, coordinating complex international logistics, working with government and port authorities, and partnering with local churches and ministries to ensure meaningful and lasting impact in each port.

Beyond ship ministry, Lenhert has also served in humanitarian and community development ministries. As Fundraising Coordinator with Word & Deed in Sri Lanka, he supported programs providing healthcare, nutrition, and afterschool education to vulnerable children from tea plantation communities while also sharing the Gospel message with families.

Lenhert is known for his servant leadership, cross-cultural sensitivity, and heart for sustainable, Gospel-centered ministry. In 2025, he entered a sabbatical year, taking time for rest, reflection, and prayerful discernment as he prepares for the next season of service.

Jos has been in fulltime Christian ministry for since 1975. Jos founded Genesis Design as a standalone international ministry in May 2019 with Sylvia, his wife and author of the curriculum. They have 2 grown daughters and four grandchildren. Jos is the founder of Christ’s Hope International, and also pioneered Youth for Christ in Namibia. He has served in various international leadership roles with different ministries and is a mechanical engineer. One of the many international leadership roles he served in was the Corresponding Secretary for the Billy Graham Organisation and arranged different delegations to international conferences like Amsterdam ’86 and 2000.

Caesar holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Social Work and Social Development from the University of Nairobi. Before joining Genesis Design in 2019, Caesar spent nine years working in Mathare Slum, Nairobi as a Social Worker and child CareGiver with Christ’s Hope International and another community organisation. He was the Ministry Centre Administrator and a Genesis Design teacher.
“I love teaching God’s Word to anyone willing to listen.”

Michael is married to Desiree and currently serves as a youth leader at his local church. He worked as a Caregiver at Christ’s Hope International for a period of 4 years, during which time he attended various Genesis Design Training courses and gained experience in teaching the age-appropriate lessons. He has completed various courses at Christian Leaders’ Institute and Evangelism Explosion International, and has been trained in First Aid, basic Fire Fighting and Family Literacy Adult Education. He is a gifted illustrator and makes the drawings, artwork and lesson aids for all our age-appropriate lessons and also does the layout of the lessons for publication purposes. Apart from this, he does the administration work for our bookkeeping and serves on the hospitality and security team at the Genesis Design headquarters in Okahandja, Namibia.

Jonathan Micheal Ocweo is an IT consultant with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Computing, and over eight years of experience working with Christian and non-Christian Organizations.
Jonathan is an active member of his church community, serving in various roles including Bible study, media, tech team and assistant worship leader.
Jonathan enjoys reading, playing basketball, and engaging in meaningful conversations. His values and beliefs are rooted in his faith, as he believes that God is sovereign and that his ultimate purpose is to glorify His name. His mission is to pursue and live in obedience to truth. He believes that in surrendering, we win, and in dying, we live.