Our Vision
To nurture and pioneer missional communities locally and globally.
We believe that God has entrusted us with a mission to transform our city by creating communities where people exemplify the life and love of Jesus to their neighbours and to nations worldwide.
Our Story
The YWAM base in Durban came to life in 2001 following Wilson and Grace's transformative experience at a revival seminar in Argentina. There, daily prayers and teachings over three weeks ignited a deep calling in their hearts to start a new chapter in Durban.
By early 2003, they launched a Leadership Training School and soon settled in Durban. Wilson, speaking at several Zulu churches, first sought forgiveness on behalf of the Xhosa people for past bitterness, then inspired a renewed warrior spirit among the congregants to combat societal challenges like crime, poverty, and illness.
In 2011, leadership passed to Geoffrey Kingsford, whose administrative expertise greatly strengthened the base's structure and ensured regulatory compliance. This period laid a solid foundation that continues to support our mission.
By 2015, Benjamin and Kirsten Nobbs took the helm, ready to deepen our community ties. An unexpected call from a local businessman led them to a property that, despite its initial disrepair—from overgrown gardens to non-functional bathrooms—felt destined to be our community home. The entire community agreed, and by God's grace, we made it our own in April 2017.
Together, we repaired and rejuvenated our new home, growing stronger as a team and in faith, especially as we navigated the challenges of the 2020 pandemic. Miraculously, during this time, the remaining bond on the property was settled with a generous donation.
As you join our YWAM Durban family, you're entering a vibrant, ongoing story of faith and community. We invite you to engage with and contribute to this journey, trusting in the unfolding of God's plan with us.
Meet The Team
YWAM's 18 Foundational
Values
1 / Know God
YWAM is committed to know God, His nature, His character and His ways as revealed in the Bible, the inspired and authoritative Word of God.
2 / Make God Known
YWAM is called to make God known throughout the whole world, and into every arena of society through evangelism, training and mercy ministries.
3 / Hear God's Voice
YWAM is committed to creating with God through listening to Him, praying His prayers and obeying His commands in matters great and small.
4 / Practice worship and intercessory prayer
YWAM is dedicated to worship God and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life.
5 / Be visionary
YWAM is called to be visionary, continually receiving, nurturing and releasing fresh vision from God.
6 / Champion young people
YWAM is called to champion youth. We believe God has gifted and called young people to spearhead vision and ministry.
7 / Be decentralized
YWAM is a Christ-centered, faith-based global volunteer movement, united by shared vision, core beliefs, foundational values and relationships.
8 / Be international and interdenominational
YWAM is international and interdenominational in its global scope as well as its local constituency.
9 / Have a biblical Christian worldview
YWAM is called to a biblical Christian worldview. We believe that the Bible—the textbook for all of life—makes a clear division between good and evil; right and wrong.
10 / Function in teams
YWAM is called to function in teams in all aspects of ministry and leadership.
11 / Exhibit servant leadership
YWAM is called to servant leadership as a lifestyle, rather than a leadership hierarchy.
12 / Do first, then teach
YWAM is committed to doing first, then teaching. We believe that firsthand experience gives authority to our words.
13 / Be relationship-oriented
YWAM is dedicated to being relationship-oriented in our living and working together. We desire to be united through lives of holiness, mutual support, transparency, humility, and open communication, rather than a dependence on structures or rules.
14 / Value the individual
YWAM is called to value each individual. We believe in equal opportunity and justice for all.
15 / Value families
YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother.
16 / Practice dependence on God
YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision.
17 / Practice hospitality
YWAM affirms the ministry of hospitality as an expression of God’s character and the value of people.
18 / Communicate with integrity
YWAM affirms that everything exists because God communicates. Therefore, YWAM is committed to truthful, accurate, timely and relevant communication.