Unite180 Church uplifts local school with astro field

Written by: Unite180 Church
Article source: JOY! Magazine

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill that cannot be hidden” (Matt 5:14-16). With these words, Jesus calls His Church to a dual mission: to embody an internal transformation (light) and to live out an organised, outward influence (city).

A Kingdom community blueprint
In the preceding verses (the Beatitudes), Jesus lays the foundation for this mission. He describes the character of Kingdom citizens – humble, merciful, and pure in heart – and outlines a blueprint for building a strong and integrous Christian community. One that flourishes and influences until it becomes a city so radiant it cannot be hidden. Jesus’ words challenge us to influence our world, not only with the Gospel, but also through tangible acts of love and service.

A vision for impact
Unite180 Church believes that being a light to the community involves meeting real needs that stretch beyond the walls of the church itself. One such opportunity arose with the construction of an astro hockey field for a local school in Pretoria. As hockey has become the fastest-growing sport in SA schools, this initiative supports the national dominance of South African hockey teams across the African continent over the last 20 years.

The challenge of astro hockey pitches
The rise of hockey in South Africa has elevated professional standards, compelling competitive schools to adopt synthetic hockey pitches to align with international benchmarks. It’s standard for top schools to have these facilities. However, the substantial investment required – often as much as R10 million – has disproportionately impacted schools that struggle to raise the necessary funds.

Hoërskool Overkruin
One such school is Hoërskool Overkruin. A top-performing school in Gauteng, Overkruin regularly achieves excellent academic results and produces national school sports stars. Overkruin remains a consistent top achiever across all fields and has maintained a strong Christian ethos and character under the leadership of its headmaster, Mr Cobus Nel – a true success story for the broader South African context. However, one consistent need has become a significant stumbling block to the intake of new learners, especially those interested in hockey: the establishment of an astro hockey pitch.

Unite180’s commitment
Unite180 Church has always connected its mission to reach a younger generation with the schools in its area. Over the last 12 years, it has supported many schools through regular contributions to their needs. However, this project is undoubtedly its most ambitious yet.

The project: faith in action
In November 2024, Ps David Grobler, senior pastor of Unite180, shared Hoërskool Overkruin’s need with his congregation. On the back of a transformative miracle – the successful completion of Unite180’s own building project in 2023 – the church unanimously agreed to donate and construct an artificial hockey surface for the school (an estimated value of R7 million rand). This decision quickly set many moving parts in motion to make this dream a reality.

Progress so far
Great strides have been made towards fulfilling this visionary project. One of the most expensive elements – the artificial carpet – has been secured. Ps Louis Paulus, in liaison with the International Hockey Federation, sourced the carpet directly from manufacturers in China. He visited the factory to ensure the highest quality was acquired at the best price. The breaking of ground is set for early 2025, with the goal of completing the project within the year.

A light that cannot be hidden
For Ps David and Unite180 Church, the opportunity is clear. This project will not only benefit the school, but will uplift the entire community. Additionally, it exemplifies faith – a manifestation of what is possible when the Church steps up to meet the needs of its community. It is a realisation of the Church acting as a light that cannot be hidden – a place of resources and a source of help. It also aligns with Unite180’s goal to not only assist in the contemporary areas of help one expects of a church, but to also strategically uplift and change the landscape of communities for the better. Especially where young people are involved. Too often, the Church assumes the role of the needy within its community, forgetting that it is called to be a source of strength and provision. The Church is meant to embody the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out with compassion and offering help to those in need, rather than seeking to be served.

Called for such a time and place
The scope and influence of this project compel the Church to reflect deeply: What needs are within our reach to address, and are there any too great or daunting for us to tackle? Yet, we are reminded that no challenge is beyond God’s purpose. It is in moments like these that we must trust He has placed us exactly where we are, anointing us for this specific time and place to fulfil His Kingdom’s work.

A call to prayer and partnership
Unite180 is calling all believers to pray with us for the successful completion of this project, for the upliftment Hoërskool Overkruin, and for the testimony of faith to draw students, their families, and their community closer to the Gospel and a belief in Jesus Christ. That hockey field will be a beacon of hope and faith, glorifying God in every way.

This article is featured in the Feb/March issue of JOY! Magazine, which is now on sale nationwide! Pick up your copy from any leading supermarket, or read a digital version of this issue here: joygifts.co.za/product/joy-magazine-feb-march-issue-2025/

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Date published: 10/02/2025

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