In this series, I talk to people who have found themselves living far beyond what they once imagined. I want to learn what drives them, what inspires them, how they overcame challenges, and what wisdom their journeys have taught them.
Growing Up Together
My first guest is a childhood friend from South Africa. We attended the same schools—Laerskool Modderfontein in Hillshaven and Hoërskool Westonaria on the West Rand of Gauteng.
In preparing for our interview, I reflected on our hometown. It was tiny—one shop, one gas station, a community pool, and an elementary school. For high school, we had to travel to the next town. Most families worked on the surrounding mines, and the community was small, simple, and close-knit.
It makes me wonder: how did the barefoot boy I once played brand-bal with on a dusty rugby field become a Nuclear Engineer in the United States?
Doors God Opened
Dr. Yvotte Brits shared how the opportunities that shaped his future were placed in his path by God—opportunities he never planned, but faithfully walked into.
At NWU Pukke, while staying in the De Wilgers dormitory, he discovered his passion for missions. Volunteering changed his life. Today, he has visited over 40 countries and continues to go on at least one mission trip every year.
He told me something that deeply challenged me:
“Don’t ask God if you should go on a mission trip. Ask if there is any reason you shouldn’t—because Scripture already tells us to go into all the world and share the gospel.”
A Miracle in Mozambique
One of the miracles he shared happened on a mission trip in Mozambique. While playing around with bamboo sticks, he was accidentally poked in the eye. His left eye was severely damaged—at first he saw only darkness.
Other missionaries gathered around him, laid hands on him, and prayed. He felt warmth in his eye, and slowly his vision returned, though the pain persisted.
Providentially, a German doctor on the same mission examined him and recognized the severity of the injury. She explained that only one rare ointment—made exclusively in Germany—could save his eye. Months earlier, she had felt a nudge from God to pack that exact ointment, even though she didn't think she would need it.
Because of her obedience, Yvotte received the treatment he needed.
Isn’t it beautiful that nothing surprises God? His care for us is intentional, detailed, and deeply loving.
From Pukke to Nuclear Engineering
After graduation, Yvotte joined a nuclear energy startup in South Africa. Their work attracted international attention, and the entire team was eventually brought to the U.S. to join X-Energy. Yvotte was employee number four and helped the company grow to more than 700 employees.
Today, he serves as Chief Reactor Technology Officer at Paragon, where he leads:
Technology implementation
VR and 3D training development
Concept and design oversight
Compliance and safety targets
Multimillion-dollar projects
Despite the magnitude of his responsibilities, he remains humble, grounded, and approachable.
Family Life and New Ventures
Yvotte now lives in St. Michaels, Maryland, with his wife Elicia and their three energetic boys—whom he jokingly calls “little terrorists.” As a boy mom myself, I understand!
They love spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, boating, and crabbing. Yvotte also coaches their rugby team.
Recently, he and Elicia purchased a waterfront resort—Harriscove—with eight cottages where guests can relax, fish, crab, and enjoy unforgettable pink sunsets.
Watch the Podcast
https://sntmental.com/single/167250/lets-get-nuclear
🎧 Listen to our original songs
🎥 Watch the full interview
A Final Word of Faith
Yvotte ended our conversation with a powerful reminder:
God can do anything, no matter how small the place you come from. Give your best. Leave nothing on the field. Trust Him completely.
His favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…”
And it leaves me reflecting:
What would my life look like if I fully lived for God—holding nothing back?