DISCOVER YOUR PASSION
DEVELOP YOUR SKILL
IMPACT THE WORLD
What is the Mercy Pathway?
YWAM Durban affirms the Christian Magna Carta because we believe the gospel calls us to see every person as created in God’s image and to help people encounter Jesus while caring for their spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.
We live this out through a variety of ministries that empower individuals and strengthen communities, sharing the love of Jesus not only through our words, but through practical action, compassionate service, and meaningful investment in people’s lives.
BURLINGTON MINISTRIES
BE PART OF THE STORY.
In Burlington, we’re creating spaces where children and young women can discover their potential, grow in confidence, experience belonging, and encounter the love of God. Through Phakama Ukhanye, our Reading Clubs and Girls’ Club, we’re seeing lives shaped, friendships formed, and hope grow.
You can be part of what happens next.
PHAKAMA UKHANYE
ARISE AND SHINE.
Phakama Ukhanye started as a women’s Bible study empowering participants through leadership, economic, and personal growth. It expanded to initiatives like home-based care, food support, school uniforms, and youth programs, fostering community resilience, dignity, and self-sufficiency. The focus is on sustainable, locally led change through education, care, and empowerment of women and vulnerable families.
Phakama Ukhanye has grown into six locally led initiatives serving the Burlington community, built on the belief that the Gospel truly transforms lives. This is not simply aid. It is empowerment, dignity, and local leadership in action.
READING CLUB
Helping young readers discover a world of possibility.
Twice a week, we welcome learners in Grades 1–3 and Grades 4–7 into a space where learning is encouraged, confidence grows, and every small step forward is celebrated.
Together, we help children:
- Develop reading skills and discover the joy of learning
- Explore Bible stories and grow in their understanding of God
- Experience a safe, caring environment where they are encouraged to thrive
From sounding out their first words to reading full sentences with pride, we’re witnessing the joy that comes when children begin to believe in themselves and know their value in Jesus.
GIRLS CLUB
Creating space for young women to know their worth and discover who they are.
Meeting twice a week, our Girls’ Club welcomes young women in Grades 6–7 and Grades 8–10 into a community where they can grow, ask questions, build friendships, and explore what it means to live with purpose.
Together, we create space for girls to:
- Discover their identity and grow in confidence and self-worth
- Build meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging
- Have honest conversations about life, relationships, and faith
- Encounter the Gospel and discover how deeply they are valued by God
These are important years of questions, change, and discovery. We want every girl to know she is seen, loved, and full of potential.
Come be part of a community that invests in the next generation. Join us in creating a place where young women can grow in faith, find their voice, and imagine a future filled with hope.
THE MERCY PATHWAY
‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
Matthew 25: 37-40
Are you moved in compassion by the suffering of others? Do you want to use your skills to dignify, companion and serve those on the margins of society? Do you want to join a group of people committed to restoring holistic life and identity in broken communities?
This Pathway might be for you.
START WITH DTS
DO A SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
By signing up for THE MERCY TRACK in your Disciple Training School you'll be introduced to community development principles and get first hand experience as you use what you learn to serve people in a variety of different contexts.
If you discover a passion for serving people in broken communities in your DTS you can sign up to do a SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. In this school you'll learn how to walk with people in need so that they can increasingly experience the freedom of Jesus.
IMPACT COMMUNITIES
With your passion for community development come JOIN US at YWAM DURBAN as part of our COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM. A group of people committed to restoring holistic life and identity in broken communities.
OTHER PATHWAYS
SCRIPTURE
Become a student of the scriptures and learn to share God's truth with a searching generation.
PRAYER
Learn to facilitate spaces where people can connect with God in prayer and worship and cultivate a heart of deep affection for Jesus.
THE ARTS
From videography to photography, poetry, story telling and more. Hone your creativity as a vehicle for The Gospel.