Lead. Pioneer. Multiply in South Africa

The First SOAP Training School in Africa

The very first School of Apostolic Pioneering (SOAP) on the African continent launched with 19 students and 7 staff. From the start, this school was more than just a training—it was a movement in motion.

Based in South Africa, this pioneering school carried the theme “Lead, Pioneer, Multiply,” and that’s exactly what students began doing—locally, regionally, and internationally. In just twelve weeks, we saw new ministries take root, lives transformed, and a wave of pioneering momentum begin to ripple across Africa and beyond.

Local to Global Impact

Twelve new ministries were launched through this SOAP, many of which continue to thrive to this day. One example is the Vorster family, who began an evangelistic ministry at the University of Potchefstroom. Their outreach is touching the hearts of students, raising up a generation of bold witnesses on campus.

Ilze, another graduate, launched a powerful initiative focused on education, discipleship, and community development right in her hometown. Meanwhile, Paulo returned to Angola after the school to pioneer a Children at Risk ministry—meeting urgent needs and planting hope where it's desperately needed.

And the vision didn’t stop at Africa’s borders. Adetayo, a student from Nigeria, took the call internationally. With a dream in his heart to reach Europe, he is now preparing to pioneer a new YWAM base in Northern Europe, with a vision to see diverse ministries launched and sustained.

Simple Churches and the Power of Cell Groups

During the school, students and staff began putting their training into action through cell group movements, often referred to as “Simple Churches.” These small gatherings became places of fellowship, prayer, discipleship, and multiplication. Three new cell groups were established during the training—each one strategically planted with a vision to reproduce.

One student, Rodolpho, started a cell group among a local group of Rastas, building authentic relationships and meeting people where they are. Week after week, teams went out to connect with “men and women of peace” in nearby communities—individuals who would become bridges for the Gospel in their neighborhoods.