I, Marlon Reino Hiestermann (24.01.1986), grew up on a farm near the Mahamba border post outside Piet Retief. God took me into His family through the wondrous rebirth of Holy Baptism (02.02.1986) in Congregation Wittenberg, where He also confirmed His blessings to me in 1999. I went to Wittenberg Primary School (1993-1999) and Piet Retief High School (2000-2004). After high school, I first pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering (2005-2006), but then switched my field of study at the University of Pretoria and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (2007-2009; Biblical Languages and Philosophy). My goal was then to complete my theological education at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Oberursel, Germany (2010-2016). After completing my basic studies there in 2012, I began my further studies at the Humboldt University of Berlin (October 2012 – August 2013). This was followed up with a year (September 2013 – June 2014) in the exchange student program to Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, where I met my dear wife, Kristen. Our Triune God bound us together in Holy Marriage in August 2014. We moved to Oberursel in October 2014 for the continuation of my education, which also included some courses at the Goethe University in Frankfurt. In September 2016, I completed my master studies at Oberursel by passing my 1st Theological Exam. Upon returning to South Africa, I served as vicar at St. Peter’s Congregation in Durban (November 2016 – January 2018) where I also wrote my 2nd Theological Exam (September – December 2017). I was ordained to the Holy Ministry at St. Peter’s on 21 January 2018 and was first placed as vacancy pastor of Salem Congregation Uelzen (February – August 2018). The Congregation then called me on 5 August 2018 and my installation as pastor of Salem Uelzen took place on 9 September 2018. Our heavenly Father has graciously blessed Kristen and I with two children, Maira and Raiko.
