Chi-Rho Reformed Baptist: Johannesburg

June 24, 2025

Aston Gaillard’s Salvation Testimony and Ministry

Name: Aston Gaillard
Age: 34
Location: Roodepoort, South Africa
Current Role: Pastor at Chi-Rho Reformed Baptist Church, Maraisburg

Early Life and Struggles

I grew up in Roodepoort, South Africa, in a home filled with emotional challenges. As the only child from my father, with siblings from my mother’s previous marriage, I often felt left out and longed for acceptance. That deep desire for belonging led me into bad company and a lifestyle focused on crime and gangsterism (Proverbs 1:10–19; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

Although my family professed Christianity, we didn’t live according to biblical truth. I wrestled with questions about God’s existence and whether the Christian God was truly the Creator (Romans 1:20–21).

The Depths of Sin and Despair

My life spiralled into addiction and crime. Court cases, disappointment, and emptiness followed. I attempted suicide but survived. Eventually, I found myself homeless—living on the streets, in drug houses, and even in my car (Proverbs 14:12).

A Turning Point

One day, an evangelist shared the Gospel with me. I entered a Christian drug recovery program where I encountered the life-changing truth of Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:6–8). Through that, I received the gift of salvation and a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I was baptized and grew in my desire to know God through His Word. I began serving in the very program that had helped me and joined an evangelistic outreach ministry.

A Journey Toward Biblical Truth

As I grew in faith, I began to question the doctrines and practices of my Pentecostal church. Though I was ordained as a pastor in that tradition, I later discovered the Reformed faith and saw a deeper alignment with Scripture. This led me to break away and begin reforming both my church and my heart to align with God’s Word (Psalm 119:9–11).

Where I Am Today

Today, I serve at Chi-Rho Reformed Baptist Church, where I help lead a live-in discipleship program for men battling addiction. I am married to Kaylene, and together we are building a blended family. Despite financial challenges, we trust God’s providence (Romans 8:28).

I remain committed to serving in ministry, striving to glorify God in all things until He calls me home (1 Corinthians 10:31).

More about CHI-RHO Ministry:

Gospel Centred Outreach

This programme is designed to help people battling addiction, we house them for 9 months and it s a gospel centred outreach as we believe the only freedom from addiction is faith in Christ. During the programme there are various courses offered with material from Chapel library and other supporting ministries. There are two devotions in the day, morning and evening as well as an inductive study once a week. There is a Lord’s Day service every Sunday. We have other men in the community from like minded churches who also serve and teach.

Praise Report

God has been abundantly faithful this month. We’ve received:

Bible donations from ministry partners
A new shipment of valuable biblical resources and courses
Monthly needs support from Phoenix Elites SA
Two new intakes into our recovery program
Encouraging spiritual growth among current residents

Praise the Lord for His provision and guidance!

Discipleship Focus and New Intakes

We completed a foundational course on Biblical Christianity and are now exploring the theme of repentance. It is heartening to see the men in our care engaging deeply with God’s Word. We have also welcomed new members into the program, please be praying for Thato and Theo as they begin their transformative journey and that the gospel would take hold of their hearts. There’s room for two more men to fill the remaining beds, may the Lord send the right people.

We are excited to launch our female recovery home with a capacity of 6 women. Please be in prayer as we need much wisdom and resources as we begin setting up the first women’s room. Please pray for exposure, applicants, and the right women to join this life-changing ministry. We are seeking suggestions on how to spread the word and invite women into the new program.

Challenges We Face

One of our new intakes has a difficult past—12 years in prison, along with aggressive behaviour and street mentality. These situations challenge us, but we trust in the power of the Gospel and the effectiveness of our discipleship process. Pray for his transformation and salvation.