Visionary Leaders
River East London is a place where the uncompromised Word of God is preached, so that every man and woman may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
This is a place where people enter into the presence of God through anointed praise and worship. They have their needs met as they enter the Throne Room of their Saviour. In return they receive all the strength, joy and peace that He has for them.
Here is no tradition, religion or pretences. We meet with God, feel His touch and allow Him free reign. His will is permitted and honoured in our lives. We gather without fear or intimidation. We yield to the Spirit of God, we are set free and we are made whole!
River East London has its hope and confidence in the Lord, as a tree planted by the waters with its roots alongside the river.
Being rooted in the river of the Spirit we remain refreshed and vital, bearing fruit even in the time of drought.
Ps André & Jenny Roebert
André & Jenny
On the 28th May 1969, Andre Roebert was born into a loving family to Bernard and Hazel Roebert, this 3rd generation child at a young age followed the call of God much like his grandparents and parents had done. In the summer of 1979, though Aunty Sunny Blundell), Andre gave his life to the Lord. From that day on he never looked back and served in both the Sunday School; Youth Group and church throughout his young years. Although education was never his strength he showed leadership qualities in both secular school and the church. Andre actively participated in his local youth group; Scripture Union; team sports and individual sports for which he received colours.
When he completed his formal education in 1985 at the age of 17, he headed off to do 2 years of compulsory national service for his country. It was here that the call of God became a stronger reality for Him. After his basic training in which he once again excelled, Andre was quietly sitting alone when the voice of God spoke and he obeyed. Enrolling himself into Bible College at the Hatfield Bible Training Academy, Andre started studying and preparing himself for what would be the ride to his life.
At 18, Andre met Jenny, the love of his life and together they served in their local church. They shared the same passion for their faith and began following the call of God on their lives both individually and jointly.
When meeting Andre, Jenny had been in their local youth leadership and was one of the integral leaders of her school’s Student Christian Association at the age of 16. She too was born into a Christian home and was also finding herself as a Third Generation Leader called of God to continue her Grandfathers legacy.
After serving in his uncle’s church, ‘Hatfield Christian Church’ in the sound and television departments; the music team; technical and administrational department as well as being an assistant to the Youth Pastor, Andre financed himself through business and commerce where much of the experience he has today was received.
While serving God as a ‘Tent maker’ from 1990 in business and ministry, Andre accepted the call to give up pursuing a business career for the full time ministry. In 1991 he joined a growing community church in King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape. Andre married Jenny in March 1992 and together they served this church in the capacity of Youth Pastors. Later they become Regional Pastors and within 4 years found themselves as assistants to the Senior Pastor and his wife. By this time the church began to explode and had a significant impact in the town and surrounding areas.
In 1996 God started to birth in both Andre and Jenny a deep desire for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they were both significantly touched through Dr. Rodney Browne’s ministry and the need to spread the fires of revival to the small towns and villages across Southern Africa compelled them to take a team and travel extensively from village to village. After seeing thousands saved; set free and set on fire for God, Andre and Jenny followed the Lord’s call to begin what would fast became a structure to touch their nation in many ways – in 1998 The River Church was birthed.
Just two years later God led them into the first of many business ventures to come, enabling them to many business ventures to come, enabling them to finance the ministry and vision God had given them to quicken the body of Christ and bring in the end time harvest of souls. A 600 000 square foot building was purchased and would become The RIVER GROUP HQ in just 10 years.
Today Pastor Andre and Jenny are the CEO’s of the River Group, comprising of multiple different companies and ministries, touching the entire African continent with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
With a multi million rand turn over annually, they have been able to stay focussed to the call of God as the primary purpose of all they do. Today the group has hundreds of staff and is operational in many business centres around the nation. A national network of churches has been established and daily television broadcasts reach millions of homes every day. Through these broadcasts, a partnership following of multiple thousands around the continent as well as several web broadcasts are now taking the gospel literally to the ends of the earth. In 2009, Andre and Jenny were instrumental, as part of the team, to see over 18 000 souls come to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. With the groups own Print Company, Bookshop, Media Centre, Multiple Churches, River Air Charter Service, Two Satellite Channels, Broadcast and Recording Centre, Multiple Building Investments, A Satellite Radio Broadcast Channel, The River Hotel Group, multiple associated ministries and a Humanitarian Aid Division in full operation, they are able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ both effectively across the nations of the world.