Vogen Marais

Vogen grew up without a father in his house. His mother worked and received government grants but was still unable to afford the basics of food and shelter for the family.

As Vogen was entering High School, his uncle, who was just released from prison, moved in and became his role model. He helped support Vogen’s family with the drug money he brought in. Soon the uncle taught Vogen how to survive on the streets by introducing him to drugs. Vogen began running drugs for his uncle, smoking and fighting with other people. This pleased his uncle because he made Vogen “tough”.

During this time, Jim Jamer, a canadian man that often partners with the  Khayamandi Foundation, found Vogen on the streets and introduced him to
a mission team from Khayamandi working on a Safe House. It was during this encounter that Vogen was first introduced to Christ.

Jim began mentoring Vogen and asked Vogen’s mom for permission to enroll him in the Hands & Heart Program at Hope HQ. This would give Vogen the opportunity to learn carpentry skills.

Vogen not only learned carpentry, but he developed a relationship with Jesus. As he listened to the morning daily devotions, he felt like the leader was talking directly to him.
When Vogen heard the verse, John 15:7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” Vogen thought if God could say that directly to him, then he had to change. “God put me in this place and He has grown me to the position of coaching the learners now,” Vogen stated. “I never
had a vision before. But now my vision is to give back to the community. The Lord has put a passion in my heart to take young people from the street and give them the same opportunities I had.”

Vogen’s salary is sponsored by the Khayamandi Foundation to work with Hope HQ.