Toby Brouwer - Executive Director

Personal history:
Toby Brouwer was born in 1959 and raised in the Netherlands. He married Aukje in 1980 and together they have three children. In September 1991 they came to South Africa with the purpose of establishing a ministry to children in need. Toby and Aukje completed a DTS (Discipleship Training School) and an IBC (Introduction to Biblical Counseling) with Youth with a Mission in Muizenberg.

Toby has a passion for facilitating the growth of capacity within local Christian communities who are responding to the needs of children and families.

Ministry history:
Toby has been part of different leadership forums within Youth with a Mission. He is a founding member of Connect Network in Cape Town. He has served as a board member on various NGO boards. He is currently chairperson of the board of directors of Beautiful Gate South Africa.

Present involvement:
Toby is a pioneer and visionary leader, and is passionate about networking. He is involved in coaching and mentoring of leaders, facilitating resource development, advocating the plight of children and families and developing organizational capacity in Beautiful Gate organizations and local Christian initiatives reaching out to children en families.

Personal interest:
Toby enjoys going for walks, he has a great interest in world issues and keeps himself informed through the reading of newspapers and following the news on TV. He enjoys camping too.


Aukje Brouwer - Director

Personal history:
Aukje Brouwer was born in 1961 and raised in the Netherlands. She married Toby in 1980 and together they have three children. In September 1991 they to South Africa with the purpose of establishing a ministry to children in need. Toby and Aukje completed a DTS (Discipleship Training School) and an IBC (Introduction to Biblical Counseling) with Youth with a Mission in Muizenberg.

Aukje has a passion for God’s word and to see people released to be what God has called them to be in order to fulfill their life’s purpose.

Ministry history:
Aukje has a background in nursing and home based care. Since 1994 she has been co-leading Beautiful Gate. Her responsibilities have varied from Public Relations to mentoring and counseling. At present she is a board member of Beautiful Gate South Africa.

Present involvement:
She is a motivational and inspirational speaker and serves as a spokesperson for children and families. She is a networker who believes that all people can contribute towards bringing hope to the world. At present she is involved in organizational and resource development, coaching and mentoring of leaders in ministry, and in advocacy for children and families.

Personal interest:
Aukje enjoys running, reading books, writing and meeting people.