Tommie van der Walt’s Early Vision
Several years ago, Tommie van der Walt approached his church elders with a bold proposal: to educate pastors, especially those working in impoverished regions, by providing them with gospel-centered literature. Living in a continent deeply influenced by syncretism and the prosperity gospel, Tommie recognized an urgent need for sound theological training among local pastors.
However, utilizing books as a primary training tool was not without its challenges. Importing books into Africa is both costly and time-consuming, and even when they arrive, low literacy rates and a strong oral tradition often mean the texts remain untouched. Moreover, well-funded figures in the prosperity gospel movement already had systems in place using imported or printed materials as a financial strategy to garner donations from their audiences.
While figures like Joel Osteen subsidized the costs to ensure an endless supply of resources that would ultimately convert into financial support, Tommie believed that there was room for a counter-strategy. Over the past several years, his ministry, known as Imprint, has printed around 60 books that focus on the gospel. These works, which include one penned by a local author, are now reaching more than 800 pastors across 17 countries. In addition to book distribution, the ministry has nurtured many leaders through pastoral internships and workshops, fostering a fresh wave of transformation in church leadership across the region.
Five Lives of Tommie van der Walt
Tommie van der Walt’s life story is one of dramatic reinvention. He describes his journey as having lived “five lives,” transitioning from an obedient child to a rebellious teenager, then experiencing a surprising career in England as a security guard, a stint on a cricket team, and even as a bodyguard for celebrities. Stationed at a prestigious London hotel, he once cared for high-profile figures such as movie stars and members of the royal family. Yet, the glamorous lifestyle offered little fulfillment; its isolation and excess led him into destructive behaviors.
After his visa expired, he returned to South Africa where chance events brought him face-to-face with personal tragedy. A shocking car accident involving close friends left him wracked with guilt and led him to confront his own spiritual state. Hospital visits and unexpected moments of confrontation with Scripture slowly rekindled his curiosity about faith. His transformation accelerated when he discovered works by theologians that challenged the prosperity theology he had grown up with, leading him to fully embrace a gospel-centered life.
India and the Birth of Imprint
In 2016, Tommie’s church dispatched him to India with the aim of planting a new church. He affectionately described his ministry there as a blend of survival and spiritual outreach. With no formal seminary training or prior experience as a lead pastor, he relied on mutual teaching with local believers—researching answers and then engaging in heartfelt discussions and study sessions with them. He would even distribute portions of his books, prompting group discussions on each segment.
After two years, mounting governmental pressure forced Tommie and his family to leave India. Once back in South Africa and after unsuccessful attempts at church planting and revitalization, he returned to his core passion: spreading the gospel through accessible literature. Realizing that importing books to his home country was far more expensive than in India, Tommie outlined a plan to produce locally printed, theologically sound books combined with in-person training tailored to underresourced pastors.
Sipho Mfusi’s Journey
Sipho Mfusi’s early years were shaped by the teachings of the African Zionist church, where traditional practices often overshadowed biblical authority. Raised in an environment where cultural customs were sometimes valued over Scripture, Sipho experienced a personal crisis after the untimely death of his first wife in 2002—a tragedy that left him questioning the assurances of the prosperity gospel.
Eventually, relocating to Sydney for work and remarrying led Sipho to explore a different church community—one that introduced him to transformative teaching about grace and faith in Jesus Christ. Inspired by sermons and biblical exposition he hadn’t encountered before, Sipho’s understanding of salvation began to shift dramatically. His newfound interest in deepening his scriptural knowledge quickly grew into a passion for reading theological resources. Concerned about falling back into the influences of prosperity-focused teaching, he sought guidance from mentors who directed him toward robust, gospel-centered teachings.
After years of study, ordination, and ministry training in the United States, Sipho returned to South Africa. It was at this point that he crossed paths with Tommie van der Walt, marking the beginning of a pivotal alliance.
A Remarkable Alliance
Though coming from very different backgrounds, the partnership between Sipho Mfusi and Tommie van der Walt was instantly forged on the basis of mutual commitment to sound biblical teaching. Sipho, a native Zulu whose family had suffered displacement and discrimination under apartheid, found an immediate rapport with Tommie, who not only grasped the gospel’s appeal for every community but also had a passion for serving disadvantaged and predominantly black areas. Their shared vision soon blossomed into effective collaboration.
Before meeting Tommie, Sipho had already begun making waves in his community by preaching from the Scriptures, starting Bible studies, and even translating key church resources into Zulu. Though his renewed focus on Scripture eventually led to estrangement from his former congregation, it also paved the way for a new beginning and the establishment of a church that fully embraced gospel truth.
The Push for Zulu Literature
Since its inception in 2018, the Imprint ministry has continued to expand under the stewardship of Tommie, Sipho, and their partners. With 63 gospel-focused books printed locally, the initiative has reached countless pastors who may never have easy access to a well-stocked bookstore. Recognizing that language barriers can be as significant as resource limitations, the group has also embarked on translating key works into Zulu. Prior to this effort, most theological works in major South African bookstores were limited to Bibles or hymnals in Zulu, while contemporary prosperity texts remained exclusively in English.
Now, several influential texts—including devotional works and studies on church community and leadership—are available in Zulu. One moving account recalled by Tommie describes a conference attendee who proudly mentioned it was the first time he had ever owned a book in his native language. Moments like these underline the ministry’s impact in making complex theological concepts accessible to a broader audience.
The Challenge of Literacy
A major obstacle in Southern Africa remains the low literacy rates. With the region ranking among the least educated worldwide, initiatives that rely heavily on reading are inherently challenging. To overcome this, leaders like Sipho have adopted communal reading practices during sermons and Bible studies. By encouraging members to read aloud together, they create an environment where every participant is progressively introduced to the habit of reading and engaging with Scripture and church teachings.
This slow but steady approach has already begun to bear fruit. Whether it is reinforcing biblical discipline within the community or enabling congregations to transition into larger, more accessible places of worship, the emphasis on shared reading and learning remains a cornerstone of their ministry.
A Global Movement Takes Shape
The efforts underway with Imprint resonate well beyond South Africa. Across continents—from Eastern Europe to Africa—similar gospel-centered publishing initiatives are emerging. Training materials and books that focus on the health and structure of the church are being adapted into various languages, while programs modeled on thoughtful ecclesiology are taking root in diverse cultural settings.
Observing these global trends, experts note that a burgeoning movement is forming in Christian publishing. It is a movement driven not by the motive of profit, but by a genuine desire to extend the reach of sound theological content. Through partnerships, translations, and innovative training methods, local pastors are being equipped to lead and nurture their communities according to biblical standards, a development that promises lasting transformation in churches around the world.
According to those involved, every step of this journey reflects a larger orchestration—one that continuously points back to a divine plan, offering hope and renewal to communities once overshadowed by alternative gospel messages.
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Growing up, the Bible’s stories deeply impacted me. Now, with over 15 years of preaching experience, I blend timeless teachings with modern technology, making them relevant for today’s world.
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