Fond Farewell to Africa Upper Room Director, Roland Rink

“It is the right time for new energy to take up the challenge to offer every African the opportunity to spend time with God each day. It has been my privilege to plant seeds of hope in the African vineyard during my 18 years at Africa Upper Room Ministries.” —Roland Rink

Roland Rink, the founding director of Africa Upper Room Ministries, is leaving his post after 18 years of faithful ministry. “Roland has been truly instrumental in establishing our presence in South Africa and bringing The Upper Room magazine and quality spiritual formation resources to the African continent,” said publisher Stephen Bryant. 

Rink, a former marketing executive for Samsung telecommunications, sensed something was missing in his life when he attended The Walk to Emmaus South Africa in April 1991. Later, he served on the Emmaus International Steering Committee and became acquainted with other Upper Room resources. By 1999, Rink knew he would find peace only if he followed his heart and answered the call to work on a business plan for The Upper Room that would offer every African the opportunity to spend time with God each day.

 Some of the highlights of Roland's tenure include:

• Seeing readership of the devotional grow from zero to thousands. 

• Introducing South African authors Trevor Hudson, Wessel Bentley, and Smunga Kumalo to Upper Room readers. We have given their voices a global platform. 

• Helping South Africans get into the habit of a daily appointment with God. 


The Upper Room gives thanks to God for Roland and for his faithful service in ministry. Please join us in prayer for this new chapter of Roland’s life. May it be full of God’s richest blessings. 

We invite you to post a prayer for Roland on The Upper Room Prayer Wall. You may also leave notes of appreciation and well wishes for Roland in the comment section at the end of this blog post. 

Click to discover more about the international ministries of The Upper Room and Africa Upper Room Ministries.