A family of four smiling outdoors under a large tree, with a woman holding a baby and a man holding a young boy, all on grass with sunlight filtering through leaves.

The Van Der Merwe family

Affectionately known by our friends, as the “Henty’s” - God put it on our hearts in 2019 to be part of starting something new in the Netherlands.

We (Henty & Sophia) have been married for 6 years and we are blessed to be the parents of two boys: Lewis (2) & Theo (1).

Henty has served as a pastor in few churches and has spent the most recent season training as a Church Planter in a joint residency between the Risen Collective and Redeemer International Church. Henty has a Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary and a Bachelors in Applied Theology from CBU. Henty lived in South Africa for 10 years, but has spent most of his adult life in America.

Sophia has served with students, counseling and hospitality ministry through our shared ministry journey. She has a Bachelors in Hospitality and Business Management. Sophia is at home with our boys, playing the vital role of home-maker in our family. Sophia is originally from the Netherlands, but has lived abroad (Japan, Australia) and moved to America in 2019.

When not chasing our boys around, we are love to enjoy our time enjoying great coffee and great food, hopefully with some dear people.

We love Jesus, his word and seeing people find true redemption in Jesus.

A backyard gathering with people sitting and listening to a speaker, decorated with flowers, umbrellas, and a table, with a two-story brick house with a balcony in the background.

Seeds planted in a garden

Redeemer Eindhoven’s story began in a Garden in Hilversum in 2019. Henty was invited to preach at a local gathering and a friend prayed that Sophia & Henty would return to do ministry in the Netherlands.

Little did they know, this seed would take many more years to take root. In 2023, God began to move in Henty & Sophia’s hearts to bring alignment and clarity.

During our residency with Risen Church in Houston, TX, our calling was confirmed and God opened doors only He could. In May of 2024, God opened a pathway to the Netherlands with Redeemer International Church in the Hague - a conversation 5 years in the making.

During that same trip, Henty met a friend in Eindhoven. He asked Henty, “Would you ever plant here?” And there the seed of Eindhoven was planted.

Nighttime holiday display featuring illuminated portraits of Santa Claus and President Joe Biden, with the words 'Stay Safe' and 'Take Care' and the phrase 'Our Well-Being' at the bottom.

“OK, we’ll go”

Henty and Sophia were in Eindhoven one night, driving home from a meeting and we prayed to God for guidance on where we should plant a church. Eindhoven was big on their hearts, but they were waiting for confirmation. They stopped at a traffic light and Sophia turned to the right and saw the sign above. God used this sign and many other confirmations to direct our steps.

We are believing for Redemption for every person, in Eindhoven & to the ends of the Earth.