About Us
We partner with church leadership to equip and mobilise the older generation — whom we honour by calling Legends (older believers, typically 60+, who carry lived faith, wisdom, and experience) — so that wisdom is shared, purpose is renewed, and unity is restored across generations.
Prepare for Purpose is not a programme churches must adopt.
It is a resource churches can draw on — offering vision, biblical foundations, and practical guidance while honouring the leadership, culture, and context of each local church.
About the Founders
Derek and Beryl Puffett are the founders of Prepare for Purpose. Now in their eighties, they continue to live out the message they carry — that purpose does not retire, and fruitfulness does not expire.
Their lives reflect decades of faithful service, leadership, and care across Africa, shaped by a deep pastoral heart and a commitment to seeing people restored, equipped, and released into God’s purposes.
Prepare for Purpose flows from their lived journey — not theory, trend, or reaction — but from a conviction forged through experience: that God still has much to release through those willing to say yes, regardless of age.
Governance and Accountability
Prepare for Purpose is an officially registered Non-Profit Company (NPC) in South Africa, established with a commitment to integrity, accountability, and good governance.
This ministry team consists of:
Directors
A secretary
An administrator
NPC registration number: 2025/588782/08
This structure reflects an intentional commitment to ensure Prepare for Purpose is legally sound, transparent, and responsibly stewarded.
About the Team
Prepare for Purpose is supported by a team who share a heart for the local church, generational unity, and seeing lives restored and released into God’s purposes.
Gary Baxter
Director, Prepare for Purpose
Gary Baxter is a director of Prepare for Purpose and a full-time pastor at NewLife Church in Boksburg. With a background in Human Resources and decades in the corporate sector, he later responded to God’s call into ministry and carries a deep love for the local church and generational unity.
Etienne Le Roux
Secretary, Prepare for Purpose
Etienne Le Roux serves as the secretary of Prepare for Purpose. His life has been shaped by a deep, personal surrender to God during his university years, and he brings faithfulness, integrity, and steady commitment to the team.
Christel Baxter
Assistant, Prepare for Purpose
Christel Baxter serves as an assistant to Prepare for Purpose and is a full-time pastor at NewLife Church in Boksburg. She has a strong heart for prayer ministry and is especially passionate about seeing lives restored and women encouraged across generations.
We serve local churches by equipping and mobilising Legends to strengthen unity, discipleship, and care across the church family
Email: derekp@prepareforpurpose.org.za
Phone: +27 (0) 72 362 5504
WhatsApp: 0723625504
Email: derekp@prepareforpurpose.org.za
Phone: +27 (0) 72 362 5504
WhatsApp: 0723625504