Maurits and Ada have dedicated their lives to sharing the hope of Christ with those behind bars. As long-time mentors with Crossroads South Africa, they have witnessed firsthand how God transforms lives, even in the darkest places.
The couple was first introduced to Crossroads South Africa in its early years by its founder. For Maurits, mentoring incarcerated people was a natural extension of his lifelong mission to share the Gospel. He saw the role as an opportunity to make an impact, even from a distance, by walking alongside students as they deepened their faith. “It really gives us the opportunity to be involved in somebody’s life,” Maurits shared. “We’re here to encourage them, to remind them that they are not alone.”
Ada, a mentor since 2011, brings deep empathy to her work. Her own life experiences—including her son’s battle with cancer—have shaped her perspective on suffering, resilience, and grace. “We do have privileged lives, even if bad things happen to us,” she reflected.
Since its start in 2011, Crossroads South Africa has seen incredible growth, a clear sign of God’s faithfulness. Today, approximately 1,000 students are actively engaged in Bible study, supported by over 300 volunteer mentors.
Over the years, mentoring with Crossroads has reinforced an essential truth for Maurits and Ada: no one is beyond God’s reach. They have learned to set aside judgment and focus on encouragement, reminding their students that transformation is always possible.
Maurits believes that encouragement is key to effective mentorship. “Keep encouraging them—remind them they are not alone. It’s not for us to judge; our role is to support and uplift.” His words reflect the heart of Crossroads’ mission—to walk alongside those seeking redemption, proving that hope can flourish even in the most unlikely places.
Ada echoes this sentiment, drawing from her personal struggles to connect with her students. “When we face challenges, it changes our whole perspective on life. It teaches us to extend grace to others, just as God has extended grace to us.” Her commitment to speaking words of life to her students reflects the impact of faith-based mentoring.
Through Crossroads, Maurits and Ada have found a meaningful way to live out their faith, helping incarcerated people discover hope and purpose beyond their circumstances. Their story is a testament to the power of obedience to God’s call—proving that a simple act of encouragement can change a life forever.
As Crossroads South Africa continues to grow, mentors like Maurits and Ada remain at the heart of the ministry, faithfully serving and walking alongside those seeking a second chance. Their journey is a reminder that God’s love knows no bounds—and that even from afar, mentoring can transform lives.
More than 10 million people are incarcerated worldwide. Crossroads operates in over 20 countries, equipping local leaders to share hope and encouragement with those behind bars—just like mentors Maurits and Ada do. Your support makes this transformative work possible. Will you help bring hope to incarcerated men and women?