The Heartbeat Of Ubomi At The Life Centre
The essence of the Ubomi Charitable Trust, is the church becoming action, an extension of the love of God into the world around us. Specifically in the areas most needed, and yet often underfunded or overlooked. We’ve always believed that following Jesus, means showing up where it’s not always the prettiest or the easiest. Our faith is for the streets, for those of us who are hurting and for those who need a fresh touch of life, hope and love in action.
The Life Centre is a hub where different walks of life can come together, and we’ve seen the blessing of genuine community - one neighbour helping another, reaching out a hand and being the solution where it’s needed most. Last month we hosted a vision morning, sharing more of the heart and ministries of the Ubomi Trust. Where we shared more about each of the ministries that live out our values in everyday life.
The Essence Of “Ubomi”
Ubomi means “life” in isiXhosa and as a church, we kept coming across the same tension week after week. We would gather on Sundays, speak about hope, justice and the life of our Saviour Jesus, and then go back into our usual routines where people were sleeping outside our front gates, kids were struggling for a meal and a positive role model. Where young men of South Africa were, and still are, getting pulled into cycles of violence, gangsterism, drugs and abuse.
We didn’t want to just talk about the kingdom of God only, we wanted to live it.
We founded the Ubomi Trust to help us do that. It has given us a structure to focus our energy, build amazing relationships, and respond in a more sustainable and consistent way. It’s how we’ve tried to move from “we should do something” to actually doing it!
What Ubomi Does
Ubomi is a collection of individuals, teams and ministries that are actively working on the ground to bring practical change in our local communities and bring hope - which can ultimately make an impact on society.
We serve in the following ways:
1. Youth Development
Young people are the heartbeat of our communities and they’re the future leaders of our country, and the world. Yet, so many are carrying more burdens than they should.
We work with teens through mentorship, sport, creative programmes, and small group discussions that help them figure out who they are and what they’re capable of.
It’s not always tidy. Sometimes it’s just being consistent when everything else in their lives is shifting.
2. Education And Job Readiness
Getting a job is often about access. Networks. They say ‘it’s not what you know it’s about who you know’. But, it’s also knowing practical things like what to expect in an interview, having clean clothes and some self-confidence.
Through Job Journey, we walk with people over a 10-week course to prepare them for employment. We look at the basics such as showing up on time, writing a solid CV, and even to actual job placements. Through our SkillWise computer course, we have also seen people move from no income or options to having stable and consistent income. It’s about more than money, it’s about identity.
3. Social Care
We try to meet people where they are. Sometimes that means sharing a meal. Other times it’s offering a warm shower, a new pair of socks, or simply remembering someone’s name when they come back next week.
We don’t have all the answers. But we do believe in small, faithful acts that restore dignity.
Ubomi exists because of partnerships—people who volunteer their time, businesses who get behind the work, and a community that believes in showing up again and again, even when it’s hard.
How To Join Hands With Us To Strengthen The Ubomi Mission
In our latest Annual Report, we share some of the stories and stats that show what’s been happening behind the scenes - we encourage you to download and read it for yourself. And if you are wondering how to get involved, then we believe this blog post is your official invitation to partner with us in the following ways:
Offer hands on the ground help - you can volunteer, get involved or just show up in some way to show your ongoing support and to share your gifts with others.
Give what you can - if you’re in a position to donate funds to aid the ministries, missionaries and mission of the Ubomi collective, then please do so by following the steps on the Ubomi home page. Get your Section 18A Certificate which makes your donation 100% tax deductable. Once you’ve made your donation simply mail us to request it: admin@chscapetown.org
Walk with us, pray with us and spread the word - help us to reach beyond our immediate community and network by sharing more about what Ubomi is doing to empower many lives in local communities.
We’d love you to take a moment to see what’s really happening. Because while the challenges are real, so is the hope.
